Yellow dock is used for pain and swelling (inflammation) of nasal passages and the respiratory tract and as a laxative and tonic. It is also used to treat bacterial infections and sexually transmitted diseases. Yellow dock is also sometimes used to treat intestinal infections, fungal infections, and arthritis. It is also applied to the skin to stop bleeding and for hemorrhoids. Historically, yellow dock has been used for skin diseases, skin inflammation (dermatitis), rashes, a vitamin deficiency called scurvy, obstructive jaundice, and psoriasis with constipation.