Symplocarpus foetidus or Lysichiton americanum
| Skunk cabbage Symplocarpus foetidus or Lysichiton americanum |
Skunk cabbage - Symplocarpus foetidus or Lysichiton americanum (in the Araceae or Arum family)
Part used: Fresh or freshly dried root. Note: it does not have a long shelf life.
Taste/smell: Spicy taste, acrid, unpleasant odor, skunk-like.
Dosage: 1:2 fresh strength liquid extract: 1-15 drops 1-3 times per day.
Use: (a) Bronchodilator.
Used for asthmatic bronchial spasms. It isuseful for all spasms but is specific for severe bronchial asthmatic spasms associated with emotional distress and coughing to the point of vomitting.
Contraindications: An overdose can cause gastrointestinal burning, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This plant, in the fresh state, can cause terrible gastrointestinal burning if used incorrectly. Do not use unless under the guidance of a qualified health care practitioner. Skunk cabbage is contraindicated in pregnancy.