Coltsfoot Herb: Herbal Remedy Recipes and Growing Information

Coltsfoot has been used for centuries to treat respiratory conditions ranging from mild cough to the more serious asthma and bronchitis. It suppresses coughs and relieves sore throats by coating the mucus membranes in the throat and lungs. When crushed, the leaves and flowers of the plant may also relieve minor skin conditions such as rashes, cuts and burns.

Common Name: Coltsfoot

Scientific Name: Tussilago Farfara

Other Common Names: Assfoot, British tobacco, Bullsfoot, Butterbur, Coughwort, Donnhove Farfara ,Fieldhove, Flower Velure, Foals foot , Foalswort, Horsefoot, Horsehoof, Pas d'ane, Winter Heliotrope

Appearance: (See side photos) The coltsfoot is similar in appearance to the common dandelion, but with much longer stalks. The leaves of the flower are shaped like a horses hoof, around four inches in width and are vaguely serrated along the edges. The leaves appear only after the flower has withered.

Fast and Easy Coltsfoot Tea

For temporary relief of sore throat and cough

Ingredients

1 teaspoon of dried coltsfoot flowers OR 10-12 fresh blooms

10 ounces of hot water

Directions

Boil water then remove from heat for at least one minute

Pour hot water over the dried flowers or fresh blossoms and allow to steep for 10-15 minutes

Remove flowers, sweeten tea with honey if desired and drink.

Coltsfoot Decoction

A decoction is different from a tea in that the leafs and roots of the plant are used. The mixture is allowed to “boil down”, thereby concentrating the effect of the herb. Generally, decoctions are made in larger batches and used throughout the day. In some instances, the resulting mixture may need additional water for palatability.

Ingredients

½ gallon of water

2 ounces of fresh coltsfoot leaves OR 1.5 onces of dried leaves

Directions

Combine ingredients in large pan and boil uncovered until liquid is reduced by half.

Strain herbs and refrigerate liquid until ready for use

Serve cold or reheat when ready, adding additional water and sweetener to taste.

This is heaven-sent for sunburn relief. It helps to prevent peeling as well.

Ingredients

1 pint of water

2 tsps dried or fresh lavender flowers

2 tsps dried or fresh coltsfoot leaves or flowers

Directions

Boil water and herbs together for 15 minutes and allow to cool

Strain herbs and refrigerate liquid until cold

Soak cloth in cold mixture and apply to sunburn.

Repeat as necessary.

Coltsfoot herb may be planted from seed or from roots obtained from wild plants. It is a very hearty little perennial that grows best in damp soil with direct sunlight. The growing/blooming season of the plant can last from early spring to late summer.

A not so subtle warning: It is very difficult to NOT grow coltsfoot. The herb reproduces in much the same way, and with the same ferocity, as dandelion. Unless you have very understanding neighbors, it may be best to grow the herb in planter pots or boxes. Ideally, the coltsfoot could be grown inside to prevent spread of the herb by seed. It’s high pollen count, however, often makes that impractical.

Due to the invasiveness of the plant when cultivated and it’s abundance in the wild, many herbalists choose to gather the plant from its natural surroundings. This practice, called wildcrafting, is frequently considered by purists to be the best way to spiritually connect with the flower.

If the plant grows naturally in an area, it will most usually be found along stream and river banks. Coltsfoot flowers should be gathered from late morning to early afternoon, while they are fully open. Leaves should be plucked when they are fully formed. If harvesting the entire plant, consider planning a trip after a recent rain when the roots are easier to pull from the ground.

For those who do not wish to endanger their herb gardens with an invasive plant and have little access to the plant in the wild, dried coltsfoot is readily available. In fact, it is one of the least expensive dried herbs.

As the plant retains most of its useful properties when dried, herbalists who wish to work with the herb is small amounts may wish to go this route. For those who plan on smoking coltsfoot or using it in incense, this is also often the most logical choice.

While I, personally, do not subscribe mystical properties to plants, I feel that the use of herbs in religion and spirituality is a valid and fascinating aspect to herbology. For centuries, herbalism and religion have coexisted quite happily and I see no reason to separate them now. In fact, if the same tolerance existed between mainstream medicine and herbology today, patients could only benefit from the relationship.

Mystically, coltsfoot herb is important in rituals involving love. It is closely associated with the planetary forces of Venus which are further associated with Venus, the goddess of love. The herb is also linked to the element of water, which governs passion and emotion. This connection both further indicates the use of coltsfoot in matters of love.

As it‘s bright yellow flowers are among the first to bloom after winter, coltsfoot may be seen at pagan rituals which welcome spring. The flowers can be worn in the hair and the stems may be used in wreathes. In some celebrations, dishes made from the leaves of the plant are served.

In addition, some believe that the herb-when smoked or burned as incense-can increase psychic awareness and aid in divination.

There is virtually no substance that human beings can put into their bodies that does not pose a risk to their health. Coltsfoot herb is no different. There are concerns among herbalists and mainstream medicine alike about chemicals, known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids, that are present in moderate levels in coltsfoot flowers and, to a lesser extent, in it’s roots and leaves. These alkaloids are similar to those found in acetaminophen and can damage the liver in high quantities or when used for extended periods of time.

It is ill-advised to take coltsfoot, or any other herb not prescribed by a physician, when pregnant or lactating. Due to alkaloids, individuals with liver disease or damage should specifically avoid the herb. Please consult with a physician or pharmacist before taking any new herbal supplement to avoid complications and potential interactions with prescription medications.

This article was written for informational purposes only. It was not intended to act as, or replace, medical treatment and evaluation.