Background
- Yellow dock is often described as helping strengthen the blood; however, very few laboratory or human studies have been conducted to confirm this traditional use.
- Yellow dock is one of the original plants in the Native American anticancer herbal formula now known as Essiac®. In some versions of Essiac® yellow dock is substituted for the sheep's sorrel.
- The roots have been taken internally to build healthy blood, protect the liver, or act as an antifungal or laxative. As a seed tea, yellow dock may heal mouth sores and help diarrhea. Externally, yellow dock has been used to dissolve lumps and as an antitumor and antifungal. Yellow dock root (herb and salad green) is an astringent that has been banned in Canada.
References
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to . Selected references are listed below.
- Reig R, Sanz P, Blanche C, et al. Fatal poisoning by Rumex crispus (curled dock): pathological findings and application of scanning electron microscopy. Vet Hum Toxicol 1990;32(5):468-470.
View Abstract - Shen HD, Chang LY, Gong YJ, et al. [A monoclonal antibody against ragweed pollen cross-reacting with yellow dock pollen]. Zhonghua Min Guo.Wei Sheng Wu Ji.Mian.Yi.Xue.Za Zhi. 1985;18(4):232-239.
View Abstract