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Yellowdock
Rumex crispus Curly dock, Lengua de vaca, Yerba colorado Description When flowering, this robust perennial can stand 5 feet tall. Yellowdock’s long, lance-shaped leaves have wavy margins; they are mostly basal and form in large rosettes. As the stalk is produced, some leaves are arranged alternately along its length. The small green flowers form in dense clustered spikes. Unlike many other Docks that exhibit hook-like appendages on the seed’s margins, Yellowdock’s are completely smooth. After flowering, the seeds and stalks become reddish-brown.
Distribution Yellowdock is found throughout most of North America. The plant is abundant at a great array of elevations, with the exception of extremely high elevations where low temperatures are a limiting factor. Look for this European non-native along streamsides, fields, ponds, and moist disturbed soils.
Chemistry
Medicinal Uses Yellowdock is an old-school alterative. Its primary effect is as a tonic on small and large intestinal walls. The plant has the ability through its beneficial effect on this area, particularly on small intestinal fat absorption, to lessen many skin and lymph derangements. Yellowdock is well used if there is a tendency towards eruptive and scaly skin conditions that appear to be linked to intestinal discomfort and stasis, especially from rich food consumption and nervousness. In addition, lymph enlargements are typically reduced due to Yellowdock’s lipid-lymph organizational ability. Moreover, the plant improves absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Therefore through its tonic activity it is nutritional to individuals who are dealing with functional anemia or sub-anemic tendencies.
Externally a fresh poultice of the whole plant or other topical preparations is used on many of the same conditions Yellowdock treats internally. Topically the plant works well to heal an array of chronic and acute conditions. Poorly healing ulcers and migrating itchy rashes dependent upon “bad blood”, stress, Poison ivy exposure, or chemical sensitivity are Yellowdock specifics.
Indications Skin rashes (internal and external) Skin eruptions/acne with poor fat digestion (internal and external) Fat malabsorption/nutritional malabsorption
Collection A general rule of thumb when digging Yellowdock is, if the roots are difficult to dig and they are pigmented deep yellow-orange, then they will be strong medicine. Stronger plants will be found in drier, clay-laden, and dense soils. Yellowdock found partially submerged on streamsides is inferior.
Preparations After cleaning the roots well, either split the taproots in ¼-½ inch strips or chop crossways into ¼-inch pieces, then dry.
Dosage FPT/DPT (50% alcohol): 30-60 drops 3 times daily Fluidextract: 10-20 drops 3 times daily Root decoction: 4-6 ounces 3 times daily
The dosing of Yellowdock is important. In small amounts, the plant is tonic to intestinal walls, in larger amounts it is more irritative and tends to be laxative.
Cautions Large doses should not be used during pregnancy or while nursing due to Yellowdock’s anthraquinone-laxative effect.
Other Uses The young leaves can be added to salads or cooked as a green. |