Health Benefits of Yellow Dock Root

October 18, 2021

Yellow Dock Root is a flowering perennial plant that is considered an invasive weed, native to Europe and West Asia. However, its medicinal properties should not be overlooked simply for its commonality! It has many wonderful health benefits and is a great tool to have in your arsenal.

Yellow Dock Root has been used traditionally by Native Americans as a herbal remedy to combat a magnitude of different ailments. From skin irritations, swelling and constipation, to blood cleansing and the detoxification of the lymphatic and digestive systems. Yellow Dock Root is often referred to as an all-in-one herbal remedy due to its versatility, with the science to back up these traditional claims.

Oxidative Stress & Cancer

Studies have shown Yellow Dock Root to contain potent antioxidants, and the ability to lower oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals within the body. Oxidative stress is thought to be a key component in the development of cancer cells, and the acceleration of parkinson's disease and alzheimers.

The ability to facilitate the detoxification process is well known and has positioned Yellow Dock Root as a key ingredient in many anticancer formulas. Including Essiac Tea, promoted as an Ojibwa Indian cancer cure in Canada since 1992. Yellow Dock Root prevents oxidative damage and hyperproliferation of the liver tissue. This was confirmed in a study conducted by the Essiac company that found “remarklable cytotoxic activities” on multiple cancer cell lines.

Skin Conditions

Yellow Dock Root can be used both internally and externally to treat numerous skin conditions. From a “skin eruption, to scurvy and scrofula” the root can be used internally to help your body detox and heal. While Native Americans have used Yellow Dock Root traditionally for years in a topical poultice to treat and soothe such skin conditions as psoriasis, eczema, rashes and poison ivy. Native Americans also believe the root to reduce pain and swelling, while promoting healing.

Natural Detox and Cleansing

Most commonly used to aid in and facilitate the detoxification process, yellow dock root is also known to be a powerful blood and lymph node cleanser, by activating the lymph glands throughout the body.

Anthraquinones Glycosides in small amounts, like those found in Yellow Dock Root aid in the release of bile and digestive enzymes. This in turn, removes stagnant waste from your intestinal tract by stimulating bowel movements and increasing the frequency of urination, which assists in the elimination of toxins from your body.

Digestive System Support

The stimulation of the digestive system and increase in both digestive enzymes and stomach acids has been found to alleviate stomach acid, heartburn and indigestion, by the Yellow Dock Root is also very efficient in removing bile from liver and gallbladder, the ability to do this classifies it as a cholagogue in herbal medicine.

This increase in digestive enzymes and stomach acids may help provide relief in minor digestive disturbances and constipation.

However consuming raw Yellow Dock Root may produce the opposite reaction and cause vomiting, therefore it is best to stick with capsules or tonics prepared by an experienced and reputable company.

Yellow Dock Root has also been observed and documented to treat: