Traditionally, yellow dock root is thought to be a blood purifier and general detoxifier, especially for the liver. The herb, better known as Rumex crispy, supports detoxification from several angles. First, yellow dock root stimulates bile production, which aids digestion, especially of fats. Yellow dock root can stimulate bowel movements to help remove residual waste from your intestinal tract; it also increases the frequency of urination to aid in the elimination of toxins. Maintaining an efficient rate of waste removal can help prevent toxins from building up in the liver, gallbladder and bloodstream and bypass associated problems.
Antioxidant effect
Most phytonutrients are high in antioxidants and yellow dock root is no exception. Antioxidants are beneficial because they slow oxidative damage. Oxidative damage is a process that takes place at the cellular level and can be summarized as good cells in your body being attacked by bad cells (free radicals). The outcome of this attack can lead to cellular damage and aging. Antioxidants are nutritional supplements to combat harmful free radicals.
Evaluations of the antioxidant potential of yellow dock root have confirmed that it reduces oxidative stress.[1] A study by the chemistry department of Jamia Hamdard in India showed that yellow dock root has a powerful antioxidant effect; work to scavenge free radicals and prevent oxidative damage, including in liver tissue.[2]
Activity against harmful organisms
Not only is yellow dock root a warship in your antioxidant battalion, some studies have also shown it to be toxic to harmful organisms.[3] Research at the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University has shown that yellow dock root extract provides significant protection against harmful organisms.[4] A similar action has been observed in additional research.[5]
Other Benefits of Yellow Dock Root
Using rats, research from the Department of Pharmacology at Atatürk University in Turkey found that yellow dock root inhibits redness activity and is also non-toxic.[6] In a separate study, researchers also found that yellow dock root relieved discomfort and fever in mice and rabbits; that is interesting.[7]
So does the formal research support the traditional use and oral history surrounding yellow dock? Researchers at the Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology in Ethiopia, a country where it is very common to use herbs and botanicals for medical applications, certainly believe so. They conducted a study to estimate the reliability level or ‘healing potential’ of therapeutic plants. Yellow dock root scored among the highest.[8] For this reason and for its detoxifying and antioxidant properties, I have added yellow dock root as one of the main ingredients Liver Healthmy liver and gallbladder detox formula.
Have you tried adding yellow dock root or another detoxifying herb to your diet? Please tell us about your experience.
†Results may vary. The information and explanations provided are for educational purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a serious medical condition or health problem, consult your doctor.