Yellow Dock
OTHER NAME(S): curled dock, Rumex crispus, yellow dock
Overview
Yellow dock is a plant called Rumex crispus. The roots of the plant are used to make teas and dietary supplements. Although they may be used for various health purposes, their benefits are not well defined. Common side effects may include loose stools, diarrhea, or an upset stomach. The uncooked leaves and stems of yellow dock, which are sometimes eaten as food, may increase the risk of kidney stones. Before taking yellow dock, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is yellow dock used for?
Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) may be used for various health purposes. However, its benefits for any use are not well defined.
Note: The FDA has not reviewed yellow dock for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does yellow dock work (mechanism of action)?
The leaves and stems of the plant are sometimes eaten as food, while its roots are often used to make tea or dietary supplements. Although yellow dock is sometimes used for health purposes, very little research has been done to understand how it may work in the body. It is not clear whether it is helpful for any use.
Herbal products, such as yellow dock, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific yellow dock product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.
How should I store yellow dock?
You should store yellow dock according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of yellow dock?
The most common side effects of yellow dock are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Loose stool (poop) or diarrhea
- Upset stomach
There may be other side effects of yellow dock that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of yellow dock?
While less common, the most serious side effects of yellow dock are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Yellow dock may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking yellow dock and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Kidney Stones.Uncooked yellow dock leaves and stems contain large amounts of oxalates, which can increase the risk of kidney stones. Cooking the leaves and stems reduces the oxalate levels so that they are safe to eat. However, they may still increase your risk of kidney stones, especially if you have had kidney stones in the past. Drinking plenty of water while eating cooked yellow dock can help prevent kidney stones. Tell your health care provider right away if you have severe pain in your side or back or have blood in your urine (pee). Yellow dock roots, which are used to make teas and dietary supplements, do not increase the risk for kidney stones.
Precautions
Who should not use yellow dock?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take yellow dock.
- Curled dock
- Rumex crispus
- Yellow dock
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific yellow dock products they stock.
What should I know about yellow dock before using it?
Yellow dock may be eaten as a food and is also available as a tea or dietary supplement. These products cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep yellow dock out of the reach of children.
Herbal products, such as yellow dock, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific yellow dock product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during its growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
The raw (uncooked) leaves and stems of yellow dock contain chemicals called oxalates that may burn your mouth, throat, and stomach if taken in large amounts. They may also cause kidney stones. Most dietary supplements and teas that contain yellow dock are made from the roots of the plant, which do not contain large amounts of oxalates. It is important to read the label to check which part of the plant was used to make that product.
Yellow dock root is available in many different forms, including as a tea, dried ground powder, liquid extract, and more. Each of these forms contains different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.
The FDA has not tested yellow dock products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using yellow dock?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if yellow dock is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- High phosphorus levels (hyperphosphatemia)
- Kidney problems, including kidney stones
- Liver problems
Other Medicines and Supplements.Yellow dock may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking yellow dock, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how yellow dock could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if yellow dock passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does yellow dock interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between yellow dock and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect yellow dock.
Does yellow dock interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
The interactions between yellow dock and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with yellow dock is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking yellow dock with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much yellow dock?
If you or someone else has used too much yellow dock, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take yellow dock safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine: “Herbal teas and thrombocytopenia: a curious case of yellow dock and burdock-induced thrombocytopenia.”
- Gardner, Z., McGuffin, M. Botanical Safety Handbook (Second Edition), American Herbal Products Association, 2013.
- International Journal of Analytical Chemistry: “Phytochemical composition, antioxidant, antiacetylcholinesterase, and cytotoxic activities of Rumex crispus L.”
- Life: “Anti-proliferative and apoptotic activities of Rumex crispus.”
- Molecules: “Evaluation of α-glucosidase inhibition and antihyperglycemic activity of extracts obtained from leaves and flowers of Rumex crispus L.”
- National Kidney Foundation: “Herbal Supplements and Kidney Disease.”
- Planta Medicine: “More than just a weed: an exploration of the antimicrobial activity of Rumex crispus using a multivariate data analysis approach.”