Coltsfoot
(Tussilago farfara)
Botanical Information
A plant from the Aster family with long petioled kidney-shaped scalloped leaves and light yellow ray flowers.
Working with Coltsfoot
Part(s) Used
Leaf
Herb Forms
Tincture, bulk herb.
Affects
Coltsfoot is a water-loving plant that grows naturally in Europe, but is a garden favorite worldwide. It has been used for centuries, both in folk medicine and modern herbal practice, to help alleviate the symptoms of cough catarrh and upper respiratory tract congestion during a flu or cold, whooping cough, laryngitis, bronchitis, or asthma. It has expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties.
Cautions
Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing. Not for long-term use. The herb contains small amounts of alkaloids that have a potential for toxicity but are considered safe by herbalists when used for short periods of time (up to 2 weeks several times a
