There is a large list of herbs that are often called weeds, and coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) is one of them. When it first peeks out of the ground in the spring, it is not uncommon to see it flourishing in the wild.
Coltsfoot is a common weed that is often confused with dandelion due to its brilliant yellow flowers and leaves that are shaped like a horse's hoof, thus the name. The leaves are the most often picked component, although the buds and flowers before they bloom are also useful.
Coltsfoot is unusual in that it produces flowers before its leaves appear. This distinguishing feature separates Filius ante patrem from dandelion, a common weed, and is responsible for the plant's Latin moniker, Filius ante patrem ('son before father').
Western herbalists and practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine have both found several use for coltsfoot. It has a long history of usage in the treatment of skin irritation and problems as well as respiratory conditions including coughs, asthma, and bronchitis. The Latin term Tussilago comes from the meanings for "cough" and "depart," hence the disease is appropriately named.
According to legend, coltsfoot was often burnt during magical ceremonies, such as those intended to contact a deceased loved one. Using a special chant and the leaves, people in England could see into the future.
Coltsfoot, according to scientific research, has a high concentration of mucilage. Coating the throat with this material helps calm breathing. Asthma, sore throat, wheezing, bronchitis, and laryngitis are among conditions that may benefit from using this herb.
Smoking the plant was suggested by ancient herbalists Dioscorides and Phiny for soothing the throat. Even though it's unlikely that smoking Coltsfoot may speed up the healing process for a sore throat, it's sometimes recommended as a healthier alternative to tobacco.
Coltsfoot has been administered topically to the skin for other reasons as well. Coltsfoot flowers were originally used as a poultice for a variety of skin conditions, including inflammation, dermatitis, and stinging.
◉ May reduce inflammation:- Asthma and gout are two examples of inflammatory illnesses that coltsfoot is used to treat. Gout is a kind of arthritis that causes swelling and joint discomfort.
Coltsfoot may contain anti-inflammatory qualities, yet data on these illnesses is sparse.of mice with drug-induced colitis, a disease characterized by intestinal inflammation, tussilagone, an active component of coltsfoot, was shown to lower many inflammatory markers.
Tussilagone was shown to inhibit inflammation-related pathways in another mouse investigation.
Human subjects research is still required.
◉ Could benefit brain health:- Coltsfoot has shown promise as a possible brain health protector in studies.
One in vitro investigation found that coltsfoot extract protected nerve cells from injury and actively countered free radicals; these substances lead to the development of chronic illness.Coltsfoot extract was also shown to protect nerve cells, prevent brain tissue loss, and lower inflammation in an animal research.
However, tests on humans are required.
◉ May treat chronic cough:- Coltsfoot is a common herbal treatment for respiratory illnesses including bronchitis, asthma, and whooping cough in alternative medicine. Coltsfoot has shown promise in animal studies for treating persistent cough due to these illnesses.
In a research on mice, a combination of coltsfoot chemicals was shown to decrease cough frequency by 62%, increase sputum output, and decrease inflammation. Extracts from the flower bud of this plant were given orally to mice, and the results showed a reduction in coughing and an increase in the duration between coughs.
Although these findings are encouraging, more thorough human investigations are required.
◉ May reduce inflammation:- Inflammation and several inflammatory indicators may be lowered by using coltsfoot, as shown by a few laboratory trials. This may account for its widespread use in the treatment of inflammatory respiratory illnesses like asthma and inflammatory joint disorders like gout.
It's possible that additional compounds in coltsfoot contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties, but the research focused mostly on tussilagone, one of the key active chemicals in coltsfoot.
Coltsfoot Leaf Powder can be found online!. Buy it at the Tea Store NYC - Alive Herbals.
Product Name | Coltsfoot Leaf Powder. |
Scientific Name | Tussilago farfara. |
Country of Origin | Originally from native to Europe. Packaged in the USA. |
Product Style | Powder. |
Taste & Aroma | Unless the leaves are rinsed after being cooked, they have a bitter flavor. |
Shelf Life & Storage | Shelf Life is about 06 – 36 months.The best way to store them is in a cool, dark place with a lid that keeps out air. |
Precautions | We requested you, Before consuming spices, herbs, teas or any kind of natural products you consult an expert qualified healthcare practitioner or herbalist. |
Notice | This product information has not been appraised by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For educational purposes only. |