Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)
Photo: The Cosmonaut · CC BY-SA 2.5 ca
- Respiratory
- 3 conditions
- Licensed photo
Overview
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. For at least 2,500 years, coltsfoot has been taken as a cough remedy and smoked to ease breathing. The Greek physician Dioscorides in the 1st century CE recommended it for dry coughs and 'for those who are unable to breathe except standing upright.'
Traditional uses & properties
Coltsfoot is an effective demulcent and expectorant herb, making it one of the most popular European remedies for treating chest problems. In Europe, the leaves are preferred (as they contain lower amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids), whereas in China the flowers are favored. Both parts are taken as a decoction for chest conditions. When used as a syrup or medicinal cigarette, coltsfoot relieves asthma. It is a specific treatment for spasmodic coughs and is particularly effective in combination with licorice, thyme, and wild cherry. The herb's flavonoids (8% mucilage/polysaccharides) are anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant, and the flavonoids are anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Extracts of the whole plant increase immune resistance and act as a natural antihistamine. A Chinese trial involving 36 patients with bronchial asthma found that 75% showed some improvement, though the antiasthmatic effect was short-lived. The active constituents can decrease the time for bronchial cilia to recover after damage from smoking.
Traditional preparations
Preparation amounts are not shown for this herb. It is toxic, restricted, or otherwise unsafe to self-dose - the margin between a traditional dose and a harmful one is too small to publish as reference material. If you are considering it, that conversation belongs with a doctor or a qualified practitioner, not a website.
Safety & precautions
Do not use coltsfoot flowers. Do not take the leaves for more than 3-4 weeks at a time (or 6 weeks per year). Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which may be toxic to the liver in higher doses, though these are largely destroyed when boiled to make a decoction. Do not take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Not suitable for children under 6. Subject to legal restrictions in some countries. Use only as directed.
Drug & food interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Indigenous to Europe and northern Asia and naturalized in North America. Commonly found along roadsides, on verges, and in open areas. Flowers are gathered in late winter, leaves in summer.
Traditionally used for
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Frequently asked questions
What is Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) as follows: Coltsfoot is an effective demulcent and expectorant herb, making it one of the most popular European remedies for treating chest problems. In Europe, the leaves are preferred (as they contain lower amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids), whereas in China the flowers are favored. Both parts are taken as a decoction for chest conditions. When used as a syrup or medicinal cigarette, coltsfoot relieves asthma. It is a specific treatment for spasmodic coughs and is particularly effective in combination with licorice, thyme, and wild cherry. The herb's flavonoids (8% mucilage/polysaccharides) are anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant, and the flavonoids are anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Extracts of the whole plant increase immune resistance and act as a natural antihistamine. A Chinese trial involving 36 patients with bronchial asthma found that 75% showed some improvement, though the antiasthmatic effect was short-lived. The active constituents can decrease the time for bronchial cilia to recover after damage from smoking.
How is Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) prepared?
Preparation amounts are not shown for this herb. It is toxic, restricted, or otherwise unsafe to self-dose - the margin between a traditional dose and a harmful one is too small to publish as reference material. If you are considering it, that conversation belongs with a doctor or a qualified practitioner, not a website.
What safety cautions apply to Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)?
Do not use coltsfoot flowers. Do not take the leaves for more than 3-4 weeks at a time (or 6 weeks per year). Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which may be toxic to the liver in higher doses, though these are largely destroyed when boiled to make a decoction. Do not take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Not suitable for children under 6. Subject to legal restrictions in some countries. Use only as directed.
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