Condition
Treatment Support
antitussive, expectorant
Application
tincture, tea
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.
Christopher Hobbs:
“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.”
Historical Uses
Historically, coltsfoot has been used as a folk remedy for respiratory ailments, especially coughs, asthma, bronchitis, and laryngitis. Traditional herbalists used the leaves and flowers to make teas, syrups, and poultices to alleviate lung congestion and sore throats.
Modern Clinical Uses by Herbalists and Naturopaths
Today, some herbalists and naturopaths still recommend coltsfoot for short-term respiratory relief, especially in the form of teas or tinctures. It is sometimes used in combination with other respiratory herbs, such as mullein, for conditions like coughs and mild respiratory infections.
Chemistry
Coltsfoot contains several active compounds, including flavonoids, mucilage, tannins, and pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). The mucilage content contributes to its traditional use for soothing mucous membranes. However, the presence of PAs is concerning due to their potential toxicity to the liver.
Pharmacology
The pharmacological effects of coltsfoot include mild anti-inflammatory, antitussive (cough-suppressing), and demulcent (soothing) properties. Some of its compounds, such as flavonoids and mucilage, may reduce irritation in the throat and respiratory tract.
Summary of Clinical Trials
Clinical trials on coltsfoot are limited, with most evidence coming from traditional use and small-scale studies. Few rigorous trials have examined its efficacy or safety in respiratory conditions, partly due to safety concerns regarding pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Most research focuses on mitigating toxicity rather than establishing therapeutic uses.
In summary, while coltsfoot has a history of use for respiratory ailments, concerns about liver toxicity limit its use today. Those interested in its therapeutic effects should consider alternatives with similar benefits but lower toxicity risks.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs.
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 year).
Safety
Due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic, coltsfoot poses potential risks to liver health. Prolonged use or use by those with liver conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children is generally not recommended. Several countries restrict or regulate coltsfoot products to limit PA exposure.
For adults, low doses of coltsfoot tea or tincture are occasionally used in short-term treatments for cough. However, precise dosage guidelines are limited, and caution is advised due to potential toxicity.
Conditions treated with Coltsfoot
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
antitussive, expectorant
Application
tincture, tea
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
