Skunk Cabbage

Symplocarpus foetidus

Evidence: TFamily: Araceae

Pregnancy:AvoidNursing:AvoidChildren:Avoid

Eclectic medicine antispasmodic — for asthma, whooping cough, and nervous cough. Contains calcium oxalate crystals (fresh plant burns mouth). Must be thoroughly dried before use. Generates own heat to melt through snow.

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Safety Quick Reference

Pregnancyunsafe

Breastfeedingunsafe

Pediatricnot recommended

Contraindications: Pregnancy. Kidney stones (oxalates). FRESH PLANT IS CAUSTIC.

Interactions: Sedatives, calcium channel blockers.

Drug & Medication Interactions

If you take any medications, review these interactions carefully.

Known Interactions

Sedatives, calcium channel blockers.

Contraindications

Pregnancy. Kidney stones (oxalates). FRESH PLANT IS CAUSTIC.

Check Your Medications Against This Herb

Side Effects

GI upset, vomiting if poorly prepared. Oxalate irritation from fresh plant.

How to Prepare Skunk Cabbage

Alcohol TinctureModerate · 4-6 weeks (passive)

Equipment

Glass mason jar with lid, High-proof alcohol (80-100 proof vodka), Measuring cup, Cheesecloth or fine strainer, Dark glass dropper bottles, Labels

Instructions

1Fill a clean mason jar 1/3 to 1/2 full with dried herb (or 2/3 full with fresh herb).
2Pour 80-proof (40%) vodka over the herbs until the jar is full, covering herbs by at least 2 inches.
3Seal tightly and label with the herb name, alcohol type, and date.
4Store in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar gently every day or two.
5After 4-6 weeks, strain through cheesecloth into a clean bowl, squeezing out all liquid.
6Pour the finished tincture into dark glass dropper bottles. Label with herb, date, and menstruum.
7Standard adult dose is typically 30-60 drops (1-2 dropperfuls) in a small amount of water, 2-3 times daily.

Tips

• Use at least 80-proof (40%) alcohol — this extracts both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds.
• For resins and tough roots, use 100-proof (50%) or higher.
• Fresh plant tinctures use a higher ratio of alcohol to prevent spoilage from plant moisture.

Tinctures are concentrated — follow dosing guidelines carefully. Not suitable for those avoiding alcohol (use glycerites instead). Some herbs are only safe as tinctures in very small doses.

Alcohol tinctures last 3-5 years or more when stored properly in dark glass away from heat and light.

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The information on Healix Natural Solutions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice from a licensed healthcare provider.

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Skunk Cabbage

Symplocarpus foetidus

Evidence: TFamily: Araceae

Pregnancy:AvoidNursing:AvoidChildren:Avoid