Yellow Dock or Curly Dock (Rumex crispus) is harvested for it’s roots or mucilaginous new leaves in its leaf sheath. I haven’t seen many of these on my walks and I’ll be sure to leave them, because harvesting a plant for its root obviously destroys it. Not that I’ve been harvesting many of my finds, I like the challenge of writing more than the challenge of making.
Curly dock is mostly known as a cleansing herb because it is a stimulating cholagogue and mild laxative. But in small amounts, it is also good to help inflammatory conditions of the entire GI tract from mouth ulcers to persistent diarrhea.It is also used to help treat iron deficiency anemia because it is a minor source of iron and assists in the absorption of iron. The mucilaginous leaves can be used externally as a healing application.
This herb is actually not something I use, even though it is more of a gentle laxative. In my opinion, there are far more important aspects of gut wall improvement that need to be performed for long lasting relief. Furthermore, I don’t see that high doses of chologogues to stimulate the aperient actions, provide more than temporary relief for chronic situations. Acutely, however, this herb can be very helpful.
Jen Williamson, ND is a native of Buffalo, New York who earned her Bachelor of Science at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania and a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. While in medical school, she became very involved in the student community, most notably as the President of the Student Government Association. For her service, upon graduation she was given the Outstanding Leadership Award.
In the spirit of Docere, the Naturopathic principle of the doctor’s role as teacher, Dr. Williamson was an adjunct professor in the Complementary and Alternative Therapies program at Daemen College. She has had articles in a variety of publications, including Naturopathic Doctor News and Review, SheKnows.com, local Buffalo magazines and papers, as well as her own newsletter, blog and website. While practicing in Buffalo, she also offered over 30 different classes to the public at various events and locations.
In 2012, Dr. Williamson moved to Vermont to expand her practice of Naturopathic Medicine as well as provide an atmosphere that resonates with her medicine for her son, Victor, and husband, David. As a Primary Care Physician at Avalon Natural Medicine, Dr. Williamson focuses on mental/emotional, gastrointestinal, and endocrine disorders. Most of her treatment plans include a combination of nutritional, herbal and homeopathic remedies, but she has also received additional training in Hair Trace Mineral Analysis and Bowel Nosodes.