Yellow Dock - Rumex Crispus/Obtusifolius

Yellow dock - Rumex crispus/obtusifolius in the Polygonaceae or Buckwheat family

Part used: Root mostly, mucilaginous new leaves in their leaf sheath.

Taste/smell: Bitter.

Tendencies: Cooling.

Dosage: Decoction: 1 teaspoon per cup of water; or 1:5 dry strength liquid extract: 10-40 drops 1-4 times per day.

Mental picture and specific indications: Yellow dock is indicated for numerous and various pains that change locations and sensations, coughing due to tickling in the throat and a cough that is worse with cold air. The tongue is sore at the edges and there is a sensation of a hard pit in the stomach. Symptoms are worse in the evening, from inhaling cold air, in the left side of the chest and from uncovering.

Use: (a) Mild laxative, (b) Alterative, (c) Nutritive.

Yellow dock is used as a minor supply of iron for iron-deficiency anemia and it assists in the absorption of iron. It is used for constipation, poor fat absorption, liver congestion and chronic skin conditions. The new leaf, in the sheath, is used externally as a mucilaginous, healing application. It contains small amounts of anthraquinone glycosides.

Contraindications: Leaves and stems contain oxalic acid but not as much as some Rumex species.

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Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.