Yellow Dock ~ Rumex crispus

Yellow Dock

Latin name: Rumex crispus

Family: Polgonaceae

Part used: root

Habitat: Europe

Main constituents: anthraquinone glycosides, tannins

Energetics: bitter, cooling

Main herbal actions: cholagogue, alterative, tonic

Minor herbal actions: laxative, nutritive

Main medicinal uses: jaundice, chronic skin disease, constipation

Minor medicinal uses: iron-deficiency anemia, liver congestion

Preparations: decoction: 1 tsp/cup water; 1:5 dry tincture: 10-40 gtt qd-qid, capsules: 4 grams qd (Khalsa)

Contraindications: people with predisposition for calcium oxalate kidney stones (theoretical)

Toxicity: unknown

Notes: Dock : of the Rumex genus, buckwheat family (Polygonaceae- includes true sorrels and rhubarb), having long taproots and cluster flowers. [Middle English, from Old English docce. ark] The name dock is applied to a widespread tribe of broad leaved weeds- roots have astringent qualities (Modern Herbal, Grieve) Astringent and slightly cathartic roots are somewhat substitute for rhubarb (similar medicinal uses). There are about ten kinds of Docks native to England.

Sources: Sharol Tilgner, N.D.: Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth; Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Encyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations