Yellow Dock (Rumex Crispus)
Yellow Dock (Rumex Crispus) is a cooling, bitter, astringent herb, which has many useful properties but it is especially effective in relieving digestive issues, it can be effective in relieving cases of diarrhoea and acid reflux.
Yellow Dock is also a highly effective blood purifier and very beneficial for the lymphatic system containing as much as 40% iron compounds in its roots which also makes it an effective remedy for those suffering from anemia. Yellow dock is also effective in detoxifying the liver and the gallbladder. It can also be used for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema due to its healing properties.
BENEFITS
Yellow Dock is a dry cooling bitter herb that can be effective when used for a number of conditions.
Therapeutic Action
Alterative, Tonic, Depurative, Astringent, Cathartic, Antiscorbutic, Detergent, Nutritive and Blood Purifier
Can be used for the following issues:
Skin Conditions, Scorbutic Diseases, Glandular Tumours, Swellings, Liver Congestion, Biliousness, Waxy Ears, Ulcerated Eyelids, Sour Stomach, Lack of Vitality, Intermittent Fevers, Cooking, Sores, Anaemia, Coughs, Laryngeal Irritation and Catarrh and Diarrhoea.
Digestion/diarrhoea - Yellow Dock is a cholagogue herb which makes it beneficial for those suffering for those suffering from acid reflux and helping to ease cases of diarrhoea.
Blood Purifier - Yellow Dock is an effective blood purifier due to its purifying and detoxifying properties.
Lymphatic system - Due to its depurative properties Yellow Dock is excellent for detoxifying the lymphatic system.
Anemia - containing as much as 40% iron compounds in its roots which also makes it an effective remedy for those suffering from anemia
Skin Conditions - Yellow Dock can also be used to soothe and relieve skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
HOW TO USE YELLOW DOCK
Yellow Dock can be taken in a number of forms such as tinctures, infusions, solid extract and decoctions.
DOSAGES
The basic dosages are as follows:
Tincture - 1/2 - 1 teaspoon 3 times per day
Decoction - 1 tablespoon in 1 cup of water 3 times per day
Infusion - 1 - 2 tablespoons as needed.
Powder - 1/2 -1 teaspoon 3 times per day
Solid Extract - 325mg - 1g
A hot infusion is made by steeping the herb in boiling water for between 15 – 20 minutes, many herbal teas are made in this way.
A cold Infusion is made by soaking the herb in cold water or milk for between 6 – 8 hours
You can make a batch of both hot and cold infusions and store for several days in the fridge.
Poultices are made from ground or chopped herbs that are mixed with boiled water until they form a paste which can then be applied to muslin and then applied to the skin. Applied cold they draw out heat, infection and inflammation when applied hot they soothe pain and spasms.
WAYS TO USE
If possible avoid black or Chinese tea and coffee, as these are incompatible with iron tonics such as Yellow Dock, and can produce toxic results.
ORALLY
Coughs, Laryngeal Irritation and Catarrh
Yellow Dock can be made into an infusion and once cooled can be used as gargle for coughs, laryngeal infections and catarrh.
Make an infusion of Yellow Dock and gargle 3 times per day for general infections but can be used a needed in the case of a severe infection.
DIGESTION
Drinking a warm infusion of Yellow Dock tea can be effective in relieving digestive issues particularly upset stomachs and acid reflux. Can be taken as a tea or a tincture.
Tea - Drink 1 cup of warm Yellow Dock tea twice a day, smaller doses may be used if the stomach is particularly sensitive, increasing as needed.
Tincture - 1 teaspoon taken 3 times per day.
IRON TONIC
A warm infusion of Yellow Dock tea is effective as an iron tonic helping to increase the amount of iron in the blood which is particularly useful for those suffering from anemia or women with heavy periods. Can be taken as a tea or a tincture.
Tea - Drink 1 cup of warm Yellow Dock 3 times a day for as long as needed.
Tincture - 1 teaspoon taken 3 times per day.
Note: Children may find the astringent taste of the root unpleasant and refuse to take it, if this is the case try using a diluted solution sweetening with a bit of honey.
WASHES
Glandular inflammation
Yellow Dock can be used to reduce inflammation and soothe pain associated with swollen and inflamed glands.
Using a hot infusion of Yellow Dock soak a clean cloth and gently clean apply over the affected area 2 - 3 times per day.
Itchy Sore Skin
An infusion of Yellow Dock can be added to a base lotion to make a cream or applied directly as an infusion to soothe and relieve itchy sore skin and conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Using a hot infusion of Yellow Dock soak a clean cloth and gently clean apply over the affected area 2 - 3 times per day.
Mix 1 part infusion to 2 parts base lotion to make a lotion, rub into the affected area 2 - 3 times daily or as needed.
BATH
Sore Itchy Skin
Bathing in a bath infused with Yellow Dock can help to soothe and relieve sore itchy skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Yellow Dock can be added to a muslin bag and added to a bath to infuse with the hot bath water where it can not only soak into the skin but also the volatile oils can disperse into the air and be inhaled.
SIDE EFFECTS
As with all herbs there is the slight possibility of allergic reactions although this is rare. Yellow Dock is considered safe for general use, however, if used in large doses the leave can be toxic.