Benefits and Harms of Yellow Dock
Dock, also known as yellow dock, is a perennial herb found in the temperate climates of Europe and America. It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to treat several ailments such as skin diseases, liver problems, diarrhea, and menstrual issues. Also referred to by its botanical name Rumex Crispus, the plant has yellow flowers that resemble dandelions, although they are much smaller in size.
It is primarily used as a natural treatment for constipation because of its high levels of fiber. It is also used to stimulate appetite and fight anemia caused by iron deficiency, as it has iron-rich leaves. In addition, dock root has been used to treat various skin diseases, such as eczema and leukoderma.
It is believed that yellow dock root has a number of bioactive components including iridoid glycosides, quinone-type compounds, tannins, and many others yet to be identified. Scientific evidence crediting the benefits of yellow dock root is scarce, and most of the information about this particular plant is anecdotal.
It contains high levels of calcium oxalate which can lead to allergic reactions in some people. It should not be used by pregnant women, as it stimulates uterine contractions, and by those who suffer from kidney stones or other problems related to uric acid.
People who are diagnosed with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis should also avoid it. It may also cause allergic reactions in people with allergies to plants in the Polygonaceae family, which includes many edible plants like rhubarb and buckwheat.
Dock leaves have been shown in studies to be effective in treating some skin conditions, but the results are inconclusive. Dock leaves contain anthraquinones which can increase bowel movement in some people. It may also exacerbate certain gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Dock roots have been used for centuries in traditional folk medicine practices. It is believed to stimulate appetite and improve liver function, as well as fight anemia.
Although yellow dock is a source of iron that has been used for hundreds of years to treat various conditions that cause iron-deficiency anemia, there have been no studies confirming its effectiveness. In addition, dock root can be very dangerous if taken in large doses. Side effects include kidney damage, seizures, and even death.
Dock has also been used to improve liver function, as well as fight anemia. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting these uses either.
Various other sources list yellow dock benefits for the treatment of acne and other skin conditions because of its high levels of tannins, which are believed to be great astringents. Dock leaves are also used to treat various inflammatory issues like diarrhea, sore throat, bleeding gums, and hemorrhoids.
But again, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
Although it has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various conditions related to the menstrual cycle, there have been no studies confirming its effectiveness in this area either.
Yellow dock roots contain high levels of calcium oxalate, which can lead to allergic reactions in some people. It should not be used by pregnant women because it stimulates uterine contractions, and by those who suffer from kidney stones or problems related to uric acid.
People diagnosed with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis should avoid yellow dock root as well.
It may also cause allergic reactions in people with allergies to plants in the Polygonaceae family, which includes many edible plants like rhubarb and buckwheat. Yellow dock leaves have been shown to be effective in treating some skin conditions, but results are inconclusive.
Dock leaves contain anthraquinone increase, which can bowel movements in some people and exacerbate certain gastrointestinal disorders such as gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Dock root has been used for centuries to treat various skin diseases such as eczema and leukoderma. It is believed that yellow dock root contains bioactive components including flavonoids that have antioxidant properties and prevent inflammation.
Yellow dock benefits for skin: anti-inflammatory affect
the root of the plant is used for medicinal purposes, especially as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. The yellow dock (Rumex Crispus) is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia which belongs to the Polygonaceae family.
In folk medicine, it has been used to treat infections such as scabies and ringworm. It is also believed that it stimulates the activity of white blood cells, hence increasing immunity while relieving symptoms of respiratory infections such as bronchitis and asthma.
Yellow dock has antiseptic, digestive, laxative properties:
The root is harvested in spring or autumn when the plant is at least two years old. The main active ingredients are polyphenolic substances, particularly anthraquinone derivatives. These substances, which give the root its characteristic bitterness, have laxative properties. They are easily absorbed into the bloodstream and therefore have a stimulating effect on peristaltic contractions of the intestine.
Yellow dock is recommended for skin problems:
Yellow dock has beneficial effects on the skin, primarily as an antiseptic. This is because the root contains tannins which act as astringents and due to its content of chemicals that stimulate blood circulation, which has a beneficial effect on the skin’s appearance.
Among other yellow dock benefits for skincare:
– anti-inflammatory action reduces irritation of the skin:
– disinfectant action helps to fight against acne and other skin conditions:
– anti-wrinkles effect:
The plant’s bitter principles stimulate microcirculation and collagen synthesis, which reduces wrinkles and gives the complexion a youthful appearance:
– water retention is eliminated:
– stimulates mental activity:
Yellow dock leaves can be used as an ingredient in the following masks:
– for oily, enlarged pores and acne: prepare a yellow dock root tea and use it as a liquid mask applied on the face. After 10 minutes rinse off with cold water. In case of a very sensitive skin test first on a small area
– as an astringent mask for dry or normal skin types: in 4-5 tablespoons of the yellow dock root tea add one tablespoon of raw honey or aloe vera gel, preferably Aloe Barbadensis. After 20 minutes rinse off with lukewarm water
in case of wrinkles, enlarged pores, and scars:
prepare a decoction (instructions here) and use it as a liquid mask. Leave for 20 minutes and then rinse off with cold water.
skin problems yellow dock helps to solve: acne, itchiness, enlarged pores, wrinkles, scabies, etc.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. The plant has been widely used in folk medicine and in some countries there are registered medicines containing yellow dock as the main active ingredient. However, it is important to first consult a doctor or a pharmacist for proper treatment of any skin problems.
For oily skin:
Pour a cup of boiling water over half a teaspoon of yellow dock root and leaves. Soak a cotton pad in the infusion and apply it on the face as a mask for 10 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water. Repeat daily until your skin is clear from spots, then do once or twice a week.
For sensitive or dry skin:
Mix two tablespoons of yellow dock root powder with half a tablespoon of honey. Add enough rose water to make a paste-like consistency and spread evenly on the face. Leave for 20 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water
– To reduce wrinkles, increase the elasticity of the skin and make it look younger
Mix a teaspoon of powdered yellow dock root with a teaspoon of olive oil. Massage the mixture onto your face and let it stay for 15 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water
In case of acne or other skin problems, yellow dock can be used in the following way
Pour a cup of boiling water over two tablespoons of yellow dock root and leaves. Soak a cotton pad in the infusion and apply it on your face as a mask, leaving it for 10 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water. Repeat daily until your skin is clear.
For scabies:
Mix the juice of one lemon with 3 tablespoons of yellow dock root powder and a little olive oil. Apply on the affected area and leave for 15 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water;
For psoriasis:
Mix three teaspoons of powdered yellow dock root with half a tablespoon of cinnamon powder. Add enough lemon juice to make a paste-like consistency and spread evenly on the face. Leave for 20 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.
For an itchy and flaky scalp:
Mix two tablespoons of yellow dock root powder with half a tablespoon of honey. Add enough lemon juice to make a paste-like consistency and massage onto your scalp. Leave for 15 minutes before rinsing off;
To thicken hair:
prepare yellow dock root powder with olive oil (the ratio is 1 tablespoon of olive oil to 2 tablespoons of yellow dock root). Massage into the scalp and let sit for a half-hour. Rinse off. Repeat once a week or as needed if thinning occurs.