Yellow Dock

Why You Need It

• Iron Absorption: Contains compounds that significantly improve how your body utilizes dietary iron.
• Gentle Detox: Stimulates bile flow and supports liver function to clear metabolic waste.
• Digestive Tonic: Relieves mild constipation and acts as a bitter appetizer to stimulate hunger.
• Skin Health: By cleaning the blood and liver, it helps resolve chronic skin conditions like eczema.

Deep Dive

Yellow dock works primarily through its active compound, emodin. When ingested, emodin stimulates the muscles of the digestive tract and increases bile secretion. This bile is crucial because it binds to iron in the intestines, allowing it to be absorbed into the bloodstream rather than passing through as waste. Unlike harsh laxatives, yellow dock is considered a 'tonic,' meaning it strengthens the digestive system over time with regular use.

Natural Food Sources

Yellow Dock is not a dietary food like spinach or broccoli; it is a medicinal herb. It is typically wild-harvested or cultivated specifically for medicinal use.

Supplementation

When to supplement:

• If you have diagnosed iron-deficiency anemia but struggle with the constipation caused by iron pills.
• If you suffer from chronic sluggishness or poor digestion.

Forms:

• Tea: Simmer 1-2 teaspoons of chopped dried root in 1 cup of water for 15-20 minutes.
• Tincture: 1-2 mL diluted in water, 3 times daily.
• Capsules: 500mg standardized extract.