Last Updated on May 3, 2019 by Marc Seward
Yellow Dock Root
Yellow dock root has long been known in alternative and Native American medicine for its restorative and purifying properties, particularly for the liver. Yellow dock, also referred to as Rumex crispus is found in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Although technically a weed, yellow dock is harvested as a vegetable in Europe and incorporated into culinary dishes and salads. In other parts of the world it’s cultivated as a medicinal root. Regardless of how you choose to yellow dock, one thing is for certain, it is not your normal, bothersome weed.
Benefits of Yellow Dock
Native Americans have long revered yellow dock for its medicinal properties. The root and leaves of yellow dock are often used in teas and tinctures to treat a wide array of illnesses.
1) Antioxidants
Some studies have found that yellow dock is rich in antioxidants, which help to scavenge cell-damaging free radicals. Antioxidants help to reduce oxidative stress placed on the body, therefore reducing harmful inflammation and the development of diseases, even cancer.
2) Digestion
This bitter herb addresses a wide variety of stomach issues. Yellow dock helps to treat indigestion and heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid. It also helps to encourage digestion by stimulating the release of stomach acid and digestive enzymes. To help improve digestion, take yellow dock as a tea and drink 3 times a day before each meal.
3) Natural Laxative
Yellow dock also helps to improve digestion by working as a natural laxative. Yellow dock contains a small amount of anthraquinone glycosides, which promotes the release of water in the intestines, encouraging the release of the bowels. When yellow dock is drank as a tea, it can offer relief to those suffering from constipation.
4) Anemia
Yellow dock root may be beneficial to those suffering from a mild case of anemia. When paired with burdock, dandelion root, and alfalfa, yellow dock helps to purify and fortify the blood. This herbal combination helps to ease mild symptoms associated with anemia.
5) Skin Conditions
Yellow dock also helps to address external health by taking care of the skin. Some studies have found that yellow dock helps to treat such skin conditions as psoriasis, eczema, rashes, and age spots. Prepared as a poultice, yellow dock can not only improve the appearance of the skin, but also treat uncomfortable symptoms.
Some Considerations and Side Effects
Before incorporating yellow dock into your health care routine, consult your physician. When taking yellow dock, there are some things that should be taken into consideration:
- Scientific research on yellow dock has been limited, and so it should not be used as a treatment for illness. If you’re considering using yellow dock as a supplement to traditional treatments, first consult your physician.
- Yellow should not be consumed raw or under-cooked. Raw yellow dock can cause some serious symptoms as nausea, vomiting, heart problems, and trouble breathing.
- Some people may experience an allergic reaction or skin irritation when touching raw yellow dock.
- Due to its content of oxalic acid, consuming yellow dock may cause diarrhea in some people. If you experience nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain after taking yellow dock, contact your physician.
- Those suffering from an electrolyte abnormality, liver disease, or kidney disease should not use yellow dock.
- Overusing yellow dock may result in the dangerous blood disorder metabolic acidosis. Metabolic is a calcium deficiency in the blood and can be life threatening. If you are experiencing such symptoms as seizures, fatigue, muscle spasms, numbness around the mouth, and confusion, consult your physician right away.
- People taking drugs to lower blood calcium and diuretics should not take yellow dock.
- Yellow dock should not be used as a laxative / weight loss method.
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