- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe, Asia, Africa (north)
- Traditions
- Western herbal medicine, Haudenosaunee medicine
Europe · Herb · № 338
Rumex crispus
Herb · Europe
Yellow dock
Rumex crispus
Traditionally attributed effects: strongly laxative, promotes bile, cleansing.
Safety notes
Not with kidney stones. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Western herbalism: Not with kidney stones.
- Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine: Contains oxalic acid; not with kidney stones.
Preparation
Root.
Use in traditions
A common weed whose yellow root was used in Western herbalism as a mild laxative and 'blood-purifying' remedy for skin complaints. Children learned to rub the leaves on nettle stings. The leaf contains a lot of oxalic acid.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Strongly laxative, promotes bile, cleansing.
Preparation and amount
Root.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Cleansing, tonic, astringent, laxative; supports liver and lymph, helps with stubborn skin problems, improves iron absorption (anaemia, energy), reduces stomach acid and heartburn.
Preparation and amount
Decoction of the root: 1–2 tsp per cup, 10–12 min covered, 1–3 cups a day; tincture 10–30 drops 1–3 times a day.
Caution: Not with kidney stones.
Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine
Attributed effects
For jaundice, stomach cramps, a stomach that keeps nothing down and kidney complaints; the poultice on swellings.
Preparation and amount
Boil the root as a drink; the young herb crushed as a poultice.
Caution: Contains oxalic acid; not with kidney stones.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionTinctureCompress, poultice and paste