Skunk cabbage

Sink cabbage, also known by the Latin name Dracontium foetidum, is a plant named for the unpleasant odor it emits. The root and stem of this plant are used to make medicine. Stinking cabbage is used for a wide range of ailments. It is used to treat respiratory problems including bronchitis, asthma, coughs and whooping cough. Skunk cabbage is also used for painful conditions such as rheumatic joint and muscle pain, headaches and toothache. Some people use skunk cabbage for nervous system disorders including spasms, convulsions and epilepsy. Skunk cabbage is also used to treat infections such as scabies, bark lichen and worm infestations. Other uses include the treatment of cancer, water retention, heavy bleeding, anxiety, snake bites, skin diseases, swellings and wounds. Furthermore, skunk cabbage is used to stimulate the digestive system. The young leaves, root and stalks of skunk cabbage are cooked and eaten.

How does skunk cabbage work?

Skunkcabbage contains chemicals that relieve pain and induce relaxation.

How effective is skunk cabbage?

There is not enough scientific data to say how effective skunk cabbage is for bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough, rheumatic muscle and joint pain, headaches, toothaches, spasms, cramps, epilepsy, worm infestations, bark lichen, scabies, cancer, water retention, heavy bleeding, anxiety, snake bites, skin ulcers, swellings and wounds, and when used to stimulate the digestive system. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of skunk cabbage in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Skunkcabbage appears to be safe and harmless for most people. Large amounts can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, impaired vision and stomach cramps.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The use of skunk cabbage may not be safe during pregnancy. Skunk cabbage may induce the menstrual period or cause contractions of the uterus. Both can lead to miscarriages. Gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux, ulcers, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease: taking skunk cabbage could aggravate these conditions.

Kidney stones: Skunk cabbage contains oxalate, a chemical that the body uses to produce kidney stones. Taking skunk cabbage could make kidney stones worse.

Interactions

At this time, there is no information on interactions of skunk cabbage with medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of skunk cabbage depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for skunk cabbage. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.