Skunk Cabbage Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) is a low-growing plant native to wet woodlands, swamps, and marshes of eastern North America. It is one of the first plants to emerge in late winter and early spring. It gets its name from the strong, unpleasant, skunk-like smell it gives off when the leaves or roots are bruised or crushed.

For generations, various Native American peoples and early herbalists used parts of the plant—mainly the root—for medicinal purposes. The dried root was prepared as a tincture, extract, or poultice. Today skunk cabbage is uncommon and is mostly found as a traditional or folk remedy rather than a mainstream supplement.

The way skunk cabbage might affect the body is not well understood. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals (sharp, needle-like structures) that cause burning and irritation when the fresh plant is chewed or touched. It also contains various plant compounds and volatile, foul-smelling chemicals responsible for its odor.

Any proposed effects on breathing or muscles are based mostly on traditional use and limited laboratory observations, not on solid clinical research. Because of this, the active ingredients and how they might work in people remain largely unknown.

The safety of skunk cabbage has not been carefully studied. The fresh plant is irritating because of its calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause intense burning, swelling, and pain in the mouth, throat, and digestive tract if eaten raw. This can be dangerous.

People with a history of kidney stones or kidney problems should be especially cautious, since oxalate-containing plants may not be a good choice for them. Children and older adults should avoid it.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is no reliable safety information, so skunk cabbage should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Because so little is known, it is wise to speak with a pharmacist or doctor before using any product that contains it.

The most notable problem is irritation. Contact with the fresh plant or eating it can cause burning of the lips, mouth, and throat, along with swelling, nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset. Touching the plant may also irritate the skin or eyes in some people.

Because skunk cabbage is poorly studied, other side effects are not well documented. Stop using it and seek medical care if you have severe mouth or throat swelling, trouble breathing, or an allergic reaction.

There is no established or standardized dose for skunk cabbage. Traditional preparations varied widely, and there is not enough modern research to recommend a safe and effective amount.

If you choose to use a commercial product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed them. Better yet, check with a pharmacist or doctor first, since safe dosing has not been confirmed and the fresh plant can be harmful.