Yellow Dock Overview

Yellow dock ( Rumex crispus) is a perennial flowering herb, native to Europe, which grows throughout the United States. Its yellow roots were traditionally thought to have medicinal properties, and its sour-sweet leaves can be used (in moderation) as a salad green.

Historically, the plant has been used to treat a variety of problems, including constipation anddiarrhea, as well as dermatitis and venereal diseases. ¹ Powdered yellow dock root has also been used as a mouthwash or dentifrice.

Typical doses of yellow dock root are 2 to 4 g of the dried root, 2 to 4 ml of the liquid extract, or 1 to 2 ml of the tincture. ²

1. McGuffin M, ed. American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 1997:100, 148–9, 155–7.
2. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London, UK: Pharmaceutical Press; 1996:274.