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Yellow dock goes by many names, including Rumux crispus, Curly Dock and Garden Patience. Yellow Dock Tea is a decoction of the bitter but delicious root that is high in iron and highly bioavailable. This “iron wine” is a natural, herbal remedy for anemia.
Four years ago I was diagnosed with anemia. My doctor put me on three cups of yellow dock root tea a day. This article shares how and why.
What are the health benefits of yellow dock root tea?
In addition to being a potent source of iron, yellow dock has the following health benefits:
- aids low stomach acid
- helps the liver to regenerate and cleanse
- provides detox support
- improves digestion
- benefits immune system
- balances hormones (helps to eliminate excess estrogen)
- provides energy during menses
- supports healthy blood sugar levels
- is a prebiotic food, beneficial for colon health
- relieves constipation and diarrhea
- adds soil minerals to the diet
- used topically, helps with acne and psoriasis
- is excellent for arthritis and issues of inflammation
Yellow dock is a digestive stimulant that affects bile production.
Interestingly, yellow dock not only contains high levels of iron, it increases the uptake of other iron-rich foods. Therefore, a wonderful anemia remedy includes other iron-rich ingredients: burdock root, dandelion root, nettles and molasses. A dark brew made from these five ingredients is a wonderful approach to getting one’s iron levels up quickly.
In general, humans absorb less than 1% of the iron they consume. Adding yellow dock root to meals, or drinking this tea, can improve one’s iron levels effectively.
What’s yellow dock tea taste like?
Yellow Dock Tea is STRONG — like what black coffee must taste like to a young child, bitter and dry.
Getting the right ratio of root to water takes some figuring. Sweetened, yellow dock becomes palatable. Because I’ve come to love this strong tea, I’m eager to share with you not only this whole food remedy, but also the recipe: how to make yellow dock tea delicious and enjoyable.
I share below how to make the herbal decoction: healing tea from a woodsy root.
Can yellow dock root be mixed with other herbs?
Yes! Yellow dock is synergistic with several other herbs, including burdock root.
I add ground burdock root to yellow dock to make the simple brew more delicious and beneficial nutritionally.
An adaptogenic herb, burdock has been recognized for centuries for its unique cleansing and restorative qualities. Burdock helps with the breakdown of toxins and the elimination of waste. These properties align it well with yellow dock, which cleanses the liver. Burdock, too, is bitter, and it, too, stimulates the liver and gall bladder to produce and release digestive juices.
Burdock is also used to heal skin conditions, kidney disease and is beneficial in cancer treatment and prevention.
For our purposes with this tea, burdock root is high in vitamin C. Vitamin C aids in the absorption of iron.
Find bulk, organic bulk burdock root here. I use powdered burdock root in my kitchen and in this recipe. You can grind your burdock root in your coffee grinder, or find powdered burdock root here.
Two other herbs work well with yellow dock:
- Dandelion root is high in iron and stimulates bile production. Dandelion gently improves liver and gall bladder health, then benefiting skin and hormone health. (Many other benefits are also attributed to dandelion, including its ability to reduce inflammation and its anticancer effects.) Find organic bulk dandelion root here.
- Nettle leaf is high in highly digestible iron, easy to assimilate. Nettle leaf is rich in minerals and a wonderful herb to include in one’s daily regimen. Nettles help to relieve stress, improve digestion, as well as aiding liver health. Nettle leaf is considered a superstar in treating anemia and the fatigue caused by iron deficiency. I include nettles in a variation you will find in the Recipe Notes below. Find organic bulk nettle leaf here.
Can you cook with yellow dock?
Powdered yellow dock can also be mixed into curry powders. Curry with yellow dock once a week is recommended by herbalist Ryan Drum to gradually improve one’s iron levels.
Find powdered yellow dock here. Or grind dried yellow dock root to a fine powder in your coffee grinder.
Vanilla Extract
I also make Yellow Dock Tea with vanilla extract, for two reasons: One, the vanilla flavor makes the hot beverage more palatable. Two, the alcohol in vanilla extract helps to pull the healing properties from yellow dock root.
