Yellow Dock Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More
What is this page for?
First and foremost: how Yellow Dock interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Yellow Dock is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.
But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Yellow Dock is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Check Yellow Dock against your medication
Add one medicationYellow Dock Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line
From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026Based on the available evidence, Yellow Dock drug interactions carry a meaningful risk for people taking certain heart or fluid medications, especially when the supplement is used long-term or in large amounts. Nearly all of the listed interactions are rated major, driven by yellow dock's potential to lower potassium with chronic or heavy use.
The interactions that matter most involve digoxin and diuretics (water pills). Used heavily or over time, yellow dock may lower potassium levels, which can raise the risk of digoxin toxicity and add to the potassium loss diuretics already cause. There is also a weaker, theoretical concern with warfarin: in large amounts, yellow dock acts as a mild laxative, and the resulting diarrhea could increase warfarin's effect and the chance of bleeding.
The long list of interacting medications mostly reflects one shared issue, potassium loss, spread across the many diuretic drugs available. These effects are predicted from how yellow dock works in the body rather than confirmed in human interaction studies, and they mainly apply to chronic or high-dose use rather than occasional use in typical amounts.
Based on HelloPharmacist’s Yellow Dock interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.
Drugs that interact with Yellow Dock
78 medications have a known interaction with Yellow Dock, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.
76 major interactions. These combinations can be clinically significant — best avoided, or used only with close professional supervision. Always check with your pharmacist before combining them with Yellow Dock.
Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.
Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Yellow Dock using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.
AI summaries are generated from our Yellow Dock interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
No drugs match “”.
What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean
Severity — How Serious It Can Be
- Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
- Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
- Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
- No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.
Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented
- Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
- Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
- Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
- Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
Where This Data Comes From
- Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
- Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Yellow Dock combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
- Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The kinds of drugs Yellow Dock affects
Every type of medication (drug category) Yellow Dock is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Theoretically, yellow dock might increase the risk of digoxin toxicity when used long-term or in large amount.
When yellow dock is used chronically or in large amounts, hypokalemia may occur. This might increase the toxic effects of digoxin.
Diuretic Drugs
Theoretically, yellow dock might increase the risk of hypokalemia when taken with diuretics.
When yellow dock is used chronically or in large amounts, hypokalemia may occur, and overuse of yellow dock might compound diuretic-induced potassium loss.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Theoretically, the laxative effects of yellow dock might increase the effects of warfarin, including the risk of bleeding.
The anthraquinones in yellow dock have a mild stimulant laxative effect. Consuming excessive amounts can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin, increase international normalized ratio (INR), and increase the risk of bleeding.
Yellow Dock: Uses, Safety & Side Effects
Yellow dock is a traditional herb used mostly as a mild laxative and a digestive and skin tonic. Good-quality human studies are lacking, so its benefits are largely unproven, and its naturally occurring oxalates and anthraquinones mean it should be used cautiously and not long-term.
- Scientific name
- Rumex crispus
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Part used
- Root (rhizome); leaves are sometimes used
- Common forms
- Capsules, tinctures, liquid extracts, dried root for tea, and sometimes topical ointments
- Constipation
- Digestive support
- Skin conditions
- Iron-deficiency or 'blood-building' tonic
- Liver and detox support
Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.
May act as a laxative and contains oxalates; use short-term and with care.
When used orally; avoid using. Yellow dock contains anthraquinone glycosides; unstandardized laxatives are not desirable during pregnancy.
Read the full pregnancy detailWhen used orally; avoid using. Anthraquinones are secreted into breast milk.
Read the full breastfeeding detailPregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.
Overview
Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) is a flowering plant in the buckwheat family. It is also sometimes called curly dock because of its wavy-edged leaves. It grows as a common weed in fields, roadsides, and disturbed soil across North America, Europe, and many other parts of the world.
The part most often used is the deep yellow root. People dry and grind it for teas, or take it as capsules, tinctures, and liquid extracts. In folk and traditional herbal practice, yellow dock has long been used as a gentle laxative and as a general tonic for digestion, the skin, and the liver.
How it works
Yellow dock root contains anthraquinone compounds, which are the same general type of substance found in other plant laxatives like senna. These may stimulate the bowel and produce a laxative effect. The root also has bitter compounds that may stimulate digestive juices, and tannins that have an astringent (tightening) action.
The root contains some iron, which is part of why it is traditionally used as a "blood-building" tonic, though the amount and how well the body absorbs it are not well established.
Most of these effects are based on laboratory studies, animal research, or traditional reasoning rather than solid human trials, so they should be viewed as proposed mechanisms, not proven ones.
Does Yellow Dock work?
How to read these evidence grades
Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.
For Yellow Dock, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.
Also studied for 2 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetes
Although there has been interest in using oral yellow dock for diabetes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of yellow dock for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Iron deficiency anemia
Although there has been interest in using oral yellow dock for iron deficiency anemia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of yellow dock for this purpose.
Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.
Safety & precautions
Yellow dock is best thought of as a short-term herb rather than something to take daily for long periods. Like other laxative herbs that contain anthraquinones, frequent or long-term use can lead to dependence on the laxative effect and to electrolyte loss.
The plant also naturally contains oxalates. People with a history of kidney stones, kidney disease, or gout should be especially cautious or avoid it, since oxalates can contribute to certain stones. Very large amounts of oxalate-containing plants have rarely been linked to poisoning.
People with bowel conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, blockage, or unexplained abdominal pain should not use laxative herbs without medical advice. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid yellow dock because there is not enough safety information and the laxative compounds may not be appropriate. Do not give it to children unless a healthcare provider recommends it.
Side effects
The most common side effects relate to its laxative action and may include cramping, loose stools, diarrhea, and nausea. Overuse can lead to dehydration and loss of important minerals like potassium.
