Skunk Cabbage Magic and Medicine
Bear medicine.
Symplocarpus Foetidus.
Eastern skunk cabbage.
My son and I went to harvest in a place of abundance for the first time together for this ancient root. We sat in silence, eyes closed, with a broken leaf under our noses and our hand on a flower, for some time, communing with the spirit of the plant. I found the smell intoxicating. Connecting me back to my heart center. Cradling me in warmth and comfort. Like the way I feel after a full belly, a large healthy pot luck and many dear friends cuddled up together in blankets and stories. My visions surrounded these feelings. My son connected directly with an image and endearing story told to him through the spirit of the plant. The story was of how one particular cabbage fell deeply in love with a beautiful skunk. Despite the plea of the rest of the cabbage family, this particular one was so smitten, he just had to pursue. One glorious day the lovely skunk reciprocated with a kiss...and a mighty sneeze... cursing the entire cabbage village to be forever soaked in the stench of her love.
Skunk cabbage grows in the flood-plane here in south eastern Michigan. In early spring he warms the frozen ground around him as he wakes from his wintery slumber, slowly rising to the surface and birthing one single speckled bloom of the deepest purple, nestled in a shell of his baby green cabbage leaves. Skunk Cabbage is a master of disguise in his infancy, hiding in the openness of melting muddy banks, last seasons fallen darkening leaves and dried rush canes. Over the warming months he grows in number and size, packing the flood-plane with his fullness and family.
Harvesting his root brings giggles and commitment to becoming completely immersed in muck, wet and sweet stink. A large garden shovel is required to wedge under him and with a loud suctioning slurp, a large clump of wiggly worm roots is released to the surface. Bring some plastic bags and plan to have a dripping pack regardless.
After receiving permission and with great care and gratitude, we harvested what was needed for our purpose and headed home. We rinsed our harvested roots thoroughly before tincturing in alcohol.
Skunk Cabbage has traditionally been ingested as a support to the lungs, for pain and inflammation. Bear eats Skunk Cabbage in spring, possibly for the effect on balancing blood sugars in the body. Check out this amazing and informative video I found about Skunk Cabbage harvest:
