Also Known As:
Broad-Leaved Dock, Curled Dock, Curly Dock, Field Sorrel,
Yellowdock.
Scientific Name: Rumex crispus.
Family: Polygonaceae.
People Use This For:
Yellow dock is used for acute and chronic inflammation of nasal
passages and the respiratory tract, as an adjunct to
antibacterial therapy, a laxative, tonic.
Historically, yellow dock has been used for chronic skin
diseases, dermatitis, rashes, scurvy, obstructive jaundice, and
psoriasis with constipation.
Safety:
No concerns regarding safety. No reports of harm when used
therapeutically.
Pregnancy and
Lactation: Refer to a Medical Herbalist.
Effectiveness: There
is insufficient scientific information available about the
effectiveness of yellow dock.
Mechanism of Action: The applicable parts
of yellow dock are the root and rhizome. Yellow dock contains
anthraquinone glycosides, and tannins.56,57,58,59
Oxalate content is high in the leaves and low in the
stalks.60 The anthroquinones (2-4%) have a mild
stimulant laxative effect.56,58,59 Anthroid laxative
use is not associated with an increased risk of developing
colorectal adenoma or carcinoma.61 The tannins (12
20%)59,62 are responsible for the astringent
effect.57 Yellow dock is reported to stimulate bile
production.56 The leaves of yellow dock contain
provitamin A (beta-carotene) and iron.62
Adverse Reactions: No reported problems
with therapeutic amounts of root.
Interactions with Herbs &
Supplements: No reported problems with therapeutic
amounts of root.
Interactions with Drugs: No reported
problems with therapeutic amounts of root.
Interactions with Foods: No reported
problems with therapeutic amounts of root.
Interactions with Lab Tests: No reported
problems with therapeutic amounts of root.
Interactions with Diseases or
Conditions: No reported problems with therapeutic
amounts of root.
Dosage/Administration:
Dr Clare’s
Blends: 1gm per day
Oral: Typical
dose of the dried root is 2-4 grams or as a tea.56 The
liquid extract and a tincture 1-2 mL (1:5 in 45% alcohol) have
also been used.56
Specific References: YELLOW DOCK
56. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A
Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The
Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
57. Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible
Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed.,
Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1993.
58. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and
Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
59. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American
Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca
Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
60. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology:
Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore,
MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
61 Nusko G, Schneider B, Schneider I, et al.
Anthranoid laxative use is not a risk factor for colorectal
neoplasia: results of a prospective case control study. Gut
2000;46:651-5.
62. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug
Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications,
1998.