- Region
- North America
- Origin
- North America
North America · Herb · № 593
Lysichiton americanus
Herb · North America
Skunk cabbage
Lysichiton americanus
Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens the nerves, stimulating, antispasmodic, induces sweating, expectorant; opens the lungs and reduces cough and bronchial spasms (acute asthma), ointment against ringworm, relieves muscle and joint pain.
Safety notes
Not long-term. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Western herbalism: Not long-term.
- Kwakwaka'wakw medicine: Contains calcium oxalate: do not take internally.
Preparation
Decoction of the root: 1 tsp per cup, 8–10 min covered, 1–2 cups a day; tincture 5–30 drops 1–3 times a day; poultice or ointment externally.
Use in traditions
Indigenous peoples of the Pacific coast, such as the Kwakwaka'wakw and Coast Salish, used the large leaves to wrap and steam food, and laid them on burns and sores. The heated root was used for coughs and respiratory complaints. In Western herbalism the plant, like the eastern skunk cabbage, is known as a remedy for spasmodic cough.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Strengthens the nerves, stimulating, antispasmodic, induces sweating, expectorant; opens the lungs and reduces cough and bronchial spasms (acute asthma), ointment against ringworm, relieves muscle and joint pain.
Preparation and amount
Decoction of the root: 1 tsp per cup, 8–10 min covered, 1–2 cups a day; tincture 5–30 drops 1–3 times a day; poultice or ointment externally.
Caution: Not long-term.
Kwakwaka'wakw medicine
Attributed effects
For a swelling on the body, following a dream the plant gave to the ancestors.
Preparation and amount
Boil the roots of one plant together with those of western dock until they fall apart, drain and lay them in a cloth on the swelling; sometimes twice.
Caution: Contains calcium oxalate: do not take internally.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionTinctureSalve and balm