Coltsfoot is a low-growing perennial herb in the aster family. It is
sometimes mistaken for
dandelion,
which is related and similar in
general appearance but has different characteristics. Coltsfoot is
unique, however, in that it is the only species in the Tussilago genus.
The herb gets its common name from the shape of its leaves, which don’t
emerge until the sunny yellow flowers have come and gone. Coltsfoot is
also known by a variety of similar names, such as foal's foot, bull's
foot and ass's foot. Coltsfoot has been referenced in written records of Asian and European herbal traditions for more than 2,000 years. Historical texts from China, India, Greece, and Rome describe a variety of traditional preparations made from the leaves and flowers of the plant.
Today, coltsfoot flower and leaf are used topically to take advantage of
its compounds. Other natural constituents in
the herb, however, make this herb unsuitable for internal use.
