Fall Into Yourself: The Magic of Yellow Dock

By Laura Elvira DiNardo, CH

November 2006

Fall is the time of year we start the journey into the unknown part of ourselves. For some of us there is a little bit of a struggle and others go kicking and screaming, some just deny the winter while the bold embrace the change in all of its glory. This is a great time to remember no matter what phase we are in, there are allies among us in the plant world to help guide and direct our bodies, minds, and spirits in the direction we choose to go.

In the month of November I like to call upon our friend Rumex crispus, Yellow Dock. I remember my first introduction to this over 5 years ago in a field in Boulder. We were taught how to sing to this plant and to ask permission before harvesting.

When choosing your Yellow Dock root you should pick a young plant, a first yearling. Dig carefully around the root as to not break it too soon. Then, with your feet planted firmly in the dirt, pull on the root, rocking back and forth and side to side, pressing against the earth for leverage. I can still remember the smell of the root as it was released from the soil so bright yellow with streaks of orange. The more color the more medicine it has to offer. I pulled so hard that I fell over and landed on my bum rolling on my back. After the initial shock of the fall I stayed lying there with the plant still in my hand staring up at the clear blue Colorado sky knowing I was participating in an old tradition new to me and that gratitude tingled my every cell.

Yellow Dock traditionally is used internally to treat a sluggish liver, as a blood cleanser and builder, cystic acne, constipation, poor fat absorption, and iron-deficiency anemia. Yellow Dock helps one to prepare the body for the winter. It needs to be taken for a month to really feel its effects. The energetics of this plant are profoundly helpful in settling oneself into the body. You may start to feel a shift and maybe experience a slight detoxifying effect in the first week. Sometimes a condition may get a little worse before it gets better, but it does clear up as you truly spend quality time with this plant. So is the same for our spirit, Yellow Dock helps clear the mental clutter that can happen during this time of year, making the transition into the dark cycle smoother. It grounds us into our root, strong in the core center of our bodies, corresponding with the 3rd charka, self power, and yellow.

***Folky Recipe***

Handful of fresh Yellow Dock root
or 2 tablespoons dried root
Fill your crock pot with cool spring water, add the root, say your blessings and turn on low. Let it sit over night and ladle out a big cup for the morning adding a tablespoon of black strap molasses to the cup and enjoy. You can leave the crock pot on for a while. It won't burn, it just gets darker. The dried root is more bitter than the fresh. If you do not have a crock pot use a large pot instead. Cover and set on the lowest heat for 4-6 hours. Strain and enjoy. Re-heat as needed.
Drink 8-10 oz. a day, 3-5 days a week

***Liver Tonic Recipe***

1 tablespoon Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus)
1 tablespoon Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)
1 tablespoon Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale)
Mix the roots together place in a pot adding 4 cups of cool water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain and enjoy.
This formula can be used to help clear liver congestion, aid in digestion, moisten the skin, and rid the body of excess fluids.
You can always come into the shop and talk with any herbalist on staff to help guide you in formulating a fall tonic that best suits your needs.

Happy Transitions!
Laura Elvira DiNardo, CH

Back to the Library Index