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 Herbal
Glossary | Medicinal Glossary
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Yellow Dock
Common Names Parts Usually UsedLeaves and roots Description of Plant(s) and CultureYellow dock is a perennial plant; its spindle-shaped, yellow taproot sends up a smooth, rather slender stem, 1-5 feet high. Lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate in shape, the pointed light green leaves have predominantly wavy margins. The lower leaves are larger and longer-petioled than the upper. Blooming from June to July, the numerous pale green, drooping flowers are loosely whorled in panicled racemes. The fruit is a pointed, three-angled and heart-shaped nut. Other varieties: Great water dock (R. aquaticus); Water dock
(R. britannica); Blunt-leaved dock (R. abtusifolius). They all have
similar medicinal qualities, but the yellow dock is the only one entitled
to extensive consideration. Where FoundFound as a troublesome weed in meadows, fields and waste places in
Europe, China, the United States, and southern Canada. Medicinal PropertiesAntipyretic, astringent, cholagogue, depurative, tonic, laxative,
anti-scorbutic, alterative Biochemical InformationChrysarobin, iron, manganese, potassium oxalate, tannin, and rumicin,
iron, phosphorus, calcium, vitamins A and C Legends, Myths and StoriesNative Americans applied yellow dock root mashed into a pulp to sores and swellings. The Blackfoot name for yellow dock is "Matoa koa ksi." "Pawia" means yellow root. Yellow dock is literally a storehouse for organic iron. A remarkable virtue of yellow dock is that it has mild laxative properties. Inorganic iron tends to bind and constipate but the laxative properties gives an abundance of iron while relieving the tendency toward constipation. Most commonly thought of as a troublesome weed, this herb has been
used medicinally since ancient times. The young leaves were much used
as a pot herb in olden times. UsesA bitter herb that is good for liver and colon
function, skin disorders such as psoriasis,
cleanses skin of freckles and age
spots, eczema, and urticaria,
iron deficiency, especially
during pregnancy, dyspepsia,
leprosy, cancer, ulcerated eyelids, syphilis,
gonorrhea, swollen
lymph glands, hemorrhoids,
bleeding lungs, bile congestion, laxative,
scrofula, diarrhea, ringworm,
fungus infections, rheumatism.
A blood purifier and
cleanser. Tones up the entire system. Combine with sarsaparilla
as a tea for chronic skin disorders. The ointment is used for itching,
sores, swellings, shingles,
and scabby eruptions. Native Americans applied crushed yellow dock
leaves to boils and the pulverized
roots to cuts. When the
leaves are crushed and applied as a poultice, yellow dock offers soothing
relief from burning itch. Formulas or DosagesDecoction: use 1 tsp. root in 1 cup boiling water, cover with a saucer, and let stand for 1/2 hour, strain and reheat. Sweeten with honey, if desired. Take hot, 1 to 2 cups a day. Powder: for skin problems the dose is 12 grains. Syrup: boil 1/2 lb. of crushed root in 1 pint of syrup; taken
in tsp. doses 3-4 times a day. Nutrient ContentIron, phosphorus, calcium, vitamins A and C How SoldCapsules: 2capsules, swallowed with a glass of warm water.
Adjust amount according to individual needs. Yellow dock tea is bitter
and some people find the capsules much to their liking. WarningYellow dock is high in tannin content and should be taken only every other week. As a capsule, one a day. As a decoction, 1 tsp. in a cup of water, 1-2 cups a day. Care should be taken if emaciated. Large doses may cause gastric disturbance; nausea, diarrhea, etc.
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