With Special thanks to Stacey Beckitt
Latin Name: Curled dock/Rumex cripsus
Family: Polygonaceae
Part used: Root
Energetics: Astringent, cold, dry, dissolving
Iris: All iris types
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS
Intestinal obstruction due to the presence of anthraquinones.
ACTIONS
- Alterative
- Bitter
- Hepatic
- Mild laxative
- Cholagogue
- Depurative
- Tonic
- Antiseptic
Main Constituents
- Contains moderate amounts of anthraquinone glycosides (chrysophanol, emodin, frangulin, nepodin, physcion, chrysophanein, rhein (antifungal skin infections)
- Tannins up to 5% catechin
- Oxalates
- Volatile oil
- Resin
- Vitamins A and C
- Minerals: Calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus.
Main Uses
Skin (eczema, psoriasis) and Liver Health
Liver Health: Glycosides, which protect the liver, are abundant in Yellow Dock Root. These phytochemicals stimulate the liver, improving nutrition absorption and bile production.
Yellow Dock, rich in antioxidants, fights free radical-induced oxidative damage in liver tissue. Regular use of this plant boosts liver cleansing and bile production. This aids liver detoxification from poisons, hormones, and waste.
Digestive Health: Bitter herbs like Yellow Dock stimulate saliva, digestive enzymes, and bile to digest and absorb food. They improve stomach acid, helping indigestion and heartburn. Bile acids assist the liver break down fats and are essential to digestion.
It aids digestion by encouraging normal bowel evacuation with a moderate, natural laxative. The anthraquinone glycosides in Yellow Dock urge the intestines to discharge fluids and waste.
Finally, Yellow Dock cleanses and relaxes the intestines without disrupting gut microorganisms.
Anaemia: Yellow Dock is one of the best sources of plant-based (non-haeme) iron, combining earth-based iron with vitamins and minerals to absorb it. This makes Yellow Dock a great herb for moderate iron-deficiency anaemia.
Immunity Support: Yellow Dock leaves are rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity. Vitamin C level was high enough to treat scurvy, which plagued early European sailors. The root boosts a strained immune system with lymphatic inflammation and liver insufficiency.
Skin Health: Yellow Dock, a natural astringent, helps treat swelling, bruises, rashes, sores, fungal infections, insect bites, acne, and eczema. This herb's astringent characteristics make it a great skin toner, removing grime, sweat, and makeup. Closing pores prevents dirt and bacteria from entering.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties: The root has anti-inflammatory effects which can be beneficial in dealing with conditions like arthritis and respiratory issues. Additionally, the high antioxidant capacity of yellow dock helps in combating oxidative stress in the body.
Antibacterial: E. Coli, Mycobacteria smegmatis, Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus.
Antiviral: HIV
Antifungal: Dermatophyte (skin infections)
More About Yellow Dock
Yellow Dock is recognised in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its blood tonifying properties. It also helps to balance qi and blood flow. In general, ancient Chinese medical writings state that it enters the large intestine, kidney, and liver.
Key Actions of Yellow Dock in TCM include:
- Clears Liver Heat
- Tonifies the Liver
- Moves Stagnant Qi
- Tonifies the Stomach
- Clears Damp Heat
- Builds Blood
Yellow Dock Root, scientifically known as Rumex crispus, has a rich history of use in various cultures around the world for its medicinal properties. The usage of this plant dates back to ancient times.
Native American Tradition: Indigenous people of North America have been using Yellow Dock medicinally for centuries. They traditionally used it to treat skin diseases, heal wounds, and for blood purification. It was also used as a laxative and a digestive aid.
European Folk Medicine: In European herbal traditions, Yellow Dock was used for conditions associated with poor digestion, such as constipation and diarrhea. It was also used to treat scurvy due to its high vitamin C content.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): In TCM, yellow dock is used to clear heat, remove toxicity, cool blood and enhance bowel movements. It's also used in the treatment of jaundice.
Further reading and Clinical Research:
Herbs, I. (2020, August 7). Yellow Dock Benefits. Indigo Herbs. https://www.indigo-herbs.co.uk/natural-health-guide/benefits/yellow-dock
Hoffmann, D. (2003, October 24). Medical Herbalism. Simon and Schuster. http://books.google.ie/books?id=e10oDwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=medical+herbalism&hl=&cd=1&source=gbs_api
Mills, S. Y., & Bone, K. (2004, December 23). The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety. Elsevier Health Sciences. http://books.google.ie/books?id=85M0N8UioCcC&printsec=frontcover&dq=the+essential+guide+to+herbal+safety&hl=&cd=1&source=gbs_api