Yellow Dock Root is one of the best sources of naturally available iron. It concentrates iron from the earth and combines it with the vitamins and minerals needed for the best absorption in our bodies.
According to Susun Weed, rises in the hematocrit (a measure of iron in our blood) of as much as a point a week are reported by women taking this iron tonic during pregnancy and after hemorrhage.
And unlike prescription or synthetic forms of iron, Yellow Dock is not constipating. As a matter of fact, it’s gentle stool softening properties gently help to relieve constipation. It is a wonderful liver detoxifier, blood cleanser, and is helpful in clearing chronic skin problems.
Herb Lore uses Yellow Dock Root as one of the main herbs in its Iron Tonic Tincture.
If you’d like to make a plain Yellow Dock Root Tonic at home, here are the directions:
To Make Yellow Dock Root Tonic
2 oz. Yellow Dock Root
4 tbsp. honey
2 tbsp. brandy or other liqueur for taste (optional)
Put the roots in a quart jar, fill completely with boiling water. Cap well and let sit for eight hours or overnight. Strain herb material out and discard. Steam liquid over a very low flame until it is reduced to one cup. Do not boil or simmer. Add honey and stir until it dissolves. Turn up the fire and bring the mixture just to a boil, and pour it boiling hot into a very clean jar. Add your liqueur for flavoring if you like now. Cap, cool, and store your tonic in the refrigerator. The suggested dose is 1-2 tablespoons daily.
If this sounds like more work that you’re up for, the Iron Tonic Tincture would be a great alternative.
As mentioned before, Yellow Dock Root is one of the main ingredients in Herb Lore’s Iron Tonic Tincture, a highly effective and quick-acting combination noted for its high iron content and for its success in increasing iron levels in the blood.
Unlike other forms of iron supplementation, Iron Tonic and Yellow Dock Root will not constipate, due to Yellow Dock’s gentle stool softening properties. With a tincture, you simply take the drops under the tongue and that’s it. The non-alcohol tincture is a great and very effective choice for children.
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written by Pam Caldwell
Certified Herbalist — Fertility, Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum & Lactation Specialist