Also known as- Rumex crispus, curled dock, garden patience, narrow dock, and sour dock.

Introduction

The name "dock" refers to a genus of broad-leaved wayside weeds related to rhubarb. Like rhubarb, all the docks can be used as laxatives or purgatives. Also like rhubarb, all the docks are rich in tannin.
Yellow dock has long curly leaves that appear to have been "crisped" at their edges. It bears multiple clusters of three-winged flowers. Its seeds are green in the summer but they become deep red as they mature.
The root of yellow dock bright yellow below the bark. The root is the part of the plant used in herbal medicine, harvested in late summer after the seeds have begun to turn red.

Constituents

Emodin, magnesium, nepodin, oxalic acid, selenium, silicon, sodium, tannins.

Parts Used

Dried root, chopped.

Typical Preparations

Traditionally used as a tea or tincture, and may be taken in capsule form.

Summary

Yellow dock is the kinder, gentler alternative to laxatives made with buckthorn, cascara sagrada, frangula, rhubarb, or senna. It encourages both bowel movement and good digestion by stimulating the release of gastric juices.

---Medicinal Action and Uses---

The Yellow Dock is applicable to all the purposes for which the other species are used. The root has laxative, alterative and mildly tonic action, and can be freely used as a tonic and laxative in rheumatism, bilious complaints and as an astringent in piles, bleedings of the lungs, etc. It is largely prescribed for diseases of the blood, from a spring eruption, to scurvy, scrofula and chronic skin diseases. It is also useful in jaundice and as a tonic to the stomach and the system generally. It has an action on the bowels very similar to that of Rhubarb, being perhaps a little less active, but operating without pain or uneasiness.

Rumicin is the active principle of the Yellow Dock, and from the root, containing Chrysarobin, a dried extract is prepared officially, of which from 1 to 4 grains may be given for a dose in a pill. This is useful for relieving a congested liver, as well as for scrofulous skin diseases.

A syrup can be made by boiling 1/2 lb. crushed root in a pint of syrup, which is taken in teaspoonful doses. The infusion administered in wine glassful doses - is made by pouring 1 pint of boiling water on 1 OZ. of the powdered root. A useful homoeopathic tincture is made from the plant before it flowers, which is of particular service to an irritable tickling cough of the upper air-tubes and the throat. It is likewise excellent for dispelling any obstinate itching of the skin. It acts like Sarsaparilla for curing scrofulous skin affections and glandular swellings.

To be applied externally for cutaneous affections, an ointment may be made by boiling the root in vinegar until the fibre is softened and then mixing the pulp with lard.

The seeds have been given with advantage in dysentery, for their astringent action.

The Yellow Dock has also been considered to have a positive effect in restraining the inroads made by cancer in the human system, being used as an alterative and tonic to enfeebled condition caused by necrosis, cancer, etc. It has been used in diphtheria.

---Preparations---Fluid extract, 30 to 60 drops. Solid extract, 5 to 15 grains. Rumin, 3 grains.

The roots are collected in March, being generally ploughed up.

Health Benefits of Yellow Dock

• Rheumatism
• Arthritis
• Diarrhea

Precautions

If you experience cramping, youÍve taken too much. Start with the smallest recommended dose (usually 6 grams or 3 rounded teaspoons a day) and increase dosage slowly until you get the desired effect. Unlike small doses of rhubarb, small doses of yellow dock are not constipating.
DonÍt take yellow dock or any other stimulant laxative if you take Lasix (furosemide); the combination can lead to potassium depletion. Not known to be safe during pregnancy, although no complications have ever been reported.

If you experience cramping, youÍve taken too much. Start with the smallest recommended dose (usually 6 grams or 3 rounded teaspoons a day) and increase dosage slowly until you get the desired effect. Unlike small doses of rhubarb, small doses of yellow dock are not constipating.
DonÍt take yellow dock or any other stimulant laxative if you take Lasix (furosemide); the combination can lead to potassium depletion. Not known to be safe during pregnancy, although no complications have ever been reported.

This herb is sold by the Ounce