Yellow Dock

Yellow dock is a versatile plant that was frequently used by ancient Greek physicians for the amelioration of digestion. It belongs to the family Polygonaceae. This flowering perennial is also known as curled dock or curly dock.

Yellow dock is characterized by the presence of tall flower stalks, usually 1 meter high. Its leaves are a bit curled at the edges so they have earned the curly dock name. Yellow dock roots have been known to contain a myriad of fringe benefits. Oftentimes, yellow dock roots are used in traditional medicine to help with several diseased conditions.

Anciently, yellow dock root was wielded by Romans to cater to skin maladies. It is the best natural remedy for the attenuation of eczema, acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It is also helpful in purifying the blood, making the skin look fair and cherry-like. It can help with bacterial infections, intestinal problems, fungal infections, scurvy, respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal tract infections (especially constipation, hemorrhoids, and bleeding conditions), STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases), jaundice, and arthritis.

Yellow dock root is eaten cooked as its raw form intake can lead to nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, and even death. Yellow dock leaves are used in salads to impart sourness to the buds.

Yellow dock seeds can be sown in spring, fall, or summer. It can only be grown outdoors as its taproot requires a lot of space to stretch. Yellow dock prefers to grow on its own in meadows, seeps, and glades.

Yellow dock seeds prefer moist, rich soil and can bear full sun exposure to partial shade. The plant has an average water requirement and can endure dry spells too. Nevertheless, yellow dock is highly invasive and can easily take over the garden and meadows. If it is provided with favorable conditions then it will flourish at the expense of other plants in the garden.

Yellow dock seeds take a couple of weeks to germinate, the seedlings soon allow the emergence of radicals that further develops into roots and shoots. The roots are good at configuring the tough taproot.

In summers, the yellow dock steps into the flowering phase of its cycle that are green in color with red-tinged edges. The flowers get pollinated by the bees and butterflies which incites the genesis of seeds. The seeds are enclosed in the triangular calyx which aids in the buoyancy and allows the seed to float on the water surface and get dispersed to initiate a new plant.

Yellow dock leaves should be harvested young in early spring as the old ones become bitter. The stems and roots can be harvested in late spring or early summer.

For harvesting the roots, a pickaxe is used to cut off the flowers and stalks and make way for pulling up the roots. The leaves, stems, and flowers can be harvested by using gardening shears.

The roots, leaves, stalks, and flowers can be air-dried or dehydrated until they are crispy and attain rough texture. The dried plant material is then stored in an airtight container.

Yellow dock plant parts are enthusiastically used in various medicinal preparations due to their appreciable health benefits.

• Tincture - Infuse freshly chopped yellow dock leaves in grain alcohol for 4 to 6 weeks. Strain the liquid and place it in a dark and dry place.
• Tea - Dried yellow dock leaves are steeped in hot water for 5 to10 minutes to form yellow dock tea.
• Decoction - Yellow dock roots are chopped and boiled in water at medium flame for an hour or so to form yellow dock decoction.
• Salve - Yellow dock infused oil is added to melted beeswax in combination with burdock oil to form yellow dock salve.
• Syrup - Yellow dock leaves are simmered in sugar solution or water and honey solution to form yellow dock syrup.
• Infused oil - Yellow dock root is infused with organic virgin olive oil for 3 to 4 weeks to form yellow dock oil.