Gotta
love Spring in Florida! The temperatures have been in the 80's-90's,
the plants are producing new leaves and flowers, and the oak pollen
is EVERYWHERE! So far, the pollen count has been astronomical this
year. I mean, it's been so bad that despite my daily use of Goldenrod
and Nettle, I have been left with a horrible cough. So the next herb
I'm going to turn to is Coltsfoot.
Tussilago
farfara is known by several common names, most of which have to
do with the shape of the leaf. It resembles the hoof of a horse, or
Coltsfoot. Though the flowers appear long before the leaves, and when
the leaves to begin to show, the flowers are gone. The flowers are
commonly mistaken for dandelion flowers and they appear around the
winter solstice and at the very end of winter, right around spring.
This herb has
been used since the time of Ancient Greece and has been so popular
that in 18th Century France, it was used on the signs of
every Apothecary. I have used this in my personal practice since the
beginning. One of my first formulas for chest congestion included
Coltsfoot, Marshmallow, and Comfrey. This combination is one I still
tend to use today.
Medicinal
Uses:
Common
Names- Coughwort, Ass's Foot,
Assfoot, Horsehoof, Foalswort, Bull's Foot, Farfara, Trash Plant,
Winter Heliotrope
Parts
Used- Flowers, stem, and
leaves.
Summary
of Actions- antiscrofulous,
antitussive, astringent, demulcent, emollient, expectorant, tonic,
slight bronchodilator, respiratory stimulant, antispasmodic,
anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic.
Traditional
Chinese Medicine (TCM)- Known
as Kuan Dong Hua (which translates as “winter-arrive flower”),
Coltsfoot is a well known Chinese remedy. Though Chinese herbalists
tend to only use the flower and bud, it's used in practically the
same way as we use it in the West. It covers both qi and blood
aspects. It moistens the lung, transforms the phlegm, and suppresses
cough. All of this is due to it's heatless warmness, moistening
pungency, and unblocked sweetness. It's acrid and slightly sweet in
flavor, warm in properties. The main meridian it's used on is the
Lung meridian. It's used in all cases of cough, no matter the cause.
Cough-
Tussil
means “cough” and ago
means “depart.” So it's not wonder that this herb is most often
called upon to help dispel cough. Coltsfoot works well when dealing
with any kind of cough, and has historically been used for every kind
of cough. It works especially well in the case of chronic cough, or
coughs that accompany emphysema or silicosis. Historically, a blanket
would be soaked in a Coltsfoot preparation and wrapped around a
patient with whooping cough.
Smoke
It!- Coltsfoot was
traditionally smoked (often blended with other herbs) to help treat
cough and other chest problems. It has also been known to be added to
certain tobacco blends to enhance the smoking experience. Several
herbalists recommend Coltsfoot as a tobacco alternative for those
looking to quit smoking.
Lungs
and Throat- Coltsfoot has traditionally been used to help clear
the lungs of infections. It's great to help get out any phlegm that
is in your chest. It's been used, since Ancient Greece and Rome, to
help open the lungs in cases of asthma, and to relieve bronchial
congestion. It's also useful for laryngitis and sore throat.
Coltsfoot tea is considered the safest way to achieve these results,
but I also like to use Coltsfoot infused honey as well.
Sin
Conditions, Hemorrhoids, and Varicose Veins-
A poultice of Coltsfoot is also known to work well for skin
conditions such as sores, eczema, ulcers, and burns, as well as
hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
Edible
Flowers and Stems- The
flowers can be eaten raw, in salad, or fried in honey and are loaded
with Vitamin C. The stalks resemble tiny asparagus stalks and have a
similar flavor when cooked.
Contraindications
and Warnings- Coltsfoot
contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that can lead to
cancer or impairment of the liver. Most of these PAs may be destroyed
in the process of making preparations, but just in case, use caution.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid the use of this herb.
People who have allergies to ragweed may have a reaction as it's in
the same family. Other people who should avoid this herb include
those who have heart disease, liver disease, and high blood pressure.
I
only included a basic introduction to this amazing herb. I hope you
have learned a new appreciation for how amazing Coltsfoot is. If you
have any questions or comments, please leave them below.
Refrences:
Coltsfoot:
A Modern Herbal:
https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/coltsf88.html
Coltsfoot:
Dr. Vikram Chauhan: http://www.drvikram.com/coltsfoot.php
Coltsfoot:
Edible Wild Food: http://www.ediblewildfood.com/coltsfoot.aspx
Coltsfoot:
Smokeable Herbs: https://www.smokableherbs.com/coltsfoot/
Coltsfoot
Benefits: Indigo
Herbs:https://www.indigo-herbs.co.uk/natural-health-guide/benefits/coltsfoot
Coltsfoot
Flower: Ask Dr. Mao:
http://www.askdrmao.com/natural-health-dictionary/coltsfoot-flower/
Coltsfoot-Health
Benefits and Side Effects: Herbal Supplement Resource:
https://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/coltsfoot.html
Coltsfoot
(Tussilago Farfara): Annie's Remedy:
https://www.anniesremedy.com/tussilago-farfara-colt-foot.php
Coltsfoot-Tussilago
Farfara-Kuan Dong Hua-Physical and Psychospiritual Properties: 4
Branches Chinese Medicine Center:
http://www.4brancheschinesemedicinecenter.com/healing-properties-of-individual-herbs/coltsfoot-tussilago-farfara-kuan-dong-hua-physical-and-psychospiritual-properties/
Herb
to Know-Coltsfoot: Mother Earth Living:
https://www.motherearthliving.com/Plant-Profile/AN-HERB-TO-KNOW-39
Tussilago
Farfara: Always Ayurveda:
http://www.alwaysayurveda.com/tussilago-farfara/
Tussilago
Farfara: Chinese Herbs Healing:
http://www.chineseherbshealing.com/tussilago-farfara/
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