particularly useful when reintroduced in soups or stews. Toxicity Since its roots are antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, and slightly narcotic, it is not recommented to directly consume the raw plant. While high quantities of the root can produce nausea and vomiting, headaches, and dizziness, handling the fresh leaves can burn skin. Other symptoms of poisoning include swelling of the lip, throat, and tongue. This is due to skunk cabbage containing calcium oxalate crystals, which are moderately harmful to humans. It is possible to eliminate the toxicity with care, such as changing the water frequently when boiling the leaves, or thoroughly drying the plant. Gallery See also Lysichiton americanus (western skunk cabbage): also known for producing a foul smell, and often confused with eastern skunk cabbage Lysichiton camtschatcensis (Asian skunk cabbage): from north-east Asia, but not known for producing a foul smell References External links Connecticut Botanical Society: Symplocarpus foetidus Illinois Wildflowers: Symplocarpus foetidus Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Symplocarpus foetidus Minnesota Wildflowers: Symplocarpus foetidus Plants For A Future: Symplocarpus foetidus Orontioideae Medicinal plants Flora of Eastern Canada Flora of the United States Flora of the North-Central United States Flora of the Northeastern United States Flora of the Southeastern United States Plants described in 1753 Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus Thermogenic plants Flora without expected TNC conservation status