herbs - Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)

What is it?

Coltsfoot is native to North Africa, and is used historically in European herbal medicine. The flowers and leaves are used medicinally.

Action

Coltsfoot contains Zinc, flavonoids, mucilage and pyrrolizidine alkaloids. It has anti-catarrhal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and expectorant properties.  

Uses

• Herbalists have used it to relieve bronchitis, coughs, whooping cough, asthma and emphysema.
• Most traditional products containing Coltsfoot are cough mixtures, cough sweets or as Coltsfoot rock.
• Coltsfoot is a mild diuretic and has an action on the immune system, which could be useful in the treatment of Cystitis.
• It can also be used topically, as the leaves can be boiled to produce a natural remedy for soothing boils and abscesses.

Cautions

• Recent research advises that Coltsfoot root should be used for external use only. It has been discovered that the pyrrolizidine alkaloids may have a negative effect on the liver. These are found highest in the root of the plant, and therefore the root should be avoided.



• Products containing other parts of the plant are safe at normal doses, but should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding.



• There are no other side effects or contra-indications of Coltsfoot.



• When this article was written there were no well-known negative drug interactions with Coltsfoot.

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