Yellow Dock Root

50g (1.76oz)

Medicinal Name: Rumex crispus

Properties: alterative, purgative, cholagogue.

Treatment: psoriasis, acne, eczema, chronic constipation, IBS, intestinal diseases, diverticulitis, colon issues

Description: Yellow Dock is used extensively in the treatment of chronic skin complaints such as psoriasis. The anthraquinones present have a markedly cathartic action on the bowel, but in this herb they act in a mild way, possibly tempered by the tannin content. Thus it makes a valuable remedy for constipation, working as it does in a much wider way than simply stimulating the gut muscles. By stimulating large intestine function, the feces are eliminated more efficiently, with reduced reabsorption of waste products, a form of toxicity that tends to occur in a poorly functioning colon.

It promotes the flow of bile and has that somewhat obscure action of being a ‘blood cleanser’. The action on the gall-bladder gives it a role in the treatment of jaundice when this is due to congestion.

Preparation:

Decoction- put 1–2 tsp of the root in a cup of water, bring to the boil and simmer gently for 10–15 minutes.

Caution: Avoid during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.The presence of oxalates suggests that yellow dock is best avoided in gout and kidney stones.