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Information about the herb Coltsfoot
Tussilago
farfara , also known as Bull's Foot is part of the Compositae plant family. Coltsfoot is a perennial
plant found in the United States of America, Europe, East Indies and grows abundantly
throughout England.
Botanical Name: Tussilago farfara
Plant Family: Compositae
Common Names: British Tobacco, Bull's Foot, Butterbur, Coughwort, Foal's Foot, Foalswort, Flower Velure, Hallfoot, Horsefoot, Horsehoof
History: The name comes from farfarus an ancient name of the White Poplar as the plant's leaves are similar and tussilago which means 'cough expeller'.
Tradition: The seeds are covered with silky hairs, the pappus and it has been said that:
goldfinches line their nests with it
in olden days Highlanders used it to stuff their pillows and mattresses
Contains:
- bitter amorphous glycoside
- mucilage
- tannin
- zinc
Flowers:
- Faradial, a dihydride alcohol
- phytosterol
Action:
- astringent [a binding agent that contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges of mucous andfluid from the body]
- demulcent [a substance that soothes inflamed mucous membranes and protects them from irritation]
- emollient [an agent used externally to soften and soothe]
- expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous and secretions from the respiratory passages]
- pectoral [remedy for pulmonary or other lung and chest diseases]
- thoracic [eases the thorax area]
- tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]
Medicinal Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, roots
Coltsfoot has been used for:
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- giddiness with headache
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- diarrhea
- nausea
Genitourinary Conditions
- stone formation
Glandular Conditions
- scrofula combined with Wormwood
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- a general cough remedy, especially combined with Horehound and Marshmallow
- a racking, dry, unproductive cough
- bronchial asthma
- chronic bronchitis
- damage caused by smoking
- hoarseness
- irritation and tightness of chest
- laryngitis
- persistent cough
- pharyngitis
- phlegm on the chest
- pleurisy
- pneumonia
- shortness of breath
- throat catarrh
- tuberculosis (onset)
- wheezing
Coltsfoot is sometimes smoked for:
- asthma
- bronchitis
- catarrh
- chest and breathing problems
- coughs
Externally it can be used as a poultice for:
- erysipelas
- bursitis
- phlebitis
- pneumonia
- the swelling and discoloration of bruises
Compresses for:
- burns
- general swellings
- inflammations
- insect bites
- leg ulcers
Footbath for:
- swollen feet
An inhalant for:
- chronic bronchitis
- shortness of breath
The fresh juice can be used for:
- earache
Caution:
- Prolonged use is not advisable as damage can occur to the liver
Global Herbal Supplies has Coltsfoot available in the following forms
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
