Yellow dock is primarily used to support the digestive system. Overall, it can be used to improve digestion, relieve constipation, improve absorption of nutrients, support liver detoxification, cleanse the blood, and support skin conditions.

The bitterness has an action on the liver and gallbladder, stimulating the release of gastric secretions which stimulates sluggish bowels and supports the absorption of nutrients (3). This stimulation of the liver encourages the hepatic detoxification processes, cleansing the blood and promoting the excretion of toxins and waste from the body. Many of the conditions this herb is indicated for stem from a need to support the body’s natural detoxification and elimination processes. You can find out more about how bitters work.

Yellow dock is an effective laxative to stimulate a sluggish bowel and gently relieve constipation. The combination of the laxative action, the toning effect of the tannins, and the stimulation of the digestive process makes yellow dock a valuable herb for treating constipation arising from a range of causes. You can read more about constipation and digestive detoxification.

Yellow dock is nutrient rich, particularly in minerals, drawn out of the soil (4). The iron content, combined with the effect on the digestive system to improve absorption, makes yellow dock an effective herb to use for iron-deficiency anaemia. 

The alterative and cleansing action on the blood, combined with the laxative action on the gut, support the body to eliminate waste (5). A build-up of waste in the system can lead to skin eruptions, itchiness and joint inflammation (6). This makes yellow dock an effective herb for use in cases of acne, boils, eczema, rheumatic conditions and gout. 

Young yellow dock leaves are edible and can be consumed as part of a spring-time cleanse to provide valuable minerals and nutrients. In addition to the nutritional value, the leaves provide a bitter stimulation to the digestive system. 

For external use, the fresh leaf can be crushed to make a poultice, which can be applied to nettle rash and stings (3). This has a cooling and astringent action to sooth the heat and inflammation, as opposed to being anti-histamine in the way plantain would be if applied in this way. A poultice of the crushed leaves can also be applied to burns, scalds, boils, skin or tooth abscesses. A leaf or root decoction can be applied as a soothing wash or compress to itching skin chronic acne, boils, bites, cuts, sunburn, rheumatic aches, inflamed gums (3; 6). A decoction or diluted tincture can be used as a mouthwash for gingivitis, or a gargle for laryngitis (7).

The anthraquinones glycosides in yellow dock are distinctly reddish orange compounds, giving the root the yellow colour (8). Once the anthraquinone glycosides reach the colon the gut bacteria break them down and the anthraquinones act directly on the gut lining to stimulate peristalsis in the bowel (8). These constituents also inhibit water absorption out of the bowel, creating the laxative effect (8, 9). The anthraquinones do not cause irritation to the bowel mucosa, but can cause some gripping discomfort due to the peristalsis (9). Anthraquinones are also antiseptic, deterring the growth of pathogens in the enteric system 9). Emodin is one of the main anthraquinones in yellow dock root and has significant anti-microbial activity, specifically against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (18).

The toning and anti-inflammatory tannins in yellow dock have a toning and strengthening effect on the bowel wall (1). This balances and moderates some of the stimulating effect of the anthraquinones on the bowel, giving yellow dock a laxative action which is relatively gentle (9).  

Yellow dock accumulates and concentrates minerals from the soil, giving a nutrient profile which is high in calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, and vitamins A, C and E (4). Yellow dock roots are particularly effective at extracting iron from the soil and converting it into a bio-available form, making the plant iron-enriched (8). The iron content of both leaf and root is around 30mg per 100g (4). 

Energetically, yellow dock is cooling and cleansing (bitter), binding and drying (astringent). It is a cooling remedy for excessive heat in the gastrointestinal tract, which is indicated by an elongated red tongue, often with a thick coating (1). The action of cleansing the liver and bowel reduces internal heat, clearing liver stagnation and promoting the flow of bile.

In the sixteenth and early seventeenth century (1567–1650), Parkinson wrote of Docke, or Lapathum as it was then known, to be cooling and drying (10). The former genus, “Lapathum”, derives from the Greek work lapazin, meaning “to cleanse”, referring to the blood purifier quality still considered today (11). The leaves were commonly consumed as a vegetable and the seeds used to stop diarrhoea and stomach upset, especially in those spitting up blood (10). The astringent action of the seeds were used in dysentery (11). The roots were reported to have an opening quality, used as a gentle laxative for constipation (10). The root was considered  of great use for “opening obstructions of the blood, cooling and cleansing the blood”, helpful for jaundice (10). 

