Coltsfoot: This is the effect of the plant

Coltsfoot is known for its action against irritable cough and mucus. It makes it easier to cough up even with chronic ailments. Its botanical name, Tussilago, is also derived from the Latin word "tussis" for cough.

Coltsfoot - a wild vegetable with an anti-cough effect

Long before the leaves appear the flower of the plant, which belongs to the daisy family and greets us in early spring with its bright yellow color. In medicine, as in folk medicine, the silvery haired leaves are used as a cough suppressant. According to the latest knowledge, caution is advised when used continuously. Small amounts are harmless. Read more in the second chapter.

• The most important active ingredients in coltsfoot are flavonoids, mucus, tannins and bitter substances, which in combination have an excellent healing effect on the lungs, bronchi and mucous membranes.
• When you drink coltsfoot tea, stuck mucus liquefies. The drink makes it easier to cough up and relieves the urge to cough.
• It is beneficial for dust lung, bronchitis and emphysema, best taken before breakfast.
• It also has a soothing effect on irritated mucous membranes in the stomach and intestines. In the mouth and throat you can use it as a gargle.
• Since ancient times, the herb has also been used against skin problems.
• The obsolete name "tobacco herb" goes back to the former way of smoking leaves, which is not recommended today.
• Leaves, flowers, roots and stems are edible and contain vitamin C. Flowers and young leaves are suitable as additions for salads, roots and young stems for vegetable preparations. The plant ash gives a salt substitute.

Use and side effects of coltsfoot tea

Flowers and leaves are used for decoctions. Drying plays an important role in quality. The leaves dry especially well if you cut them beforehand. According to recent studies, coltsfoot contains an alkaloid, which can be harmful if used continuously. The least of it is found in the flowers. Some of it also decomposes during cooking.

• The plant may contain small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids depending on the location. These are plant substances that have a toxic effect on your liver and are suspected in high doses of being carcinogenic.
• However, the Federal Health Office considers small amounts not regularly taken to be harmless.
• For a tea, pour two heaping teaspoons of flowers with 150 ml of boiling water or two heaped teaspoons of cut leaves with 250 ml. Let the infusion brew for 5 -10 minutes and then be off.
• A cup sweetened with honey three times a day is the right dosage. If you drink the tea against stomach or intestinal irritation, leave out the honey.
• In folk medicine, the use of the root or fresh juice is as well known as syrup, tea and wine preparations.
• Limit continuous use to four weeks a year. Do not use coltsfoot during pregnancy, lactation or liver disease.

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