Coltsfoot

Description:
This small plants little flowers can be seen in the early spring. The leaves only appear after the flowers are gone. The whole summer the leaves collect new energy which is stored in the roots, which subsequently flowers next spring. Quite a special way of doing things, not so common among herbs!

Coltsfoot relieves irritation of the mucous tissues. The latin name, Tussilago comes from "tussis agere", meaning cough relieving. It has a strenghtening effect on the immune system (Wren). In larger amount it may damage the liver due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. A small, daily dose (as a cup of tea) is not going to do any harm though.

Mrs. Grieves writes that Coltsfoot is the main ingredient of The British Herb Tobacco, a herbal mixture which can be used by asthma- and bronchitis patients. The other herbs in the mixture are: Buckbean, Eyebright, Betony, Rosemary, Thyme, Lavender, and Chamomile flowers.

Coltsfoot close-up


		Coltsfoot
		Botanical name: Tussilago farfara Synonyms: Son-before-the-father, Coughwort Family: Asteraceae, Aster family Where to find this herb: moist, sunny slopes. Part(s) used: Leaves and flowers Special constituents: flavonoids; plant slime(about 8%); pyrrolizidine alkaloids in small amounts(the flowers have a higher alkaloid content than the leaves) Correspondance: Venus (Culpeper); personally I think it's a little sunbeam! Correspondance to the lungs is most logical, considering the traditional use of the plant. Uses: Magical: none found. Medicinally: against coughs, asthma and bronchitis.	Klein hoefblad Følfod

		Description: This small plants little flowers can be seen in the early spring. The leaves only appear after the flowers are gone. The whole summer the leaves collect new energy which is stored in the roots, which subsequently flowers next spring. Quite a special way of doing things, not so common among herbs! Coltsfoot relieves irritation of the mucous tissues. The latin name, Tussilago comes from "tussis agere", meaning cough relieving. It has a strenghtening effect on the immune system (Wren). In larger amount it may damage the liver due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. A small, daily dose (as a cup of tea) is not going to do any harm though. Mrs. Grieves writes that Coltsfoot is the main ingredient of The British Herb Tobacco, a herbal mixture which can be used by asthma- and bronchitis patients. The other herbs in the mixture are: Buckbean, Eyebright, Betony, Rosemary, Thyme, Lavender, and Chamomile flowers.