Latin name: Rumex crispus, Rumex obtusifolius
Family: Polygonaceae
Folk Names: Curled dock, curly dock, Chukkah, field sorrel.
Image Credit: Minnesota Wildflowers 
Image Credit: Gaia Herbs 
Image Credit: World Seed Supply
DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERISTICS
Part of the Plant Used
Roots mostly, mucilaginous new leaves still in sheath.
Traditionally native to Europe and Western Asia, yellow dock has now naturalized in North America and will grow almost anywhere. The perennial herb with its narrow leaves concentrated at the base and yellow root reaches sky high (more than 3 feet tall) and features light brown, buckwheat-like angular seeds in dark brown envelopes. When the seeds become a bright red color, that’s when it’s time to harvest the roots.
CONSTITUENTS
- Anthraquinone glycosides (laxative and immunomodulatory effects)
- Tannins
THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
- Alterative
- Purgative
- Cholagogue
- Mild cathartic
- Mild laxative
- Tonic – aid in absorption of minerals, such as iron, from food.
- Used extensively in the treatment of chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis.
- Have a mild cathartic action on the bowels. It makes a valuble ‘remedy’ for constipation rather than a quick fix.
- It promotes the flow of bile and has a ‘blood cleaning’ action.
- It’s action on the gallbladder gives it a role in treatment of jaundice when this is due to congestion
- Bone suggests a use in Rheumatism
- Fibroids
- Heavy menstrual bleeding with low iron
Clinical: Constipation, dermatitis, diarrhea, gingivitis, hives and other skin eruptions, infections, intestinal inflammation, psoriasis, ringworm. Antifungal and tonic.
Folk: Acting, anemia, arthritis, bronchial disease, bruises, Burns, eczema, enlarged lymph glands, jaundice, liver inflammation, rhinitis, sores, sore throat, syphilis, tuberculosis, venereal disease.
Energetics: Cooling.
HERB-DRUG INTERACTIONS
Avoid if client has compromised renal or hepatic function, kidney stones or intestinal illness. Avoid long-term use (more than 8-10 days) and if pregnant or lactating. Possibly addictive due to estrogenic effects. If allergic or experiencing gastrointestinal blockage, do not consume. If one has blood clotting problems or ulcerative condition, do not use. Digoxin, Warfarin and water pills have shown to be interactive with yellow dock.
FORMULARY
Dosage
Half to 1 teaspoon of liquid extract three times daily, 1010 to 1500 mg of root powder supplement daily, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of dock tincture three times a day, 2-4 teaspoons of fresh root daily, or one to two teaspoons of dried herbs steep in a cup of hot water three to four times daily.
Combinations: Dandelion, Burdock and Cleavers. Shepherd’s Purse — for low iron with heavy menstrual bleeding.