YELLOW DOCK TEA RECIPE
Print Recipe
5 from 13 votes
Yellow Dock Tea for Anemia
Yellow dock is synergistic with several other herbs, including burdock root. I like to add ground burdock, when I have it on hand, for a more delicious brew. The vanilla extract is added to the decoction because the alcohol in it helps pull the healing properties from the yellow dock root. The vanilla flavor makes the drink more palatable.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time1 hr 20 mins
Course: 3 x daily, Beverage, Breakfast
Cuisine: American, European
Keyword: anemia, iron, remedy, tea, yellow dock, yellow dock root
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 15kcal
Author: Megan
Cost: .75
Equipment
saucepan
strainer
Ingredients
- 6 cups water divided
- 3 Tablespoons yellow dock root
- 2 Tablespoons burdock root , ground to a powder (optional)
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- raw honey or stevia, to taste
Instructions
Boil 4 cups water, yellow dock and vanilla for 15 minutes.
Turn off the heat, stir in burdock and cover.
Allow the brew to steep for 30 to 60 minutes.
Add remaining 2 cups water and reheat to serve.
Pour through a strainer. Sweeten to taste with honey or stevia.
Notes
Variation with dandelion, nettles and molasses:
- Use 8 cups water total.
- Boil 6 cups water. Add 3 Tablespoons dandelion root with the yellow dock root and vanilla (follow recipe above).
- Stir in 3 Tablespoons nettles with the burdock.
- Add 1 Tablespoon molasses with your sweetener of choice.
Nutrition
Calories: 15kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 23mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 9mg
What variations and other herbs taste good with yellow dock?
I have also learned to add hibiscus.
High in Vitamin C, hibiscus adds a lovely, rich, fruity note and helps the iron to assimilate.
To the recipe above, add 2 tablespoons of loose hibiscus petals during the last 10 minutes of steeping. If you wish, sweeten with raw honey. The addition of hibiscus makes a delicious cup of nutrient-dense tea.
You can find yellow dock root here and hibiscus here.
Can you drink too much yellow dock tea?
Yellow dock is moderately high in oxalates. Yellow dock can be used in small amounts for short periods of time or intermittently. Some sources warn it should not be consumed long term. Yellow dock should be avoided or used with caution when a history of kidney stones is present.
One of the best approaches to high oxalate foods and many herbs is to rotate them. Provide variety for the body to prevent excess.
Please consult your healthcare practitioner before beginning any new herb or healing protocol.
Regarding pregnancy, most herbalists agree that yellow dock may be safer than the ferrous sulfate found in iron supplements, which cause constipation. Ask your practitioner about using Yellow Dock tea or tincture (1 teaspoon daily, in divided doses) combined with iron and vitamin C-rich foods to gently and safely raise iron levels. (source)
What if you don’t want to drink the tea? Is there an alternative?
If you prefer an alternative to tea, here’s how to make a tincture from yellow dock root.
Find Herb Pharm’s Yellow Dock tincture here.
What’s a long term solution for anemia?
The root cause of anemia varies patient to patient, but one new finding points to the liver’s capacity for vitamin A storage.
Glyphosate (the poison commonly used in conventional farming) impedes the body’s detoxification mechanisms, which may contribute to chronic vitamin A toxicity over time. (source)
Eating “the rainbow” (colorful foods like kale and red bell peppers), as well as super foods like liver or cod liver oil, adds excessive vitamin A. The theory of vitamin A toxicity speculates that the liver pushes iron out to make room for the storage of vitamin A. Excess vitamin A may cause not only anemia, but also eczema, (ironically) eye health issues, mental health issues, kidney problems and much more.
A temporary low vitamin A diet relieved my iron deficiency. While more testing of this theory is needed, it may be helpful to consider the Vitamin A Detox diet (read more here) as a long term solution for anemia.
Other factors in the causes of anemia include pathogen overgrowth, specifically SIBO, and Celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.
How to have your iron levels checked?
Where to start before you supplement? Iron is measured with a ferritin blood test. Doctors don’t always test for ferritin.
Doctors’ recommendations for ideal levels of ferritin vary significantly, from 40-70 mcg/L to 70-150 for optimal health. Iron can be too low or too high. Ask your doctor for a copy of your blood work to see if you’ve been tested and what your numbers are.
Also ask your doctor for these iron values tested along with ferritin:
- Serum iron
- % iron saturation
- TIBC (Total iron binding capacity)
If the above three are elevated, then the blood and cells are saturated with iron, and it isn’t being used properly by your body. This could be attributed to liver or thyroid issues, B12 or folate deficiency. We shouldn’t supplement with iron until we understand these values.
If the % iron saturation and TIBC are low and serum iron is normal or low along with low ferritin, then it may be ideal to start supplementing with iron. These values can be checked every 6 weeks.
Have you used yellow dock as an herbal remedy for anemia?
