The leaves are crisped at their edges. The roots are 8 to 12 inches long, about 1/2 inch thick, fleshy and usually not forked. Externally they are of a rusty brown and internally whitish, with fine, straight, medullar rays and a rather thick bark. It has little or no smell and a rather bitter taste. Yellow Dock is used extensively in the treatment of chronic skin complaints such as psoriasis . This herb is useful for constipation, working as it does in a much wider way than simply stimulating the gut muscles. It promotes the flow of bile and has that somewhat obscure action of being a blood cleanser. The action on the gall-bladder gives it a role in the treatment of jaundice when this is due to congestion .