Because of its oxalate content, large or prolonged use could theoretically raise the risk of kidney stones in some people. Allergic reactions are possible but uncommon. Stop using it and seek medical care if you have severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, signs of an allergic reaction, or symptoms of dehydration.
Yellow Dock: Reported Adverse Effects
Documented safety reports on Yellow Dock from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.
Orally, yellow dock seems to be well tolerated when properly prepared and consumed in food amounts. Consuming raw yellow dock leaves or rhizomes may be unsafe.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Raw leaves or rhizomes can cause hypocalcemia, kidney stones, and vomiting.
Depression Pulmonary/Respiratory
Orally, yellow dock has been linked to respiratory depression and death after ingestion of 500 grams. Oxalic acid, a constituent of yellow dock, reacts with calcium in plasma, forming insoluble calcium oxalate, which can cause hypocalcemia; the crystals may precipitate in the lungs. Older or uncooked leaves should be avoided.
- Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
Dermatitis Dermatologic
Orally, yellow dock can cause dermatitis when consumed in large amounts. Topically, contact with the plant may cause dermatitis in people sensitive to yellow dock.
- Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
- The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
Diarrhea Gastrointestinal
Orally, vomiting may occur after ingestion of fresh rhizome. Consuming excessive amounts can cause diarrhea and nausea. Excessive use can also cause abdominal cramps and intestinal atrophy. There is one report of a death, preceded by vomiting and diarrhea, after ingestion of 500 grams of yellow dock. Older or uncooked leaves should be avoided.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
- Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
- Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
Fatigue Hematologic
Orally, in one case report, a 38-year-old female developed immune-mediated thrombocytopenia after consuming a "cleansing" tea containing unknown amounts of yellow dock and burdock. The patient presented with bruising, mild weakness, and fatigue, which started 2-3 days after consuming the tea, and was found to have a platelet count of 5,000 per mcL. Symptoms resolved after platelet transfusion and treatment with oral dexamethasone. It is unclear if these effects were caused by yellow dock, burdock, the combination, or other contributing factors.
Hypocalcemia Other
Orally, yellow dock can cause hypokalemia when taken in large amounts. There is one report of a death, preceded by severe metabolic acidosis, after ingestion of 500 grams of yellow dock. Oxalic acid, a constituent of yellow dock, reacts with calcium in plasma, forming insoluble calcium oxalate, which can cause hypocalcemia; the crystals may precipitate in the kidneys, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and liver. Older or uncooked leaves should be avoided.
- Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
- Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
Hypocalcemia Hepatic
Orally, yellow dock has been linked to liver failure and death after ingestion of 500 grams. Oxalic acid, a constituent of yellow dock, reacts with calcium in plasma, forming insoluble calcium oxalate, which can cause hypocalcemia; the crystals may precipitate in the liver. Older or uncooked leaves should be avoided.
- Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
Hypocalcemia Cardiovascular
Orally, yellow dock has been linked to ventricular fibrillation and death after ingestion of 500 grams. Oxalic acid, a constituent of yellow dock, reacts with calcium in plasma, forming insoluble calcium oxalate, which can cause hypocalcemia; the crystals may precipitate in the blood vessels and heart. Older or uncooked leaves should be avoided.
- Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
Hypocalcemia Renal
Orally, yellow dock can cause polyuria when consumed in large amounts. There is one report of a death, preceded by kidney failure, after ingestion of 500 grams. Oxalic acid, a constituent of yellow dock, reacts with calcium in plasma, forming insoluble calcium oxalate, which can cause hypocalcemia; the crystals may precipitate in the kidneys. Individuals with a history of kidney stones should use yellow dock cautiously. Older or uncooked leaves should be avoided.
- The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
- Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
Dosing
There is no official or standardized dose for yellow dock, and product strengths vary widely between teas, tinctures, and capsules. Because of this, the safest approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed them.
Use it for the shortest time needed rather than as a long-term daily supplement. Before starting yellow dock—especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition—check with a pharmacist or doctor to make sure it is appropriate for you.
Yellow Dock & Pregnancy
Yellow Dock & Breastfeeding
© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center
Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
References & further reading
The 8 references that drive our Yellow Dock monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
- Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
- Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1993.
- The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- Latif A, Fichadiya H, Abid F, Capo G. Herbal Teas and Thrombocytopenia: A Curious Case of Yellow Dock and Burdock-Induced Thrombocytopenia. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2022;9(3):003247. PubMed
This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Brands that make products with Yellow Dock
202 brands in our database make a supplement containing Yellow Dock.
Supplement products with Yellow Dock
765 products in our database contain Yellow Dock. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.
Yellow Dock: Common Questions
What is Yellow Dock used for, and does it work?
Does Yellow Dock interact with prescription medications?
How are Yellow Dock interactions rated?
Is it safe to take Yellow Dock with my medications?
Where does this Yellow Dock interaction information come from?
What is Yellow Dock used for?
Is Yellow Dock safe to take?
Can I take Yellow Dock while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Does Yellow Dock help with low iron or anemia?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Products that contain Yellow Dock
A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Yellow Dock — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.
- Once Daily High Energy Multivitamin by Solaray
- First Cleanse 1 Morning Formula by Renew Life
- Turmeric Rasayana - 14 by Ayurvedic Rasayanas
- Soothing Rose Hibiscus Skin DeTox by Yogi
- DetoxSlim by Native Remedies
- Fibro Defense by Crystal Star
- Lymph by ProEnzol
- Core Red Clover Blend by Energetix
- Liver Cleansing Formula Vanilla Flavor by TerraVita
- Spring Cider Tonic by Wise Woman Herbals
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