Additional Sources
http://www.medherb.com/Materia_Medica/Rumex-crispus-and-iron.html
https://ptfarm.pl/pub/File/Acta_Poloniae/2012/3/487.pdf
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20623623
https://theherbalacademy.com/local-materia-medica-yellow-dock /
https://theherbalacademy.com/a-family-herb-stinging-nettle-leaf-uses /
https://www.thepracticalherbalist.com/holistic-medicine-library/medicinal-properties-and-use-of-burdock /
https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Burdock-Cid2155
https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/dandelion-herb-benefits.html
https://drhedberg.com/the-ferritin-test /
Drum, R. Rumex crispus [Video]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p693JHH5yFo
Ganora, L. Herbal Constituents
Tierra, M. The Ways of Herbs
Wood, M. The Earthwise Herbal
FAQs
Can you drink yellow dock tea daily? ›
Yellow dock is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when consumed in amounts found in food. Taking too much yellow dock can cause diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, excessive urination, skin irritation, and low blood levels of potassium and calcium.
Is yellow dock good for anemia? ›Rumex crispus (yellow dock) is a flowering plant belonging to the Polygonaceae family. Its roots contain iron so it is frequently used in Western herbal medicine as a cure for anaemia, while the leaves have laxative as well as antitussive properties.
How do you drink yellow dock root? ›It can be taken as a tincture to support the digestive system, including the liver and gallbladder. Yellow dock is helpful for constipation and doesn't create any dependency issues. Combine 2 parts yellow dock root, 1 part dandelion root, and 1 part licorice root. Prepare as a decoction and drink 3 cups a day.
How often should you drink yellow dock tea? ›Dosages traditionally used include 2 to 4 tablespoons of the fresh root, or 2 to 4 g of the dry root in a tea 3 times a day for no longer than 8 to 10 days.
Does yellow dock detox the liver? ›Liver Health
Also high in antioxidants, Yellow Dock works to scavenge oxidative damage and stress caused by free radicals, including within liver tissue. Regular consumption of this herb will stimulate the detoxification process in liver and boost the production of bile.
Drinking yellow tea in the afternoon is ideal. It may also help improve the immune system.
How many times a day should you drink herbal tea? ›Herbal teas are not produced from the Camellia sinensis plant; instead, they are made from a variety of herbs. They are naturally caffeine-free, so you can safely drink 6 to 8 cups a day without having to worry about potential caffeine side effects.
How long to steep yellow dock tea? ›2 to 5 min.
What is the best thing to drink for anemia? ›- Floradix. Although not technically a beverage, Floradix is a liquid iron supplement that's a good choice for people with low iron stores. ...
- Prune juice. ...
- Aviva Romm's iron tonic. ...
- Green juice. ...
- Pea protein shakes. ...
- Cocoa and beef liver smoothie. ...
- Spinach, cashew, and raspberry smoothie.
- Prune Juice. Dried plums, also known as prunes, are a rich source of plant-based iron. ...
- Beetroot Juice. ...
- Pea Protein Shakes. ...
- Spinach, Cashew, Coconut and Raspberry Smoothie. ...
- Pumpkin Juice. ...
- Mulberry Smoothie. ...
- Flaxseed and Sesame Smoothie. ...
- Beet and Orange Smoothie.
What plant is used to fight anemia? ›
| S/N | Botanical name | Part used |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amaranthus hybridus L. | Leaves |
| 2 | Ozoroa reticulate (Baker f.) R and A. Fern | Root |
| 3 | Uvaria acuminate Oliv. | Roots |
| 4 | Cocos nucifera L. | Roots, leaves |
Pour 1 cup of water (approximately 8oz) into the saucepan. Add ½ tablespoon of Yellow root and let it simmer. Let it steep for 15 minutes.
What vitamins are in yellow dock root? ›Nutrition. Some sources have found that yellow dock is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins A and C. These vitamins are antioxidants, contributing to the yellow dock's detoxification benefits. Yellow dock is also a source of potassium, which helps with fluid regulation in the body.
Can you drink yellow root everyday? ›There is no clinical evidence to support dosing recommendations for yellow root. Doses of 0.5 to 1 tsp of the powdered root bark taken up to 3 times a day have been documented.
Is it better to drink herbal tea in the morning or at night? ›While there is some evidence that the body is better able to absorb nutrients during sleep, the difference is likely negligible. If you choose to drink tea, you can enjoy the potential benefits at any time of the day or night. Some people experience a calming effect after drinking a warm, cup of tea before bedtime.