Yellow dock is listed in the King’s College Dispensary (1898) as an alterative, tonic, and astringent, useful for “scorbutic, cutaneous diseases, scrofulous, scirrhous and syphilitic affections, leprosy, elephantiasis” (12). It was considered “exceedingly efficient” for skin disorders with “bad blood”, which relates to the alterative action in modern herbal medicine. It was considered to “act decidedly upon the glandular system, removing chronic lymphatic enlargements, and especially influencing those conditions in which there is a tendency to indolent ulcerations” (12).  This cleansing action by supporting the eliminatory organs of the body is still a primary indication for yellow dock today. Small doses of yellow dock were reported as useful in “nervous dyspepsia, with epigastric fullness and pain, with flatulent distension of the stomach and eructations of gas” (12).

Greive (1931) stated that the root is an alterative which can be used freely as a tonic for rheumatism and bilious complaints (11). It was largely prescribed for diseases of the blood, jaundice, liver congestion, glandular swellings, scurvy, chronic scrofulous disorders and other chronic skin disorders (11). 

Externally the root boiled in vinegar was recommended to help itching, wounds and sores, and even cleanse the skin of freckles and discolouration (10). An ointment made from the fresh root in cream, lard or butter was considered an excellent ointment for “scrofulous ulcers, scrofulous ophthalmia, itch, and a discutient for indolent glandular tumors, and other cutaneous diseases and ulcers” (12).

Digestive system

Yellow dock is often used as a herb to support cases of constipation. However, constipation can arise for a variety of reasons, meaning this herb may not always be the best solution. Factors which contribute to constipation include: inadequate fibre intake, low fluid intake, drug intake, poor liver function, psychological factors, and conditions that disturb bowel peristalsis (13).  In the case of disturbed bowel function due to a disease state, or atonicity due to previous laxative over-use, yellow dock may be indicated. The anthraquinones in yellow dock root have a marked effect on the bowel, directly stimulating gut motions (2). While some herbs containing anthraquinones can have a strong cathartic effect on the bowel, this is relatively mild in yellow dock, moderated by the tannin content (7). Since it takes 8–12 hours for the anthraquinones to reach the colon, it is best to take before bed to encourage a morning bowel movement (14). The stimulating effect on the bowel can cause contractions, causing uncomfortable gripping and spasms (14). This discomfort can be counteracted by taking with a carminative herb such as peppermint or fennel (9, 14). In cases of chronic constipation, other herbs are required and long-term use is discouraged due to the mechanical action on the gut and the risk of the developing dependence (9). You can read about other herbal alternatives to laxatives in our article “5 herbs instead of laxatives“.

Yellow dock root is also useful to support cases of liver congestions and poor absorption of nutrients (2). This is indicated by teeth marks on the edge of tongue, skin problems, fullness and heaviness after a meal, general lethargy, slowness, tiredness, and yellowing around the eyes, nose and mouth (1, 3, 6). The bitter constituents promote the flow of bile from the liver and gall bladder, and stimulates the release of gastric juices, which supports digestion and absorption (2). 

Circulation / blood

The stimulation of the digestive processes and the removal of stagnation from the digestive tract all help to improve nutrient absorption into the blood. Yellow dock is also rich in iron (4), making it useful for cases of iron-deficiency anaemia. Low blood iron levels is a common presentation and can result from heavy menstrual periods, poor digestion and absorption, and chronic use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole (6). Yellow dock both supports an improvement in absorption as well as providing the additional iron requirements to address the deficiency. Herbalist Lucy Jones combines it with spirulina, nettle leaf, dandelion leaf, and ashwagandha root into capsules to boost iron levels and build the blood (6).

Immune system

Enhancing the detoxification processes of the liver has a supportive effect on many other systems of the body. Improving the flow of bile supports the digestion and absorption of nutrients and the clearing of waste from the bowel. The improved nutrient absorption supports all the systems of the body and immune function. The enhanced detoxification of the liver removes the strain on the other systems, therefore yellow dock indirectly improves lymphatic function and the detoxification through the skin. In addition, the mild anti-septic action supports the immune system to fight infections and prevent growth of enteric infection when the bowel is slow and stagnant (9). 

Musculoskeletal

The anti-inflammatory and depurative action makes yellow dock useful in arthritic and rheumatic conditions (7, 15). The cleaning of metabolic waste from the blood due to enhanced liver detoxification helps to clear metabolites which contribute to various joint conditions. 

