Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) vs Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)

About

Coltsfoot is a perennial herb growing to 12 inches with flowering stems covered in purple scales, yellow-gold flowers, and heart-shaped leaves. Indigenous to Europe and northern Asia and naturalized in North America, it is commonly found along roadsides, on verges, and in open areas. The flowers are gathered in late winter, and the leaves in summer.

Lobelia is an annual herb growing to 20 inches with lance-shaped leaves and pale blue, pink-tinged flowers. It was used as a 'puke weed' to induce vomiting. Lobelia was also smoked as a substitute for tobacco and was reputed to share some of its magical qualities. Indigenous to North America, especially eastern parts of the United States, it grows by roadsides and in neglected areas, preferring acid soil. The aerial parts are harvested in early autumn when the seed capsules are most numerous and are carefully dried. Its use was later championed by the American herbalist Samuel Thomson (1769-1843), who made the herb the mainstay of his therapeutic system, mainly using it to induce vomiting.

Safety & precautions

Liver toxicity: Coltsfoot contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids. LiverTox describes these compounds as able to cause sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, a serious form of liver injury, and in 2001 the U.S. FDA advised that supplements containing comfrey or other plants that supply these alkaloids be removed from the market. Do not take coltsfoot by mouth. Do not use it during pregnancy, when breastfeeding, or for children. Subject to legal restrictions in some countries.

Take only when prescribed by a medical herbalist or doctor and do not eat the fresh plant. Excessive ingestion is rare (vomiting normally occurs first) but can be fatal. Restricted herb in some countries. The FDA considers lobelia to be poisonous, and many sources claim it will cause convulsions, coma, and death. Lobelia is an emetic and makes you throw up if you take too much. It can produce severe symptoms (nausea, profuse sweating, vomiting, and deep relaxation). However, because of these effects, lobelia is not recommended for weak, debilitated persons or persons who are deeply relaxed. Not recommended for long-term use and should be used cautiously during pregnancy.

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