uses
Coltsfoot leaf is traditionally prepared as food or taken as tea or syrup. Due to the high mucilage content in the plant, the leaf also has topical applications to address minor skin irritations.
habitat/range
Native to Asia and Europe and later introduced to North and South America. Because it is a wayside herb that thrives in poor conditions, it is considered a nuisance weed and invasive species in some areas.
a bit of botany
Coltsfoot is a perennial member of the Asteraceae (formerly Compositae) family, which includes daisy, sunflower and aster. It resembles a small dandelion when in flower, although a unique characteristic that sets it apart from other daisy-like plants and also explains its common name is the heart shape to the leaf, which resembles a horseshoe or a colts foot. Another interesting feature of this plant is that the seeds set before the leaves even appear so that the flowers, which emerge in early spring, seem to be perched atop bare stems.
history and folklore
An older name for the herb, "Filius ante patrem,” which translates to "the son before the father," refers to the appearance and withering of the golden flowerheads before the leaves sprout. Coltsfoot is also known locally in certain regions as "Donnhove," taken from the word "donn" that means little horse, or donkey.
Coltsfoot has a long history of use in treating cough associated with asthma, bronchitis and other upper respiratory disorders. In fact, the genus name "Tussilago" means "cough dispeller." The 17th century English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper extolled the virtues of coltsfoot when he wrote, "The fresh leaves, or juice, or syrup thereof, is good for a bad dry cough, or wheezing and shortness of breath. The dry leaves are best for those who have their rheums and distillations upon their lungs causing a cough: for which also the dried leaves taken as tobacco, or the root is very good. The distilled water hereof simply or with elder-flowers or nightshade is a singularly good remedy against all agues, to drink 2 OZ. at a time and apply cloths wet therein to the head and stomach, which also does much good being applied to any hot swellings or inflammations. It helpeth St. Anthony's fire (erysypelas) and burnings, and is singular good to take away wheals."
At one time, the British Pharmacopceia included an entry for Syrup of Coltsfoot and recommended the remedy for chronic bronchitis. In combination with rosemary, chamomile, thyme, lavender, betony and eyebright, coltsfoot was featured in the formula for British Herb Tobacco. Physicians at the time recommended smoking this blend to prevent asthma attacks.
chemical composition
Various flavonoids, tannins, isoquercetin, rutin, inulin, mucilage and pyrrolozidine alkaloids.
side effects
For external use only. Because pyrrolozidine alkaloids may trigger premature labor, this herb should not be used at all during pregnancy.
