Skunk Cabbage

Parts Usually Used

Rootstock; roots and seed

Description of Plant(s) and Culture

A strongly skunk-scented perennial plant; 1-2 feet tall, of the arum family, having large, cabbagelike leaves, a spadix of small flowers concealed in a purple, hooded spathe, and a disagreeable smell. The large tuberous rootstock produces fleshy roots and heart-shaped, cabbage-like leaves on thick leafstalks. Numerous small, purple flowers grow on a small, oval, fleshy spike (or spadix), covered by a purple and yellowish-green, hoodlike bract (or spathe).

Flowering time is from February to April, before the leaves appear. The whole plant emits a skunk or garlic odor. In the north, the unusual reddish green blooms of skunk cabbage are among the first wildflowers to appear in spring. February to May. Temperature within the flower spathe is often 60 degrees F. higher than the ambient air; the flower may melt snow as it begins to bloom.

Where Found

Grows in wet rich soil in swamps of eastern North America, as far west as Manitoba and Iowa.

Medicinal Properties

Antispasmodic, diuretic, emetic, diaphoretic, expectorant, slightly narcotic, stimulant

Uses

Historically, herbalists utilized the rootstock and roots of skunk cabbage for various respiratory complaints, including hay fever, asthma, whooping cough, bronchial issues, mucous congestion, chronic catarrh, and pleurisy. Traditional practitioners also employed the plant for spasmodic conditions, rheumatism, dropsy, fevers, and dysentery. Among certain Native American traditions, the boiled root hairs were used as an external wash for bleeding, while the scent of crushed leaves was inhaled for headaches and toothaches.

In folk practice, poultices made from the root were applied to wounds and used as an underarm deodorant, leaf poultices were used for swelling, and root preparations were applied as ointments to external sores.

Bibliography

, Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994 The Herb Book , by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974. Indian Herbalogy of North America , by Alma R. , Horticultural Hall, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, 1973 Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants , by Steven Foster and James A. , Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes.

, Copyright 1988, published 1992 American Folk Medicine , by Clarence Meyer, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, 1973 The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine , by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Second edition, 1988. , 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023 The Rodale Herb Book: How to Use, Grow, and Buy Nature’s Miracle Plants (An Organic gardening and farming book) , edited by William H.

Hylton, Rodale Press, Inc. , 1974