Evidence supporting the use of: Skunk Cabbage
For the body system: Bronchials

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) has a long history of traditional use among Indigenous peoples and early North American settlers as a remedy for respiratory ailments, including those affecting the bronchial system. The root was commonly prepared as a tea or tincture to help alleviate coughs, asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions characterized by congestion and difficulty breathing. Historical herbal texts from the 19th century, such as King's American Dispensatory, reference skunk cabbage as a traditional expectorant and antispasmodic, highlighting its use for "chronic catarrh, asthma, and whooping cough." Native American tribes, including the Iroquois and Menominee, reportedly used it for similar purposes.

However, there is minimal scientific research available to support these uses. While some phytochemical studies have identified compounds such as alkaloids and saponins in skunk cabbage, there are no robust clinical trials or modern pharmacological studies confirming its efficacy or safety for bronchial or respiratory conditions. Most evidence remains anecdotal or based on traditional practice rather than validated scientific data. As such, while its use is justified by traditional herbal medicine, the strength of evidence is moderate to low (rated 2 out of 5).

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