Polygonaceae
Yellow Dock
Rumex crispus
⚠ Use with Caution
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Western Asia (naturalized globally)
Also known as: Curly Dock, Narrow Dock, Sour Dock
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Iron deficiency anemia (gentle bioavailable iron source), chronic constipation, skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema — alterative), liver stagnation, lymphatic congestion. One of the better natural sources of absorbable iron.
Herbal Actions
Alterative, mild laxative (anthraquinones), cholagogue, hepatic, nutritive (iron), astringent (tannins)
Active Constituents
Anthraquinones (emodin, chrysophanol, physcion), tannins, oxalic acid, iron (bioavailable form), flavonoids (hyperoside), nepodin
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture🍵 Decoction💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1 tsp dried root per 250ml, simmer 20 min, 2–3x daily |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Take with vitamin C to enhance iron absorption. Tincture with fresh root more active than dried. For anemia: combine with nettle leaf and alfalfa. Long-term use (months) needed for alterative effect on skin. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: High oxalate content — avoid in kidney stones, kidney disease. Caution with calcium-lowering conditions. Avoid large doses in pregnancy.
Side Effects: Laxative effect (dose-dependent). GI cramping at high doses. May stain stools yellow/orange. Chronic high-dose use — electrolyte imbalance.