Overview

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.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for SKUNK CABBAGE overview.

Side Effects

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.

Special Precautions and Warnings

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.

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.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for SKUNK CABBAGE overview.

Dosing

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.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.