What are the Benefits of Skunk Cabbage?
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Name not given
Posted on: September 15, 2003

I would like to know what the benefits are with skunk cabbage that has been made into a tincture from the root? Are there any side effects to skunk cabbage?

Michael Moore, in "Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West" (Red Crane Books, Santa Fe) states that skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanum) root tincture "works best for spasmodic and painful cramps that are aggravated by stress and fear. It has a strong expectorant and bronchial antispasmodic effect and can be used by those with occasional bouts of moist asthma occurring under emotional duress and with a sense of panic or pain in the chest. For bouts of coughing that culminate in semivomiting spasms and stomach pain, either from smoke inhalation or stress, nothing works better." Moore warns that too much skunk cabbage can cause nausea, moderate gastric irritation, and mild irritative diarrhea. He advises using it with a gentle hand.

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