Herbs - Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus ).

What Is It?

Is a plant native to Europe and classed as a weed. It is the root that is of value in herbal medicine.

Action

It contains anthraquinone glycosides, tannins, oxalates and rumicin. It is a bitter digestive tonic, cholagogue (increase bile flow) and laxative. It is also mineral rich in iron and sulphur.

Uses

Historically it has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

• Constipation
• Food poisoning
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Jaundice and liver problems
• Mouth ulcers (mouth wash)
• Poor digestion
• Skin disorders - boils, rashes, shingles
• Sluggish liver function

Other information

It is normally available as a herbal tea for internal use, although a qualified herbalist will be able to make other preparations including tinctures.

Cautions

• Some individuals may be sensitive to yellow dock and may experience mild diarrhoea as the stools are loosened - this though is nothing to be concerned with.



• Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been sufficiently studied and should therefore be avoided.



• At the time of writing there are no well -known side effects, drug interactions or contra-indications.

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