100% Certified organic Coltsfoot

Tussilago farfara

This versatile herb is useful for symptom relief of respiratory issues.  Although it is a bit astringent and bitter, it also carries qualities of being sweet, restoring, stimulating and relaxing.  Indications are for promoting expectoration, relieve dryness and promote tissue repair, especially with the throat.  Chronic wounds or burns may be relieved as the anti-inflammatory affects will be helpful.  Recent studies indicated the oxidant reducing power of these herbs suggests their antioxidant activity.  Avoid during pregnancy and lactation because of the trace amounts of pyrolizidine alkaloids may cumulate toxic levels if ingested daily.  Dosage is 2-6 ounces daily, sipped slowly.

Coltsfoot contains flavonoids, polysaccharides, tannins, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, vitamin C, and zinc. Boiling the herb reduces the pyrrolizidine alkaloids, reducing risk of liver toxicity. The polysaccharides are anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant. The flavonoids are anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Coltsfoot has been consumed, often by smoking, to ease breathing. It is recommended for dry coughs. It is demulcent and expectorant, helping ease asthma and spasmodic coughs. One study showed improvement in 75% of the cases of bronchial asthma using Coltsfoot. Coltsfoot should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for children under 6.

Andrew Chevallier. DK Publishing. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine (3rd ed.). New York, NY. 278-279.

Fu L., Xu BT, Gan RY, Ahang, Y, Xu X, Xia EQ, Li  HB. Total phenolic contents and antioxidant capacities of selected Chinese medicinal plants.  Int J Sci.2010 Jun 1:11(6):2362-72.

Holmes, P.  The Energetics of Western Herbs 1997. p. 243-4.

Moore, M.  Herbal Materia Medica Southwest School of Botanical Medicine1995. p. 28.