Skin

Both chronic skin conditions and acute outbreaks can be due to poor digestion and the build-up toxins and stagnation in the digestive tract. The liver is the main organ of elimination, responsible for breaking down toxins and supporting digestion and removal of waste from the body. When the liver is not functioning optimally it can become congested and other eliminatory organs such as the skin can become overwhelmed. Yellow dock supports the liver and stimulates the bowel, returning the body to a state of health by using its own detoxification, cleansing and elimination processes. You can read more about the detoxification and elimination processes in the body in our article “What is detoxification?“.

There is limited chemical, pharmacological, and toxicity information available for yellow dock, and there is a lack of clinical research assessing the efficacy and safety via robust randomised controlled trials (16). However, available research from laboratory studies of individual constituents provide support for the traditional actions, indications and uses (17, 18, 19, 20). 

In addition to the traditional indications, recent research has suggested some novel and additional effects and potential indications for yellow dock.

In 2017, Shin et al. identified that a water extract of yellow dock root (0.25g/kg) given twice a day for five days could improve bone mineral density in an in vivo mouse model (21). The yellow dock significantly decreased trabecular bone loss by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and increased bone mineralisation by stimulating osteoblast activity (21). Although this has not been tested in any human clinical trials, the study suggests yellow dock root could prevent microstructural deterioration of the bone, which could be both protective against osteoporosis and prevent further degeneration.   

In 2021, Saoudi and colleagues carried out in vitro research suggesting that yellow dock leaf extracts have cytotoxic activity against breast and colon cancer cell lines, possibly due to antioxidant effects of the phenolic compounds (22).

Like many plants, yellow dock accumulates and concentrates minerals from the soil, meaning the soil composition has an influence on the constituent profile of the plant (8). Old herbal texts report that it was a practice to sprinkle iron fillings on the soil to enrich the iron content of the yellow dock roots (3).

Native to Europe, North Africa, Asia and has been introduced to North, Central and South America, and Southern Africa (29). Commonly seen throughout the British Isles, yellow dock is one of the most widely distributed plants in the world (3).

Yellow dock is widely distributed across Europe, temperate Asia, Northern and Southern Africa, and North, Central and South America, with stable subpopulations, and currently no major threats reported. It is not listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and does not appear on the U.S. Endangered Species Act (30, 31). It does not appear on the United Plant Savers “to watch” list (32), or the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) global assessment of concern (33). 

You can read more about “Sustainable sourcing of herbs“.

Provided the safety considerations are taken into account, yellow dock is a safe herb to take, though it is important to buy from a reliable source. Unreputable sources can be contaminated, adulterated or replaced with the wrong plant material. To ensure the quality of a product look out for certified organic labelling, and check that the correct botanical name is used. You should be able to obtain information from suppliers regarding the origin of the product’s ingredients.

Yellow dock is a common “weed”, growing extensively throughout the world. In Britain it is classed as an injurious weed, and the Weeds Act 1959 requires that farmers take steps to prevent the spread. It is likely to be growing around you somewhere close by, and doesn’t need encouragement to spread itself further. The thousands of seeds each plant produces, and the deep tap roots make it hard to eliminate, so don’t introduce it to your growing area unless you want it to keep multiplying. If you are going to wild harvest, make yourself aware of the legalities of gathering from the land around you. In the UK, the wildlife and countryside act 1981 makes it illegal to dig up or remove a plant without the permission of the landowner, although this can be done along public rights of way or land where there is free public access (34). Beware of herbicides and pesticides which could have been used nearby, and regular dog-walking areas with faecal residues in the soil. Find out more about safe harvesting from the wild in our article “A guide to safe and sustainable foraging“. 

To grow, the ripe seeds are scattered in autumn, or root cuttings in spring (34). Harvest the long tap roots in late summer or autumn after the plant has gone to seed (3, 7, 34). Scrub off the black outer bark, chop up the yellow roots to dry or tincture. 

Good move tea*

This cleansing tea supports a relaxed daily bowel motion.

Ingredients:

• Yellow dock root 4g
• Dandelion root 3g
• Marshmallow root 2g
• Orange peel 2g
• Fennel seed 1g
• Liquorice root 1g

This will make 2–3 cups of tea.

Method:

• Add all of the ingredients in a pot and cover with 500ml (18fl oz) boiling water.
• Steep for 10–15 minutes before drinking.
• Drink 1–3 cups across the day. 
• Make sure you keep re-hydrated with water throughout the day.

* Recipe adapted from Pole, 2017 (23)

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