Coltsfoot (Tussilago Farfara) is a flowering plant with strong medicinal properties. Coltsfoot tea has been used for centuries to treat respiratory diseases and has recently been studied as an alternative treatment for asthma. It also contains chemicals that are being investigated as possible treatments for cancer, arthritis, and other conditions. This plant is easy to grow in the wild or in your own garden.

Synonym

The common names of Coltsfoot (Tussilago Farfara) are British Tobacco, Butterbur, Bullsfoot,  Coughwort, Rower Velure, Foal’s-Foot, Horse-Foot, Hallfoot,  Ass’s Foot,  Fieldhove, Horsehoof, Foalswort, and Donnhove.

 

Coltsfoot (Tussilago Farfara)

Habitat

Coltsfoot (Tussilago Farfara) is a plant native to Europe and western Asia.

It is a perennial herb that grows in many countries globally, such as; Europe, Asia, North Africa, the Russian Far East, and from Svalbard to Morocco to China.

The plant can be found growing on hillsides, meadows, slopes, or woods edges and dry wet soils near streams or ditches. It has a tough taproot that can survive dry periods by storing water for future use.

Description

Coltsfoot is a perennial with leaves that are oval to lanceolate and grow up to six inches. It has yellow flowers, bloom from June until August in the Northern Hemisphere.

The leaves of the coltsfoot are grayish-green on top and paler underneath. The flowers have five petals that surround yellow stamens, giving them an appearance similar to buttercups. Coltsfoot also has small hairy capsules containing seeds at its base called achenes.

Part used

The Leaves and flowering tops of the coltsfoot plant are used for medicine.

The roots of coltsfoot are often dried before being brewed into a tea.

Coltsfoot (Tussilago Farfara)

Traditional Uses and Benefits

Coltsfoot contains many biologically active bioflavonoids and amino acids. It has been used for centuries by Native Americans to treat coughs, asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis (TB), stomach ulcers, and other conditions.

Coltsfoot is used traditionally as a demulcent, emollient, and tonic for the respiratory system. It has been shown to contain tussilagine-type glycosides, which are soothing and healing to mucous membrane tissue in conditions like chronic coughs or bronchitis.

Coltsfoot has anti-inflammatory properties and eases the symptoms of coughs. Coltsfoot tea has been traditionally recommended for people with headaches, giddiness, or nasal obstructions.

Tussilago Farfara has sedative properties that could ease insomnia or anxiety caused by stress.

Coltsflowers may form part of an herbal recipe intended to relieve chronic pain associated with different types of arthritis and gouty pains in joints; it can help prevent heart disease when taken intermittently or regularly.

Coltsfoot boosts the immune system by promoting white blood cell production, which helps fight infection.

This plant helps to treat bronchitis, asthma, and other chest conditions. Coltsfoot has a long history as a cough medicine because it’s been shown to increase saliva production (drooling) in animals that have had their throat irritated or are suffering from chronic dryness in the mouth and lungs.

Coltsfoot can help humidify airways by increasing mucus production to ease breathing passages, so they don’t get irritated when exposed to irritants like dust, smoke particles, etc.).

It is used externally for skin problems such as eczema, bites, sores, ulcers, and inflammation.

Coltsfoot is a common herb used to treat throat complaints and was especially popular during the 1918 flu pandemic. Coltsfoot ointment or tea may relieve symptoms of laryngitis, bronchitis, and influenza.

Coltsfoot (Tussilago Farfara)

How To Use

Coltsfoot tea can be made by pouring a cup of boiling water over one teaspoonful (about three grams) of dried leaves or flowers in a teapot. Allow to steep for about five minutes before straining, then drink up to four cups per day.

Coltsfoot juice can be made by mashing the fresh plants yielding enough liquid. Strain off any stringy bits or seeds that may have been ingested with them first. And use this mixture on open wounds or areas around the body where healing is needed.

It will help prevent infection from setting in while speeding up recovery time.

Americans have traditionally boiled the leaves and flowers in water to make an infusion which was then strained and drunk hot or cold with lemon juice by those suffering from bronchitis, asthma attacks, coughs, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) diarrhea, arthritis pain relief, intestinal gas pains, and other conditions.

Dosage and Precautions

Coltsfoot is generally regarded as safe.

Take 30 drops of Coltsfoot tincture in a quarter cup three times daily.

Usage Instructions: Add one teaspoon (approximately 60 ml) of dried herb for every quart (about 32 oz) of water and bring to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer until reduced by half (approx 20 minutes). Strain off herbs and enjoy hot as desired, over ice cubes or cooled down! Use within two weeks. Do not use fresh plant material from any source without boiling.

Precautions: Consult your health care provider before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an allergy to plants with the Asteraceae family.

Coltsfoot seeds can be eaten as well but should not be consumed in large amounts because it could cause stomach upset if there is an abundance present.

Known Side Effects: Coltsfoot has been known to cause allergic reactions in some people, including skin irritation and an itchy throat. Some cases have also reported stomach upset or a cough after ingestion of coltsfoot tea. It should not be used during pregnancy because the safety for this use has not yet been determined.

I hope you find this common herb helpful!

References

  1. Tussilago – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tussilago_farfara
  2. Coltsfoot: Benefits, Side Effects, and Preparations. https://www.verywellhealth.com/coltsfoot-benefits-side-effects-dosage-and-interactions-4685633
  3. Tussilago Farfara Uses, Benefits & Side Effects – Drugs.com Herbal …. https://www.drugs.com/npc/coltsfoot.html
  4. Coltsfoot Facts and Health Benefits. https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/coltsfoot/

 

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