Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) is a perennial plant that can be found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It is a member of the buckwheat family and is known for its large, yellow flowers and long, narrow leaves. The plant is commonly found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and fields, and can also be found in damp, wooded areas. It is considered a weed by many farmers and gardeners, as it can quickly take over a space and crowd out other plants. But it possesses incredible healing potential that is undervalued and under appreciated.
Yellow dock has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments. The root of the plant is the most commonly used part medicinally, and is known to be an effective laxative. The root contains high levels of anthraquinones, which are compounds that stimulate the muscles in the intestinal walls and increase bowel movements, and explain it’s laxative properties. This makes yellow dock a popular herb for treating constipation, colitis, and other digestive issues. It is also used to help with hemorrhoids and varicose veins by improving blood flow.
It not only improves blood flow but contains blood purifying properties, which make it useful in treating anemia, jaundice and other blood-related conditions. The root is used to help purify the blood, and removes toxins from both the liver and the blood. It can for this reason help clear up acne and other skin conditions caused by impurities in the blood.
Also not unrelated, it is used for lymphatic congestion, as it helps stimulate lymphatic flow and remove toxins from the lymphatic system. The root helps with lymphatic congestion and reduce swelling of the lymph nodes through detoxification. This detoxifying effect moves through the blood, the lymphatic system and the liver, making it a helpful herb in cases of hepatitis and other liver conditions.
As noted above, it has laxative properties. Yellow dock is anti-inflammatory and antiviral as well. The root is often used to make a tea or tinctures, which are used to help reduce inflammation in the body and boost the immune system or to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It has traditionally been used for even chronic and severe cases of these ailments. It is an incredible herb to use for skin conditions because the root contains high amounts of tannin, which is scientifically proven to help with a host of skin problems. It is extremely effective in many case of itching, especially those caused by internal toxicity such as vax-injury or heavy metals. It can be combined with black walnut hull to further amplify skin healing.
Yellow dock contains a host of powerful vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to our health. It is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron, and also contains trace amounts of other minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. But let’s briefly talk about iron. The iron in Yellow Dock not only helps anemics, but due to the herb’s blood purifying and detoxifying effects, it is perhaps the most effective herb for this use.
The leaves of the plant can be eaten fresh or cooked as a vegetable, and have often been used traditionally in salads and soups. The leaves are a rich source of flavonoids, which are antioxidants that protect cells from damage.
Summary: Yellow dock is a perennial plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The root of the plant is known to be a powerful laxative and contain anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. The root is helpful in treating anemia, constipation, colitis, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, some forms of cancer, eczema, psoriasis, anemia, jaundice, acne, lymphatic congestion, urinary tract infections, as well as other urinary conditions.. The leaves of the plant can also be consumed and are a source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.