What is Skunk Cabbage?

While looking over a list of herbal medicines I came across skunk cabbage, I wondered, “what is skunk cabbage?" Why the peculiar name, what’s its purpose?

I found the name to be very accurate. It’s because it gives of a very unpleasant odor. It’s known by many names such as Skunk Weed, Meadow Cabbage, Stinky Flower and others.

Usually in the months of February and March the root and leaves can be found growing wild in the damp swampy areas of the northern and central parts of the United States. They are an invasive plant because they grow deep taproots that sink deep into the soil. This makes them extremely difficult to remove from an area in which they are happily at home.

The leaves of this cabbage can be quite showy and large as they unfurl and brighten the area where they grow, which is not surprising because this herb is a member of the lily family. It’s usually one of the first plants to peek through the ice and snow.

It’s able to break through the ice and snow because the internal structure of the blossom generates enough cellular heat to reach an average temperature of 70 F. This temperature is warm enough to melt any snow and ice that surrounds the plant, allowing it to peak through the wintry landscape. This heat is also a factor in creating the plants unique odor.

The bright green leaves are so attractive that many unwary persons who happen to crush them beneath their feet are caught off guard when the smell reaches their noses. Most people would agree that the experience rivals that of being sprayed by a live skunk.

The odor does serve a purpose. Although the aroma isn’t appealing to us humans, it is appealing to flies, bees and animals. The black bear is especially attracted to the smell. The cabbage leaves help the bear’s digestive system to begin functioning again after their months of hiber-nation.

The skunk cabbage also has some attributes for us humans. Its leaves and root are highly valued for their medicinal uses. It has even been used to create different medicines that treat convulsions, epileptic seizures, asthma and digestive problems. Ingredients of this plant are also included in herbal cough remedies that have been used in the treatment of whooping cough.

Today herbalists are expanding their knowledge of the many uses for this native plant and it should be interesting to see what they will discover next about skunk cabbage root.

For education purposes only, not intended as medical advice.

Check with your health care provider before adding any herbal supplement to your diet.

Maximum Sports Nutrition

Athletes routinely strive for maximum sports nutrition through the use of a healthy diet and supplements. Because of their fuel requirements athletes often need supplements designed specifically for them. Science has studied the requirements and needs of such individuals for years. One of the results of such studies is the advancements in herbal supplements.

Do Herbal Supplements Help With Maximum Sports Nutrition?

In order for the body to operate at peak performance it needs highly digestible and absorptive carbohydrates. Proteins and essential fatty-acids are also necessary. Herbal supplements can supply all of that and more.

Because of the regular and intense exercise endured by athletes their needs for certain vitamins and minerals are greater. The purpose of an athlete using herbal supplement is generally to enhance performance.

Most athletes desire an herbal supplement that will do the following:

• Increase muscle tissue
• Increase endurance
• Increase strength
• Promote fat burning ability

Because of these specific needs a supplement containing a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals works best. This type of herbal supplement will provide for long-term health as well as peak athletic performance.

What Diet Is Best For Maximum Sports Nutrition?

The body's key energy source for all types of exercise is carbohydrates. An important note about carbohydrates is that they are stored as glycogen and the amount of glycogen stored in the body will affect the stamina and endurance of the athlete. Fatigue sets in when muscle cells run out of glycogen, and when fatigue sets in performance is not at its optimal level.

Obviously carbohydrates are an essential part of an athlete's diet. Carbohydrates are found in foods such as pasta, rice, fruit, bread, cereals, and starchy vegetables. Sweets and processed foods should be avoided.

The body uses protein to build and repair muscle tissue. Protein is needed to allow muscles to contract, build in size and strength. But a word of caution, excess protein is stored as fat. Lean meat, poultry, legumes, nuts, seeds, and dairy products are excellent sources of protein.

Although all vitamins and minerals are important to maintain optimal health and maximum sports nutrition two that are essential are iron and calcium. Iron is needed to carry oxygen in the blood and calcium helps to keep bones strong. The last essential ingredient of the athlete's diet is that of water. Water helps to move the nutrients throughout the body and to remove waste. Athletes must replace water lost through sweat and exertion if they are to perform at their best.

As you can see, attempting to include all the needed nutrients through diet alone can be very challenging. Perhaps that is why the majority of athletes choose to include an herbal supplement as part of their daily routine.

For educational purposes only, not intended as medical advice.

Check with your health care provider before adding any herbal supplement to your diet.