Yellow Dock Root: The Herb You Should Always Have in Your Arsenal

yellow dock

Yellow dock root contains powerful chemical properties that help in the treatment of an impressive range of health conditions. The root contains components such as tannins, anthraquinones, oxalates, rumoquin, and glycosides.

In fact, its anthraquinones property is effective for easing bowel movements and preventing constipation. It also helps to alleviate skin conditions, treat hemorrhoids, detoxify the body, relieve sore throats, and boost digestion as well as many other benefits.

Health Benefits of Yellow Dock Root

Now, let’s take a closer look at why the yellow dock root is beneficial for health.

Detoxifies Vital Organs of Toxins

Yellow dock root has a cleansing effect on the organs of the body. It functions as a blood and lymph cleanser, helping to boost the activity of lymph glands in the body. It also prevents waste from lingering within the gastrointestinal tract. It eliminates toxins by easing bowel movements and boosting the frequency of urination.

One of the functions of the liver is to detoxify the body of toxins. Luckily, bitters such as yellow dock can enhance the liver’s ability to do this. The root stimulates the detoxification process in the liver and improves bile production if consumed regularly. Incorporating yellow dock into your herb regimen can help the liver flush out toxins, waste products as well as excess hormones.

Treats Liver Disease

Diseases associated with the liver can be treated with the leaves and root of yellow dock. The herb functions as an alternative treatment that can be taken as tea for people with liver-related diseases. While there may be no guarantee that the herb can totally cure liver disease, yellow dock herbal drink can be significantly beneficial for the liver.

yellow dock

Displays Antioxidant Effects

According to some studies, most phytonutrients possess high levels of antioxidants and so does yellow dock. Antioxidants play a very crucial role in preventing oxidative damage, which is a situation where good cells within the body are attacked by free radicals or bad cells. This attack often leads to aging and cellular damage. However, antioxidants can protect the body against those harmful free radicals. Yellow dock’s antioxidant properties can help eliminate oxidative stress and free radicals.

Combats Harmful Organisms

Based on some studies, yellow dock is very rich in antioxidants which function as the body’s defender. In the event of an attack from harmful organisms, extra antioxidant consumption is needed to combat these attackers. Regular consumption of yellow dock provides the body extra defense.

Beneficial for Diabetics

Yellow dock root is a potent alternative medicine for diabetes. The root contains methanol extracts that ensure healthy DNA and protection for the internal parts of the body. It also prevents the scavenging of free radical and is effective as a diabetic treatment.

Aids in Digestion

Studies suggest that yellow dock has the potential to stimulate digestion and treat heartburn. It is a bitter herb that facilitates the production of digestive enzymes and stomach acid. It also supports the functions of the gallbladder and the liver. Due to its anthraquinone content, the root helps to trigger various enzymes to relieve constipation and digestive disorders.

Yellow dock is considered a bitter herb because it contains tannins and like many other bitters, can improve nutrient absorption and digestion. Its bitter taste also regulates blood sugar levels in the body by lowering sugar appetite while increasing feelings of fullness as well.

yellow dock

Treats Menstrual Pain and Other Women-related Health Problems

Yellow dock is helpful for relieving pain during menstruation as it processes excessive hormones. It is effective for women suffering from PMS or some other disorders during menstruation. Yellow dock can be added to a woman’s daily herbal beverage to relieve the pain. Furthermore, yellow dock is a herbal remedy for some other women-related health disorders like irregular periods, heavy bleeding, and uterine fibroids.

Promotes Skin Health

The body is known to produce hormones but excessive production can result in skin issues including psoriasis, acne, and eczema. Fortunately, yellow dock root is very effective for treating skin disorders. It can be applied directly to the face to treat acne. The bitter components of the root help to regulate hormones by facilitating the elimination of the excess estrogen during the menstrual and luteal phases. A lot of skin disorders stem from the slow detox of hormones and waste products, but the consumption of yellow dock root can improve skin appearance.

Relieves Sore Throats

Sore throat is a health problem that occurs in the throat as a result of stomach acid, allergies, or a viral infection. However, yellow dock is one of the best herbal treatments for sore throat. It contains a metal element that reduces the pain in the throat and guts. In addition, it also treats coughs, bronchitis, and laryngitis.

Cures Diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of the major health disorders that occur in the bowel. The consumption of a beverage that is mixed with yellow dock can alleviate the symptoms. In fact, studies indicate that the root is beneficial for balancing the body’s system during diarrhea and even constipation. The herbal intake is effective for curing diarrhea as it contains tannins that act as astringent.

yellow dock

Possesses Mild Laxative Effects

Yellow dock has mild laxative effects that help to treat constipation. The anthraquinone glycosides found in the root stimulates the intestine peristalsis that increases digestion time. The use of strong laxatives is often discouraged because the can lead to dependency and damage the intestines. As a gentler laxative, yellow dock root can be consumed for a long period of time.

Effective for Fevers

You don’t have to panic during fevers as yellow dock root is an effective fever-reducer. The herb is rich in vitamin A, manganese, and phosphorus which have proven to be effective against fevers. In fact, the herb restores appetite during a bout of fever.

Rich in Minerals

Yellow dock contains high amounts of minerals. These beneficial minerals make yellow dock root the preferred herbal choice. It contains rich amounts of iron, which is needed throughout menstruation and pregnancy.

Alleviates Arthritis and Rheumatism Symptoms

Arthritis and Rheumatism actually have the same symptoms, like joint pains and inflammation. To alleviate these ailments, yellow dock root is a safe and effective herb as it possesses anti-inflammatory components.

Treats Anemia

Anemia is a condition when the blood gets extreme fatigue and tiredness. This health condition can be treated by mixing alfalfa, dandelion root, and burdock with yellow dock root. The root contains properties that cleanse and fortify the blood as well as strengthen the body. To treat anemia, you only need to simmer the roots in your tea for 20 minutes till it is ready to drink.

Side Effects of Yellow Dock Root

  • While yellow dock root is very beneficial for health it is not advisable to consume it raw or even under-cooked.
  • The root can lead to several severe symptoms like nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulty, and heart-related problems.
  • People who suffer allergic reactions or skin irritation when touching yellow dock root should avoid consuming it. This is because it contains oxalic acid which can cause diarrhea for some people.
  • If you experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, nausea due to the consumption of yellow dock, consult a doctor immediately.
  • People who are taking drugs for lowering calcium should not take the yellow dock at the same time.