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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Phytotherapy Research: In Vitro Screening for the Tumoricidal Properties of International Medicinal Herbs; Elizabeth A. Mazzio
- Phytotherapy Research: In Vitro Screening for the Tumoricidal Properties of International Medicinal Herbs; Elizabeth A. Mazzio
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The Benefits of Yellow Dock Root
Yellow dock root, also know as Rumex crispus, is an herb widely used by herbalists as a general health tonic 24. It grows throughout North America and is used in Native American herbal formulas. The leaves and root of the plant are used in tinctures and teas. Yellow dock root can cause allergic reactions 4. Always consult with your doctor or health-care provider before using any herbal medicines.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Digestive Aid
Yellow dock root is used to help alleviate stomach acid, heartburn and indigestion, according to the University of Michigan Heath System 24. It is a bitter herb thought to stimulate the digestive function, helping to increase both digestive enzymes and stomach acid. Yellow dock root is taken in tincture form of ¼ to ½ teaspoon three times per day or used in a tea 4. The tea can be drunk up to three times per day, before meals.
Laxative
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Yellow dock root is also used for its laxative effects 4. It contains low levels of anthraquinone glycosides, which stimulates the secretion of water into the intestines, causing a laxative effect. Yellow dock root taken in tea can cause diarrhea or loose stools, which can be helpful for people suffering from constipation 4.
Skin Conditions
Anemia
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Anemia is a blood condition that causes extreme tiredness and weakness. Yellow dock root combined with alfalfa, dandelion root and burdock is a traditional treatment for mild cases of anemia 4. It is claimed to fortify and cleanse the blood while strengthening the body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 3. The roots are simmered for 20 minutes in tea. One tablespoon per cup of water is the recommended dosage.
- Anemia is a blood condition that causes extreme tiredness and weakness.
- Yellow dock root combined with alfalfa, dandelion root and burdock is a traditional treatment for mild cases of anemia 4.
Precautions
Yellow dock root should only be used under the supervision of your doctor or health care provider 24. Potential allergic reactions may be severe and include liver and kidney damage. Yellow dock root should not be used if you have kidney stones, caution Massio and Soliman in their research 4.
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References
- Phytotherapy Research: In Vitro Screening for the Tumoricidal Properties of International Medicinal Herbs; Elizabeth A. Mazzio
- University of Michigan Health System: Yellow Dock Root
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Anemia
- Drugs.com: Yellow Dock
- Kurt BZ, Gazioğlu I, Sevgi E, Sönmez F. Anticholinesterase, Antioxidant, Antiaflatoxigenic Activities of Ten Edible Wild Plants from Ordu Area, Turkey. Iran J Pharm Res. 2018;17(3):1047-1056. doi:30127827
- Joseph A, Samant H. Jaundice. In: StatPearls [Internet]. 2019 Jan-.
- Shiwani S, Singh NK, Wang MH. Carbohydrase inhibition and anti-cancerous and free radical scavenging properties along with DNA and protein protection ability of methanolic root extracts of Rumex crispus. Nutr Res Pract. 2012;6(5):389-95. doi:10.4162/nrp.2012.6.5.389
- Wang Z, Ma P, Xu L, He C, Peng Y, Xiao P. Evaluation of the content variation of anthraquinone glycosides in rhubarb by UPLC-PDA. Chem Cent J. 2013;7(1):170. doi:10.1186/1752-153X-7-170
- Lehner A, Meimoun P, Errakhi R, Madiona K, Barakate M, Bouteau F. Toxic and signalling effects of oxalic acid: Oxalic acid-Natural born killer or natural born protector?. Plant Signal Behav. 2008;3(9):746–748. doi:10.4161/psb.3.9.6634
- Fraser SD, Blakeman T. Chronic kidney disease: identification and management in primary care. Pragmat Obs Res. 2016;7:21–32. doi:10.2147/POR.S97310
- Schuppan D, Afdhal NH. Liver cirrhosis. Lancet. 2008;371(9615):838–851. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(08)60383-9
- Balcı AK, Koksal O, Kose A, et al. General characteristics of patients with electrolyte imbalance admitted to emergency department. World J Emerg Med. 2013;4(2):113–116. doi:10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2013.02.005
- Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know. National Institutes of Health. January 2020.
- Yellow Dock. Natural Medicines Database. Professional Monograph.1/29/2019
Writer Bio
Caroline Thompson is a professional photojournalist who has been working for print and online publications since 1999. Her work has appeared in the "Sacramento Bee," "People Magazine," "Newsweek" and other publications. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in photojournalism from California State University at Hayward and a personal trainer certification from the university's Health and Fitness Institute.