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What is Coltsfoot Coltsfoot is a flowering plant that is native in Europe and Asia. It is used used to treat bronchial problems...(more) < Coltsfoot Herbal Availability. Coltsfoot grows along roadsides and pathways and can be collected at appropriate times. Capsules and tinctures are also available in most health stores.(more)

Coltsfoot used in medicine. Used to treat dry coughs, emphysema, asthma, skin sores and ulcers...(more)

Coltsfoot side effects and warnings. Coltsfoot may be toxic if taken in large dosage, doctor supervision is advised...(more)

 

Coltsfoot Scientific Name: Tussilago farfara.

Coltsfoot Common Names: Tash Plant, Ass's foot, Bull's foot, Butterbur, , Farfara, Foal's foot, Foalswort, Horse Foot and Winter heliotrope. Coltsfoot, cough wort, feuilles de tussilage,horse-hoof, huflattichbliitter, kuandong hua .

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) is a perennial plant that is native to Europe and Asia and later was introduced in North and South America. Coltsfoot is traditionally used as herbal remedy for dry cough and throat irritation. Coltsfoot spreads by seeds and rhizomes and in some areas it is considered as an invasive plant that is hard to extirpate.

Coltsfoot flowers resemble dandelions, that blooms in early spring in long erect stalks. Coltsfoot leaves, which resemble a colt's foot grows to about 4 inches in width that do not appear until after the flowers died down. Both coltsfoot flowers and leaves are used in herbal medicine and are collected separately.

Coltsfoot grows to a height of 10 to 40 cm from the ground. Coltsfoot plant maybe found along roadsides and paths and when it grows in gardens and pasture areas it is considered as unwanted weed and hard to eradicate

Active constituents that are found in Coltsfoot include the following:

• mucilage,
• tannin,
• taraxanthin,
• inulin,
• siterol,
• zinc,
• bitter glycosider

Coltsfoot for cough and bronchial problems

Coltsfoot has been traditionally used as treatment for colds, coughs and other bronchial problems. Coltsfoot are used to treat dry coughs, whooping coughs, emphysema, asthma, laryngitis, bronchitis and even nasal congestion.

Coltsfoot as anti-inflammatory

Coltsfoot contains mucilage, bitter glucosides and tannins, substances that has anti-inflammatory actions. Coltsfoot is used as a poultice for skin irritations and inflammation such as in eczema, ulcers and skin sores.

Uses, Dosage and Availability

Coltsfoot plant grows along roadsides and pathways and should not be mistaken from dandelions. Coltsfoot flowers and leaves are collected and dried for medicinal use.

Coltsfoot can be prepared as tea;

Mix 1 tablespoon of dried coltsfoot leaves and flower to 1 cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 15 minutes, Strain and drink hot before meal time up to 3 cups per day.

Coltsfoot as a decoction;

Mix an ounce of coltsfoot leaves and flowers to a quart of water. Boil and let the mixture evaporate until about a pint. Use cotton balls or poultice to apply topically on the chest and along the throat to relieve pain and discomfort. This can also be used as warm compress or bath for skin inflammation and problems.

Coltsfoot in herbal capsules

A number of Pharmaceutical companies has processed and prepared coltsfoot capsule. These are generally available in most health stores and pharmacies. Amazon likewise lists this item in their product catalog such as this one: Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) 4oz loose herbs by Smallflower

 

Side Effects and Warnings

Coltsfoot contains alkaloids that if taken in large doses can be toxic and harm the liver.

If to be consumed, supervision of competent health practitioner is advised. Not to be taken for more than 1 month per year.

Not intended to be consumed by small children, pregnant and lactating women. Coltsfoot is considered as abortificient.

 

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