Skunk cabbage
Scientific names: Symplocarpus foetidus, Dracontium foetidum
Family: Araceae
Alternate names: Charogne, Chou Puant, Chou Sconse, Col de Mofeta, Dracontium, Meadow Cabbage, Polecatweed, Skunkweed, Spathyema Foetida, Spathyéma Mouffette, Swamp Cabbage, Symplocarpe Chou-Puant, Symplocarpe Fétide, Tabac-du-Diable
Actions: Oxidase , activity
Background
Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) is a plant native to swamps and wetlands in North America. It gets its name from the unpleasant odor it releases.
Skunk cabbage root is used as medicine. But it contains calcium oxalate, which can irritate the kidneys and increase the risk for kidney stones.
People use skunk cabbage for asthma, headache, seizures, toothache, wound healing, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Skunk cabbage root is used as medicine. But it contains calcium oxalate, which can irritate the kidneys and increase the risk for kidney stones.
People use skunk cabbage for asthma, headache, seizures, toothache, wound healing, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Skunk cabbage is possibly safe when consumed in the amounts found in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if taking skunk cabbage in larger amounts as medicine is safe. Large amounts can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and other side effects.
Stomach or intestinal disorders (such as ulcers, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn disease): Taking skunk cabbage might make these conditions worse.
Kidney stones: Skunk cabbage contains oxalate, a chemical that the body uses to make kidney stones. Taking skunk cabbage might make kidney stones worse.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is possibly unsafe to use skunk cabbage while pregnant or breast-feeding. It might affect the menstrual cycle or cause the uterus to contract, which might lead to a miscarriage.Stomach or intestinal disorders (such as ulcers, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn disease): Taking skunk cabbage might make these conditions worse.
Kidney stones: Skunk cabbage contains oxalate, a chemical that the body uses to make kidney stones. Taking skunk cabbage might make kidney stones worse.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using skunk cabbage for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
Skunk cabbage has been traditionally used in infusions with honey, as a liquid extract, and also as a tincture. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Skunk Cabbage interacts with any medicines. Before taking Skunk Cabbage, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Calcium: Skunk cabbage contains a chemical called oxalate that can bind with calcium in the stomach. Taking skunk cabbage along with calcium supplements can decrease the amount of calcium that the body absorbs.
Iron: Skunk cabbage contains a chemical called oxalate that can bind with iron in the stomach. Taking skunk cabbage along with iron supplements can decrease the amount of iron that the body absorbs.
Zinc: Skunk cabbage contains a chemical called oxalate that can bind with zinc in the stomach. Taking skunk cabbage along with zinc supplements can decrease the amount of zinc that the body absorbs.
Iron: Skunk cabbage contains a chemical called oxalate that can bind with iron in the stomach. Taking skunk cabbage along with iron supplements can decrease the amount of iron that the body absorbs.
Zinc: Skunk cabbage contains a chemical called oxalate that can bind with zinc in the stomach. Taking skunk cabbage along with zinc supplements can decrease the amount of zinc that the body absorbs.
Interactions with foods
Skunk cabbage contains a chemical called oxalate that can bind with calcium, iron, and zinc in the stomach. This can decrease how much calcium, iron, and zinc the body can absorb from food.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 30/03/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 25/04/2022 04:46:01. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
