Coltsfoot
USDA Hardiness: 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F); 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F); 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F); 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F); 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F); 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
Name: Tussilago Farfara
Plant Information
Tussilago farfara, commonly known as coltsfoot,:770 is a plant in the groundsel tribe in the daisy family Asteraceae, native to Europe and parts of western and central Asia. The name "tussilago" is derived from the Latin tussis, meaning cough, and ago, meaning to cast or to act on. It has had uses in traditional medicine, but the discovery of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the plant has resulted in liver health concerns. (2)
Tussilago farfara is the only accepted species in the genus Tussilago, although more than two dozen other species have at one time or another been considered part of this group. Most of them are now regarded as members of other genera (Chaptalia, Chevreulia, Farfugium, Homogyne, Leibnitzia, Petasites, Senecio). (2)
Coltsfoot is a perennial herbaceous plant that spreads by seeds and rhizomes. Tussilago is often found in colonies of dozens of plants. The flowers, which superficially resemble dandelions, bear scale-leaves on the long stems in early spring before the leaves appear. The leaves of coltsfoot appear after the flowers have set seed and wither and die in the early summer. The flower heads are of yellow florets with an outer row of bracts. The plant is typically 10–30 cm in height. The leaves have angular teeth on their margins.(2)
Medical
Both flowers and leaves make an excellent cough remedy in conjunction with horehound, licorice and marsh mallow. You can make it into a syrup or tea. Steep 1-2 teaspoons of leaves or flowers in 1 cup boiling water. Drink no more than 3 cups daily. It can also be smoked by those with asthma, bronchitis and other lung problems, particularly those involving wet coughs. (3)
Hot or cold coltsfoot tea compresses can be applied to swollen areas, and a cool such compress is soothing on the forehead or stomach when one has a fever. (3)
A poultice of the leaves or flowers can be applied to eczema, sores, ulcers and insect bites. (3)
The root is also useful for similar purposes, but it has higher levels of potentially toxic alkaloids and it is not recommended that it be used internally. All parts of coltsfoot contains these alkaloids, which can cause liver disease, but the leaves and flowers are considered safe for normally healthy adults to use in moderation. If you still aren't better after a few days, switch off with mullein for awhile. (3)
People with a history of alcohol abuse or liver disease should not take coltsfoot. Do not combine coltsfoot with other potentially liver damaging substances, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or comfrey. (3)
If you ever begin to feel nauseated while using this herb, stop immediately. It is not a "normal" side affect, but a sign that the coltsfoot is hurting your liver. (3)
Despite serious safety concerns, people take coltsfoot for lung problems such as bronchitis, asthma, and whooping cough (pertussis). They also take it for upper respiratory tract complaints including sore mouth and throat, cough, and hoarseness. (1)
Some people inhale coltsfoot for coughs and wheezing. (1)
Coltsfoot Benefits for Skin, Hair and Health
Coltsfoot is most commonly used to reduce inflammation. But the antioxidant properties of Coltsfoot work wonders on the skin too. It helps condition the skin and reduces the oxidative stress on it. Coltsfoot safeguards against microbial function and makes the skin look younger. It’s for this reason that cosmetic toners use Coltsfoot, it’s in huge demand for its rejuvenating properties. (5)
Its anti bacterial properties promote Coltsfoot as an anti septic for all types of external wounds, including insect bites. The high mucilage content in it helps fight dandruff, both dry and oily types. (5)
Coltsfoot flower is not just lovely looking, but its essences help fight depression and are used as therapeutic oils. Regular consumption of the herb boosts immunity. Coltsfoot prevents diseases like diarrhoea, gastric ulcers, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and colitis. It has excellent anti microbial properties, so it is also used to treat cystitis and other urinary tract infections. (5)
The leaves of the Coltsfoot plants are useful in treating respiratory problems like asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, colds and coughs, chest ailments, congestion, and sinus problems. And to smokers who have been unsuccessfully trying to give up smoking; here’s some good news! Coltsfoot is your best nicotine substitute herb for that must-have drag. (5)
The Coltsfoot leaf is dried and cooled and often used as a douche or for relief from other vaginal irritations. But it is important to remember that excessive douching can cause various other vaginal problems and is discouraged by doctors. (5)
The tea of the Coltsfoot plant has excellent microbial properties, which has made it popular with indigenous practitioners. It is also a part of grandma’s magical eyewash that helps to cure irritated eyes in a jiffy! Combining the Coltsfoot tea with pot marigold flowers (Calendula officinalis), barberry bark (Berberis vulgaris) and purple coneflower (Echinacea spp.) is a concoction that will clear all eye irritations. (5)
A tincture made from the Coltsfoot dried leaf tea can be used internally to treat colitis and other duodenal problems. Coltsfoot helps clear nasal passages and helps fix sore throats too. It boosts the immune system by improving the lymphatic discharge in the body and helps cure allergies as well. (5)
Side Effects & Safety
Coltsfoot is considered UNSAFE. It contains chemicals called hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that can damage the liver or cause cancer. Dietary supplement products sold in the US are not required to state the amount of PAs they may contain. So, if the package doesn’t say the product is certified hepatotoxic PA- free, you can assume that there are probably hepatotoxic PAs in it. Avoid using coltsfoot products that are not certified and labeled as hepatotoxic PA-free. (1)
Coltsfoot is considered UNSAFE for anyone (1)
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with COLTSFOOT. Excessive doses of coltsfoot seem to increase blood pressure. By increasing blood pressure coltsfoot might decrease the effectiveness of medications for high blood pressure.<br><nb>Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.
Medications that increase break down of other medications by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inducers) interacts with COLTSFOOT. Coltsfoot is broken down by the liver. Some chemicals that form when the liver breaks down coltsfoot can be harmful. Medications that cause the liver to break down coltsfoot might enhance the toxic effects of chemicals contained in coltsfoot.<br><nb>Some of these medicines include carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), rifampin, rifabutin (Mycobutin), and others.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with COLTSFOOT. Coltsfoot might slow blood clotting. Taking coltsfoot along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.<br><nb>Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Magical
Coltsfoot is one of the first flowers to emerge in the springtime, often appearing as early as February. This and its bright sunny yellow flowers make it suitable for springtime rituals welcoming the return of the sun, such as Imbolc, Ostara and Beltane- depending on when they bloom that particular year! The long stems can be woven into wreaths. (3)
Coltsfoot has been used as in love, tranquility and money spells and burned during divination rites. It is also burned in divinatory and healing incense. (3)
Coltsfoot corresponds to the element of water and the planet Venus (3)
As a magical herb it is considered to increase Psychic Awareness, but it is rarely used alone. Some people mix COLTSFOOT with other so-called "psychic herbs," such as Acacia, Althaea, Angelica, Anise Seed, Bay, Bearberry, Camphor, Celery Seed, Dandelion, Dittany of Crete, Flax Seed, Mint, Mugwort, Poppy, Purslane, or Star Anise, and burn the mix on charcoal when seeking communion with spirits or drawing in prophetic dreams. Others burn it with Blessing Incense to remove sickness or mental troubles.(4)
Coltsfoot is used for wealth, prosperity, and love. Use in love sachets. Sacred to Brighid. Use in spells for peace and tranquility. (6)
Also Called: Symphytum officinale, Coughwort, Hallfoot, Horsehoof, Foalswort, Fieldhove, Donnhove (6)
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