Plant Profile: Coltsfoot

Coltsfoot

(Tussilago farfara)

Family: COMPOSITAE

Energetics: Neutral. Moistening and drying (Demulcent/astringent)

Taste: Bitter. Sweet. 

Tissue States: Damp yet dry. 

Systems Affected: Lungs.

Parts Used: Leaf & Flower. 

Key Components: Flower: 8% mucilage (In the forms of polysaccharoids based on glucose, galactose, fructose, arabinose and xylose). Flavonoids (Rutin & Carotene). Taraxanthin. Arnidiol. Faradiol. Tannins. Volatile oils. Leaf: Mucin. Tannins. Glycosidal bitter principles. Inulin. Hyperoside. Isoquercetin. Taraxanthin. Sitosterol. Zinc. 

Preparations & dosage: Infusion: 1-2 tsp er cup steeped 10 minutes. Tincture: 

Actions: 
Foundational: Astringent. Demulcent.
Primary: Antitussive. Expectorant. Diuretic. 
Secondary: Anti-inflammatory.

Uses: 
 Most popularly known for its use in coughs and irritated upper respiratory tissues. Specific for chronic emphysema & silicosis. A good sign for it is a cough that is worse first thing in the morning. 

Can be an immense help to recover from damages after quitting smoking.

Dry mucus. Pleurisy. Whooping cough. 

Combines well with: Mullein. Elecampane. Marshmallow. Horehound. 

Identifying: 

Growing:

Harvesting: Harvest leaves anytime but best in fall when fully mature.

Contraindications: Not recommended internally for people with high liver enzymes or hepatitis. Contraindication for pregnancy & nursing. Possibly not to be used for more than 6 consecutive weeks per year due to alkaloids. . Contains extremely small amounts of a pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These components have been known to cause liver toxicity and cancer. Matthew wood states that these components can't even be extracted in water so that a tea is best.  It is extremely likely that other constituents in this plant counter act any potential negative effects on the liver. The amount contained in the dried plant is less than .015%). 

Sources: 

The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 120-121

The Complete Herbs Sourcebook: David Hoffman. Pg 242
The Earthwise Herbal: Volume 1: Matthew Wood. Pg 494-496

Studies: