A member of the buckwheat family, yellow dock derives its Latin name from the lance-like shape of its leaf. The Romans used it for skin problems and often said that it purified the blood and made wenches look fair and cherry-like. Native Americans crushed the leaves for boil preparations and used pulverized roots to heal cuts. The pioneers not only used it for urinary support, but also found it to be nutritious in food preparations. It is speculation that they deliberately kept yellow dock a secret from the Europeans.

Yellow dock has principally been used since medieval times mainly for skin and digestion, although it has also been an effective remedy for gastrointestinal and liver problems. It has healing properties for such skin afflictions as boils, eczema, psoriasis, itching, hemorrhoids, rashes, blemishes, burn and hives. As a result, it is a principal ingredient in some cosmetic preparations. It also helps the body to cleanse itself and nourishes the liver and spleen. It improves bile and purifies the blood to the glands. High in iron, it is useful in treating anemia.

Some of yellow dock’s lesser benefits are as a:

Yellow dock has also been known to improve vision and help eliminate pollutants such as heavy metals from the body. As a culinary ingredient, the plant’s young leaves are nutritious in salads and soups.

Large doses of yellow dock can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, excess urination, kidney damage and skin eruptions. Oxalic acid contained in the plant may interfere with calcium absorption, leading to blood coagulation problems. Therefore, it’s wise to check with a doctor to be sure that yellow dock is an appropriate remedy.

The Coop carries yellow dock in bulk, teabags, intestinal cleansing formulas for men and women and by special order.