From boosting your immune system to boosting liver and skin health, the many benefits of yellow dock will have you adding it to your diet.
![yellow dock in a field](https://harmonymeadowhomestead.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Health-Benefits-of-Yellow-Dock-Plus-How-to-Use-It-featured-image.png)
Yellow dock is known as a common weed, however, it can actually help you fill in nutritional gaps.
If you are looking to add a supplement to your diet that will help increase your iron levels, immune function, liver function, and even skin health, yellow dock may be for you!
Add this perennial herb to your diet in the form of salad, tincture, tea, infused vinegar, or even a healing skin cream.
This post is for entertainment and informational purposes only. The information in this post is not meant to diagnose, treat, or in anyway constitute medical advice.
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![a woman holding a yellow dock leaf](https://harmonymeadowhomestead.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Health-Benefits-of-Yellow-Dock-Plus-How-to-Use-It-5.jpg)
What is yellow dock
Scientifically known as Rumex Crispus, this perennial weed is a member of the buckwheat family.
Yellow dock, also known as curly dock or curled dock, grows best in areas with full sun exposure located in moist to dry soil conditions.
Yellow dock will grow in most soil types and can even withstand drought, flooding, and mowing to some degree.
This hearty weed can be used in many herbal preparations including infused oils and creams, tinctures, herbal glycerites, as well as teas.
The parts of the plant that you can use of the yellow dock will largely depend on the time of year that you will be harvesting the plant.
![a yellow dock plant in a pasture](https://harmonymeadowhomestead.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Health-Benefits-of-Yellow-Dock-Plus-How-to-Use-It-11.jpg)
How to harvest and use yellow dock
Leaves
Yellow dock leaves are best when harvested in the spring and early summer, as they can become quite tough and bitter later in the season.
Pick yellow dock leaves and add them to your salad mix for a boost in nutrition and flavor.
Add some leaves to a herbal glycerite.
Chop up yellow dock leaves and use them in your cooking instead of spinach.
You can even make yellow dock chips using the same method you would use for kale chips or lamb’s quarter chips.
![a yellow dock seed head](https://harmonymeadowhomestead.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Health-Benefits-of-Yellow-Dock-Plus-How-to-Use-It-9.jpg)
Stalks
If you want to try eating yellow dock stalks, you will want to eat them in early spring, as well.
Stalks can be eaten raw or blanched. Yellow dock stalks have a slightly tart, lemony flavor.
Add chopped stalks to a salad to give some additional texture and flavor to your bowl.
![yellow dock leaves](https://harmonymeadowhomestead.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Health-Benefits-of-Yellow-Dock-Plus-How-to-Use-It-2.jpg)
Seeds
Yellow dock seeds come to maturity in the fall, so you can begin harvesting them in the fall and throughout the winter.
To harvest the seeds, hold a bowl under the seed head with one hand while gently stripping the seeds off the head and into the bowl.
Very lightly toast the yellow dock seeds in the oven.
Let the seeds cool before grinding them in a coffee grinder or flour mill.
The flour is similar in taste and consistency to buckwheat flour.
roots
Harvest yellow dock roots in the fall and winter (provided that the ground isn’t frozen).
The only thing you can really use yellow dock roots for is to make an alcohol or vinegar tincture.
One thing to note is the flavor of the roots is extremely strong and some people find it to taste rather offensive.
![a yellow dock plant](https://harmonymeadowhomestead.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Health-Benefits-of-Yellow-Dock-Plus-How-to-Use-It-3.jpg)
Health Benefits of Yellow Dock
digestive health
Yellow dock can improve your digestion because it is a bitter herb.
Bitter herbs helps to boost digestion by stimulating salvia production as well as stomach acid and digestive enzyme production. To reap the most digestive benefits from yellow dock, drink some yellow dock tea or take some yellow dock tincture before eating.
This will help start the digestion process even before you start eating.
Yellow dock can also have a slight laxative effect on your body, keeping your food moving after digestion.
![a woman holding a yellow dock leaf](https://harmonymeadowhomestead.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Health-Benefits-of-Yellow-Dock-Plus-How-to-Use-It-4.jpg)
Liver health
Yellow dock contains compounds called glycosides. These compounds are known for their ability to help protect the liver as well as help to stimulate it.
This increase in liver function can help boost the body’s ability to absorb vital nutrients, while also increasing bile production.
anemia (low iron anemia)
Adding yellow dock to your diet can help your body fight anemia (due to insufficient iron levels).
Yellow dock can help increase iron levels because it is rich in bioavailable iron.
If you need to take iron but find OTC iron supplements to be constipating or ineffective, getting iron from a herbal source may a good option for you.
Try taking a tincture that includes yellow dock and other herbs that are high in iron, such as this iron tincture.
![the top of a yellow dock plant](https://harmonymeadowhomestead.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Health-Benefits-of-Yellow-Dock-Plus-How-to-Use-It-12.jpg)
skin health
Yellow dock root may be effective at enhancing immune function, especially when the immune system is struggling because of lymphatic system inflammation and/or liver deficiency.
A salve made from all parts of yellow dock, including the root, can be applied to topically to ease skin problems.
Try it if your skin suffers from swelling, bruising, rashes, fungal infections, insect bites, sores, acne, or eczema.
immune support
Yellow dock can help boost immune function because it is a good source of bioavailable vitamin C.
Taking vitamin C can help you fight or avoid sickness because it is an essential nutrient for your immune system.
Using a bioavailable source of vitamins and minerals, such as yellow dock and other herbs, ensures that your body can actually absorb the nutrients.
![a yellow dock plant in a pasture](https://harmonymeadowhomestead.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Health-Benefits-of-Yellow-Dock-Plus-How-to-Use-It-7.jpg)
Cautions when using yellow dock
Although there are some amazing benefits of yellow dock, there are also a few complications that could occur if you are allergic to it.
When using any part of yellow dock, make sure you watch for signs of the following:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- stomach cramps
- vomiting
- excessive urination
- skin irritation
If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition, make sure that you check with your health provider before drinking or ingesting yellow dock.
Happy Foraging!
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