Coltsfoot, Closeup
(also referred to as...)
Cough Plant, Coughwort, Horse Hoof, Horse Foot
Latin Name: Tussilago farfara
Family: Compositae
Description
This old, traditional, plant widely used throughout China and Europe was once called Filius ante (the son before the father) due to the golden-yellow flowers that appear and wither before the horse hoof-like leaves appear.
Coltsfoot
Ailments / Situations Where Used
The leaves and flowers have long been used as a cough remedy. They relieve dry coughs, wheezing, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, whooping cough, difficulty in breathing, or any congestion in the respiratory system. Coltsfoot is very mucilaginous and is soothing to the mucous membranes. It has anti-inflammatory properties which is useful in sore throats, laryngitis, flu and colds.
The leaves demonstrate high levels of zinc, which would explain some of the plant's anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. The leaves can also be smoked to help clear the lung passages and relieve chest discomforts.
Coltsfoot is a mild diuretic and can be used in bladder inflammations. The fresh leaves can be put in abscesses, boils and ulcers with great service.
Source
Leaves and flowers.
Preparations
Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of flowers or leaves. Infuse for 10 minutes and take 3 times daily.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
Coltsfoot contains the pyrolizidine alkaloids found to cause liver toxicity and cancer. Actual amounts in this plant are so little that it would unlikely cause a threat if used in moderation.
Pregnant women should avoid this plant as the alkaloids have been shown to have a harmful effect on the liver of fetuses and newborn babies.
Ailment / Situation Listing
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