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Yellow Dock
Yellow dock is a perennial herb, rising to a height of about four feet, that
grows throughout Europe and in waste areas of the United States and Canada.
Like other species of dock, yellow dock has been used historically as a treatment
for various ailments of the blood and liver. Yellow dock is sometimes considered
a “troublesome weed”, but actually has therapeutic value as a laxative.
Benefits of yellow dock
Today, the rhizome (underground stem) and roots of yellow dock are used as:
- A laxative
- A blood purifier
- A treatment for syphilis and other venereal diseases
- A treatment for bowel infections and peptic ulcers
- A soothing agent for respiratory irritations
- A diuretic
- A treatment for urinary stones and gout
- A digestive aid
- A remedy for anemia
Bathing in yellow dock can also ease some skin irritations.
How does yellow dock work?
Yellow dock is a laxative, an agent that encourages the movement of the bowels
and the expulsion of waste from the body. A dosage of yellow dock can induce
a bowel movement within a few hours. It also soothes irritations of the gut
lining. Yellow dock’s laxative properties are considered the result of glycosides
called anthraquinones.
Yellow dock can also act as a diuretic, an agent that increases fluid production
and encourages the expulsion of bodily toxins via the urinary tract.
As well, yellow dock mobilizes congested blood and yanks toxins out of bodily
tissues, which makes this herb useful for treating some skin infections.
Yellow dock is believed to increase bile production and thus aid digestion.
Because of its high iron content, yellow dock maybe be a useful addition to
the diets of anemia sufferers.
How much yellow dock should I take?
Yellow dock is available as a tincture, or in dried root from. If using the
tincture, take 1/4–1/2 teaspoon (1–2 ml) three times per day. If using the root,
make a tea by boiling 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 grams) of root in 2 cups (500 ml)
of water for ten minutes. Drink three cups of this tea daily.
What are the side effects of yellow dock?
Yellow dock may result in a mild case of diarrhea.
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