2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Coltsfoot / Tussilago farfara / is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Compositae. It blooms in March, immediately after the snow melts. It is in the early spring that single or above-ground stems begin to grow from its rhizome, reaching a height of up to 25 cm.
The stems are covered with pink-purple scales, and on top they carry large and beautiful yellow flower baskets. There are two rows of leaves on its stems, but the outer ones are larger. The fruit of coltsfoot is cylindrical, with a white and fluffy kite. After the seeds ripen, the leaves begin to develop into a rosette. They are heart-shaped and jagged unevenly. In some cases, the handles are colored purple.
Coltsfoot grows in shady places, on moist and crumbly soils, in ravines and along the banks of streams. It can be found in excavations and embankments throughout the country. Coltsfoot can be found under a number of names - rolled herb, horse rooster, donkey trail, stepmother, white hoof, bloodworm, marta, brandy, mullein, basement, marta.
Composition of coltsfoot
The flower stalks of coltsfoot contain taraxin, faradiol, arnidiol, stigmasterol, phytosterol, tannins, yellow pigment, rutin. The leaves contain a bitter glycoside called tusilagin, gallic, malic and tartaric acid, saponins, vitamin C, sitosterol, essential oil, tannins, provitamin A, protein, mucus, polysaccharides (inulin and dextrin).
Collecting and storing coltsfoot
The usable part of coltsfoot are the younger leaves of the herb, which are collected in the months of July-August. After cleaning, spray in the sun for half a day, after which drying can continue in the shade.
Properly dried coltsfoot is light green on top and very hairy and even whitish on the bottom, with a slightly bitter taste and characteristic odor. Store the dried herb in a ventilated, shady and dry place. The herb can be purchased from most pharmacies.
Benefits of coltsfoot
The herb has emollient, expectorant and anti-inflammatory action. The emollient and expectorant effect is due to the tusilagin and saponins contained in coltsfoot, and the anti-inflammatory action is due to the tannins and mucous substances. Coltsfoot improves heart function and soothes bile spasms.
Coltsfoot It is used for laryngitis, bronchitis, shortness of breath and severe tuberculous cough. Relieves cough attacks, which are especially strong at night. It is mainly used to treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Used in gastrointestinal diseases, loss of appetite, atherosclerosis, rheumatic diseases, hypertension.
Decoction of the leaves of coltsfoot or paw of fresh coltsfoot are used to relieve inflammation of the veins of the legs, various skin diseases, boils, burns. Herbal compresses are used for eye inflammation.
Folk medicine with coltsfoot
In Bulgarian folk medicine, coltsfoot is used to treat inflammation of the intestines and stomach, skin rashes, scrofula, pleurisy, irregular menstruation and to stimulate appetite.
For external use it is suitable not only for boils, but also for headaches, purulent wounds, wounds from uncomfortable shoes. Dried leaves are recommended for smoking against shortness of breath.
To make the infusion you need 2 tbsp. finely chopped coltsfoot leaves, which are flooded with 400 ml of boiling water. Leave to soak for about 2 hours, after which the infusion is filtered. Take the decoction three times a day, 80 g about 15 minutes before meals. With this decoction you can make a compress for external use and put it on the problem area.
You can use coltsfoot as a cosmetic or booster emollient. To do this, make a paw of crushed fresh leaves from coltsfootmixed with fresh milk.
In folk medicine you will find a very effective infusion for cough. It contains 50 g of coltsfoot, St. John's wort, ox tongue and linden blossom. 2 tbsp. spoons of these herbs are mixed with 1 tsp. flaxseed and boiled in half a liter of boiling water. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes. After cooling, the mixture is filtered.
An effective remedy against silicosis and chronic bronchitis is the tea from the leaves of coltsfoot, flavored with a little honey. Drink the decoction at night before bed and in the morning after getting up. In case of shortness of breath, drink an infusion of equal parts coltsfoot and yarrow.
Decoction of the roots and leaves of coltsfoot in milk is useful in diseases of the kidneys and bladder, swelling of the liver, difficult and painful urination.
Harm from coltsfoot
The herb is not recommended for breastfeeding and pregnancy.