Is yellow dock good for kidneys? ›Kidney stones: Yellow dock contains a chemical that can bind with calcium and form crystals that can damage the kidneys.
Should I drink herbal tea morning or night? ›The best time to drink tea is an hour after breakfast or lunch, or in the evening along with some snacks. Nutritionists suggest alternatives like juice (without sugar), water infused with herbs, honey or lemon, or just plain warm water first thing in the morning to help kickstart your day.
What flushes toxins out of the liver? ›Garlic: Garlic contains selenium, a mineral that helps to detoxify the liver. It also has the ability to activate liver enzymes that can help your body naturally flush out toxins. Citrus Fruits: Fruits like grapefruit, oranges, limes and lemons all boost the liver's cleansing ability.
What drinks clean your liver? ›- Coffee. Coffee is good for the liver, especially because it protects against issues such as fatty liver disease. ...
- Ginger and lemon drink. ...
- Oatmeal drink. ...
- Tumeric drink. ...
- Green tea. ...
- Grapefruit drink.
Morning: Black Tea
And the next time you're about to reach for that cup of coffee, give Black Tea a try. Why? It has a dark, rich flavor with energizing caffeine levels. The L-Theanine in tea helps to give you a mindful boost without the crash that will leave you in an afternoon lull.
How long before bed should you not drink tea? ›
For most people, caffeine should be avoided for four to six hours before bedtime, as this is how long it takes the body to metabolize half of your (caffeine) consumption. 2 If you are highly sensitive to the stimulant, you might consider cutting it out after noon (or perhaps entirely).
Can I drink yellow tea at night? ›Although the caffeine content in Lipton tea is only half as much caffeine as coffee does, it has the ability to stimulate the central nervous system to prevent drowsiness. Therefore, to ensure your sleep is not affected, you should avoid drinking tea at night.
What is the healthiest herbal tea to drink daily? ›Squeezing Out Tea Bags
Because of the high levels of tannic acid in tea, you're actually making the tea more bitter. It's not only weakening the taste, but it's also wearing the strength of the tea bags itself. By squeezing it, you run the risk of tearing the bag and releasing some of the tea leaves into your cup.
Green Tea. Green tea is often touted as the healthiest tea. It is chock full of polyphenols and antioxidants that help to boost brain and heart health. Green tea is considered one of the least processed true teas as it does not undergo oxidation.
What happens if you steep tea too long? ›Steep the tea for too long, and you'll end up with an unpleasantly strong, bitter cup. Steep the tea for too short a time, and you'll have a weak, flavorless cup of tea. Making matters even more complicated, different teas require different steep times in order to bring out their best flavor.
How long should you let herbal tea steep? ›Herbal bag tea has its own recommendations. We recommend brewing for 3-5 minutes. Dried herbal tea can steep up to 15 minutes. Fresh herbal tea can steep 5-15 minutes for tender herbs and 15-30 minutes for grated/chopped herbs.
What does yellow root cure? ›The yellow root has been used for intestinal diarrhea, also known as diarrhea, dyspepsia, peptic ulcers, and traveler's indigestion. The Cherokees also boil the root in a tea to use for digestive ailments.
What is the fastest way to cure iron deficiency anemia? ›- dark-green leafy vegetables like watercress and curly kale.
- cereals and bread with extra iron in them (fortified)
- meat.
- dried fruit like apricots, prunes and raisins.
- pulses (beans, peas and lentils)
- Take iron tablets on an empty stomach. If possible, take your iron tablets when your stomach is empty. ...
- Don't take iron with antacids. Medications that immediately relieve heartburn symptoms can interfere with the absorption of iron. ...
- Take iron tablets with vitamin C. Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron.
What can I drink to get my iron up fast? ›
- Apple juice.
- Apricot nectar.
- Beef broth.
- Beet juice.
- Cocoa using natural cocoa powder.
- “Green” smoothies. Usually containing ingredients such as kale, spinach, celery, Swiss chard, wheatgrass, cucumber, parsley, and mint. ...
- Orange juice.
- Grapefruits juice.
Iron-rich drinks include apple juice, apricot nectar, beef broth, beet juice, cocoa using natural cocoa powder, “green” smoothies, orange juice, pea protein smoothies, prune juice, tomato juice, and spinach juice.
What tea is good for iron deficiency? ›Nettle Tea: Nettle leaves are used to brew both hot and cold teas. Nettle tea is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron.
Is pineapple juice good for anemia? ›Orange and pineapple are good sources of Vitamin C. They may not be the direct suppliers of iron in the body but they contribute to enhancing the status of iron in the body.
