Skunk Cabbage

Clinical Notes. Officially listed in U.S. Pharmacopoeia as 'dracontium' 1820-1880 for respiratory diseases, nervous disorders, rheumatism, dropsy used by Native Americans raw plant toxic - must dry or cook thoroughly rhizome harvested autumn/spring, potency decreases with storage

Action and Therapy. In large doses dracontium will cause nausea and vomiting, dizziness, headache, and impaired vision. In small doses it is a stimulant, expectorant, and antispasmodic. It very markedly relieves nervous irritation with tendency to spasmodic action, making it a remedy of some value in nervous irritability, asthma, and whooping cough, and in chronic coughs and catarrhs.

Properties and Uses. The roots, and also the seeds, are relaxant, very diffusive, promotive of perspiration, and much valued as an antispasmodic in coughs, and in the restlessness of fevers. By most persons it is accused of being mildly narcotic; but many experienced and careful physicians assure me that it is in no sense narcotic, but a simple and reliable nervine, of the most innocent and effective soothing character.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. This tincture forms an excellent emetic for children and infants, and may be safely used in croup, whooping-cough, bronchitis, asthma, convulsions, and in all cases where an emetic is required. It will likewise be found beneficial as an expectorant, or nauseant in coughs, pleuritic affections, asthma, pertussis, and whenever expectorants are indicated.