Yellow Dock (aka. Curly Dock; Rumex crispus) is a perennial herbaceous plant originally from Europe and Asia, but now naturalized and an invasive weed in many other locations such as Ireland, the United States and Canada.
Yellow Dock grows in a number of different habitats, including disturbed soils and roadsides. It grows a few feet tall with a basal rosette of leaves with waved or curly edges. It produces inconspicuous flowers on tall stalks followed by clusters of seeds, which are encased in a calix that allows them to float on water and also get caught in animal fur, aiding dispersal.
Young leaves are edible raw in moderation, as they contain oxalic acid, which can be significantly reduced by boiling and changing water. The seeds are also edible and sometimes consumed as a flour, though it does have a bitter flavor.
The roots have been used to prepare a natural yellow dye and the fibrous stems can be used for making cordage.
Yellow Dock root is used often in western herbalism, as well as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). As it has a high iron content (as well as other bioactives that can enhance iron absorption), it is popular as an herb for treating anemia, especially in conjunction with molasses.
Yellow Dock is used as a laxative, for liver health and also for its bitter and mild astringent properties, enhancing digestion and stimulating gastric juices. It is also used for mild diabetes, infection, jaundice, hypertension and edema.
Topically, the leaves are applied as a poultice for eruptive skin conditions that cause sores and/or itching.
A homeopathic preparation is also utilized with Yellow Dock, specific to a type of tickling cough.
Through scientific investigation, Yellow Dock has been found to exhibit activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and anticancer properties.
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**This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
Anemia Dock