Which herb is highest in iron? ›Dandelion
Its leaves not only contain high levels of iron, but they also enhance the body's ability to absorb this important mineral.
dried fruits, such as prunes, figs, and apricots. nuts.
Does yellow root lower blood pressure? ›Some of which include, as a mouthwash, tea, tinctures, eyewashes, salves, douches, and even ear drops. Can also be used to treat female health conditions including PMS and yeast infections. It has also been found that it can be helpful in lowering blood pressure.
What is another name for yellow root? ›Yellowroot is botanically named Xanthorhiza simplicissima and is a member of the Ranunculaceae or Buttercup Family. With over 43 genera and 2,000 species, Yellowroot is definitely the odd member at family gatherings since it is monotypic, claiming only one species for the genus.
What parts of yellow dock are edible? ›Edible Parts
Yellow dock's leaves can be cooked at any time so long as they are green. Leaves can be added to salads, cooked as a potherb or added to soups and stews. Stems can be consumed raw or cooked but they are best peeled and the inner portion consumed. Seeds can be eaten raw or cooked once they are brown.
Natural liver support and detoxification. Benefits Offers antioxidant support Helps to maintain overall health and well-being Helps decrease toxic burden A natural way to cleanse your liver... Natural liver support and detoxification.
Does yellow root help with inflammation? ›
It's believed that yellow root can calm irritation to the mucous membranes. So, you'll often find it recommended for use as an eyewash or as a respiratory treatment. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergies like hayfever, asthma, and laryngitis.
Can you chew yellow root? ›Yellow Root can be chewed as a general antiseptic tonic or made into a mouthwash or tea beneficial to the gastric system, or a sore and ulcerated mouth. Also used for sore throats and colds.
How long do you steep yellow dock tea? ›2 to 5 min.
What part of yellow dock is used? ›Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) is a common weed found in Serbia, Korea, and China. The leaf stalks are used in salads. The root and fruits are used as medicine.
Can you steep your tea too long? ›Steep the tea for too long, and you'll end up with an unpleasantly strong, bitter cup. Steep the tea for too short a time, and you'll have a weak, flavorless cup of tea. Making matters even more complicated, different teas require different steep times in order to bring out their best flavor.
How long should you let a tea bag steep? ›Place a tea bag in your favorite cup or mug. Bring water to a rolling boil and immediately pour over your tea bag. Steep for a good 3 to 5 minutes. (Great taste can't be rushed—it really does take the full time to release the tea's entire flavor.)
How many minutes should you steep tea? ›Pour the water over the tea and steep for 3 to 7 minutes
Herbal infusions need the most steeping (5 to 7 minutes); white teas need the least (just a minute or two). For every other tea (black, green, oolong, dark), you can probably get away with 3 minutes.
Yellow dock leaves make a tangy, delicious addition to omelets, frittatas, quiches, soups, curries, stir-fries, and pasta dishes like lasagna. Stems of larger leaves can be tough, so it's best to remove them before cooking. You can also add the plant's root to various recipes, such as soup or roasted roots.
Is yellow dock poisonous? ›Ingestion of any part of the curly dock plant causes mild poisoning manifested in gastrointestinal disturbances such as vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea. A serious or potentially fatal condition can occur only with chronic ingestion or if large amounts of the plant are consumed at once.
What does yellow root do for the body? ›Use. Yellow root has been used in folk medicine as a yellow dye and for multiple conditions, including mouth infections and sore throat, diabetes, and childbirth. Yellow root has also been used for its antibiotic, immunostimulant, anticonvulsant, sedative, hypotensive, uterotonic, and choleretic properties.
Can you eat yellow dock raw? ›
This is why with foraging it's important to try species from varying locations! Regardless, dock leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. When the plant sends up a stem, the basal leaves generally become too tough and bitter to eat, but those on the stem may be palatable. However, the best portion is the stem itself!
What does yellow dock taste like? ›What is this? Dock petioles (or leaf stems) are the small stalks that attach each individual leaf to the base of the plant. These are eaten raw and supposedly taste like rhubarb.
Can you eat yellow dock root? ›However, both plants have in the past been called 'yellow dock' from the color of the roots, which even William Cook notes are practically indistinguishable from each other. (The roots, not the foliage.) So, are these dock roots edible? The short answer is yes.
Is yellow root tea good for high blood pressure? ›Can also be used to treat female health conditions including PMS and yeast infections. It has also been found that it can be helpful in lowering blood pressure.