Yellow dock is a bitter herb that has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.
In traditional medicine, yellow dock was specifically used as a mild laxative, for cleansing the blood, and for skin issues.
Yellow dock is a bitter herb that is helpful for supporting the secretion of bile, which kickstarts the body’s digestion process.
In this article, we will look at the health benefits of yellow dock, its safety, and its history.
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What is Yellow Dock?
Yellow dock is a perennial plant in the Polygonaceae family. It’s considered a “wildflower” and can be found growing across the globe.
The scientific name for yellow dock is Rumex crispus which refers to the shape of its leaves and bitter taste. It gets its common name from its bright yellow roots, which are traditionally used as a medicine.
In traditional medicine, a decoction of yellow dock root was used as an alterative to “purify the blood”. It was also used as an anti-inflammatory agent for skin conditions.
Modern research shows that the phenolic compounds present in the plant, including flavonoids and tannins, may be responsible for it’s anti-inflammatory and skin-supporting effects.
According to The Botanical Safety Handbook, however, there are some accounts of yellow dock leaf toxicity in animals, but hundreds of years of traditional use provide evidence that it can be supportive when the proper part of the plant (i.e. the root) is used.
Further, while there is a lack of human clinical trials on yellow dock, some animal and lab-based studies highlight the various health benefits of yellow dock’s active constituents.
Health Benefits of Yellow Dock:
Animal and lab studies indicate that yellow dock benefits the body in a number of ways.
Below is a compilation of research-backed studies and expert knowledge from well-renowned herbalists on the benefits of yellow dock and its active constituents.
1. May Reduce Inflammation
Research shows that yellow dock may help to reduce inflammation.
Inflammation is a healing response controlled and regulated by the immune system. Short-term inflammation is a necessary response that supports the body’s healing process, however, chronic inflammation is the body’s way of saying something is wrong and is known to lead to health issues over time.
In an animal study involving rats, yellow dock root extract was applied internally to fibrous scar tissue in the abdomen and significantly reduced pro-inflammatory markers. The researchers noted that yellow dock root extracted in 60% methanol was the most effective extraction for lowering inflammatory markers.
Researchers found that the combination of Rumex crispus and cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) has the ability to encourage immune response and promote anti-inflammatory activity. The results were attributed to the two phytochemicals chrysophanol (yellow dock) and cordycepin (cordyceps).
An animal study involving a cousin of Rumex crispus, Rumex abyssinicus, discovered that Rumex abyssinicus extract shows promising anti-inflammatory and healing effects for topical wounds. Researchers attributed this effect to the phenolic content found in Rumex abyssinicus (which is also found in Rumex crispus).
Summary:
Small scale studies show that yellow dock has anti-inflammatory properties. Large scale human clinical trials are needed to verify these findings.
2. May have Antioxidant Support
The benefits of yellow dock have been shown to include antioxidant effects.
Antioxidants are molecules that work to neutralize free radicals. They are thought to benefit overall health and support healthy aging.
A lab study found that yellow dock extract has a strong ability to decrease various oxidation markers.
Another lab study discovered that yellow dock fruit extract had the ability to inhibit chemical-induced oxidative stress. The researchers also found that yellow dock brought antioxidant levels back to normal, thus exhibiting a regulating effect.
Summary:
Lab research shows that yellow dock has antioxidant properties. Human clinical trials are needed to verify these benefits for humans.
3. Antimicrobial Properties
Clinical lab research has shown that yellow dock may have antimicrobial properties.
Microbes, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, are tied to a variety of disease states. Using natural antimicrobial herbs can help to fight off the effects of attacking microbes.
A comparison lab