{"id":14694,"date":"2024-11-03T11:11:54","date_gmt":"2024-11-03T11:11:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=14694"},"modified":"2026-04-16T14:14:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T13:14:23","slug":"coltsfoot","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/coltsfoot\/","title":{"rendered":"Coltsfoot"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":14700,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_integration_method":"rest-api","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"17de8305-3fed-4e07-a7c1-f7fd8e3e117f","beyondwords_preview_token":"8a97a3a7-75bd-4073-b672-d839dad11c65","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[1858],"conditions":[685,701,695,700],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[31,18,28,527,27],"western_action":[993,992,994,997,998,1001,1002,1005,1008,1010,1014,1015,1018,1025],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1382,1499,1498,1487,1488,1495,1494,1492,1380],"writer":[1910],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-14694","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-anti-catarrhal","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-respiratory-system","conditions-skin","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-astringent-taste","sense-bitter","sense-mucilaginous","sense-salty","sense-sweet","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-antispasmodic","western_action-antitussive","western_action-bitter","western_action-bronchodilator","western_action-demulcent","western_action-diuretic","western_action-expectorant","western_action-hepatoprotective","western_action-immunomodulant","western_action-relaxant","western_action-vulnerary","energetics_action-cool","energetics_action-astringent","energetics_action-bitter","energetics_action-dry","energetics_action-moist","energetics_action-salty","energetics_action-sweet","energetics_action-toning","energetics_action-warm","writer-anneliese-lambeth-mansell","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20260317","herb_author":1910,"banner_text":"Coltsfoot is one of the best medicinal plants for dry coughs","latin_name":"Tussilago farfara<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Asteraceae","herb_summary":"Coltsfoot is a soothing expectorant, antitussive and antispasmodic herb. It is ideal for dry, spasmodic coughs and irritated, inflamed respiratory tissues. ","key_benefits":"Dry cough\r\nWhooping cough\r\nAsthma\r\nRespiratory conditions","how_does_it_feel":"An infusion made with the dried leaf and flower makes a dark green tea, which smells salty and reminiscent of the sea. The taste is slightly salty, savoury, bitter and mildly sweet. The texture is mucilaginous and then transforms to astringent, leaving a really dry sensation in the mouth and throat after a few minutes. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe slight sweetness and the mucilaginous sensation expresses the polysaccharide constituents, and the bitterness reveals the terpenes. The astringency is indicative of the tannin content and the saltiness communicates the mineral content. If there is any phlegm lurking in the sinuses and lungs causing you to feel foggy, stagnant, and lethargic, this will be gradually shifted over the rest of the day, leaving you feeling more clear headed and motivated. <\/span>","hdif_image_1":14700,"hdif_image_2":14703,"hdif_image_3":14699,"hdif_video":"","sense":[31,18,28,527,27],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"Coltsfoot is an excellent herb for a dry, irritating, tickly <\/span>cough<\/span><\/a>. The <\/span>antitussive<\/span><\/a> action will help to stop the cough, and the mucilaginous constituents will provide soothing, <\/span>anti-inflammatory<\/span><\/a> relief to the throat and lungs. Coltsfoot can also be used for chronic lung conditions such as <\/span>asthma<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>chronic obstructive pulmonary disease<\/span><\/a> (COPD) where the lungs have become chronically congested and need some support and rejuvenation. <\/span>\r\n

Safety note:<\/strong> Some caution is warranted when using this herb as it contains potentially toxic constituents called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). The risks of exposure are mild due to the low concentration of PAs in coltsfoot, however, regular or excessive consumption of coltsfoot, especially in the form of herbal teas, should be avoided (1). See the section on safety (below) before consuming coltsfoot in herbal formulas. .<\/p>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_14702\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Coltsfoot Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThere are some conflicting opinions about the energetics of coltsfoot as it is categorised by some as cooling (2,3) and by others as warming (4). However, this difference of opinion could be explained by the preparation of the herb, since the fresh herb is cooling, whereas the dried herb is more heating (5).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThere is, however, agreement that it is both moistening and drying, depending on the condition being treated (2,3,4,6). In conditions of excessive mucus, coltsfoot will thicken and dry the phlegm and astringe the mucous membranes, whereas dry conditions can be supported by the mucilaginous polysaccharides.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nColtsfoot contains some constituents in the category of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), of which there are around 650 different kinds (7). Although PAs are often collectively considered to be toxic, there is a varying degree of toxicity in these constituents from mild to significant, and some are entirely non-toxic (7). <\/span>\r\n\r\nDuring the process of breakdown in the liver some types of PAs are converted to toxic byproducts, which can damage the hepatic tissue (8). The main PAs in coltsfoot are the non-toxic tussilagine, tussilaginine, isotussilagine and isotussilagine (7). However, it also contains small amounts of the toxic senkirkine (0.015%) and trace amounts of the toxic senecionine (0.001%) (7). The concentrations of PAs in coltsfoot are thought to be too low to be clinically significant, although the dangers associated with long-term use, even at low doses, are unclear (1). No cases of human toxicity have been linked to the use of coltsfoot at the recommended dosages (1,7). <\/span>\r\n\r\nTwo case reports of toxicity were later determined to be misidentification of a Senecio species as coltsfoot, and a combination of other PA containing herbs ingested at the same time (9).\u00a0 In animal studies exploring toxicity, rats had to be exposed to very high doses of coltsfoot (more than 4% of their diet) before they deve<\/span>loped liver damage, which took between six to twelve months (7)<\/span>. To give context to this, one cup of coltsfoot infusion will contain one part-per-million (PPM*) of total PAs, which is an extremely low exposure (7). PAs are water soluble and will be more highly concentrated in water extracts, whereas oil extracts contain lower concentrations of the potentially toxic PA constituents (7). <\/span>\r\n\r\n*<\/span>One PPM equates to one microgram (mcg) per gram (5).<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_14697\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Coltsfoot Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nCulpeper\u2019s <\/span>Complete Herbal<\/span><\/i> states that the fresh leaves or juice are cooling and drying, and to be used for a hot, dry cough, wheezing and shortness of breath (10). The dried leaves or roots were considered hot and dry, and used as a tea or smoked as a good remedy for those with \u201cthin rheums<\/span> [watery discharges] and distillations [mucus] upon their lungs\u201d (10).<\/span>\r\n\r\n Externally, wet clothes soaked in coltsfoot distilled water were applied to hot swellings, inflammation, skin wheals, burns and the \u201cburning heat of piles or privy parts\u201d (10). Every part of the plant was used medicinally, but more often the leaves (11). The leaves were the principal ingredient in the British herb tobacco, and the smoking of this plant dates back to Dioscorides, Galen, Pliny and Boyle (11,<\/span>12<\/span>). British herb tobacco also contained buckbean, <\/span>e<\/span>yebright<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Euphrasia officinalis<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>b<\/span>etony<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Betonica officinalis<\/span><\/i>), r<\/span>osemary<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Rosmarinus officinalis<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>t<\/span>hyme<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Thymus vulgaris<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>l<\/span>avender<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Lavandula angustifolia<\/span><\/i>), and <\/span>c<\/span>hamomile<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Matricaria chamomilla<\/span><\/i>), and was used to relieve asthma, <\/span>bronchitis,<\/span><\/a> catarrh and difficulty breathing <\/span>(12).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nFelter reported coltsfoot to be an emollient, demulcent, and tonic, used to relieve irritation of the mucous tissues (13). A decoction was used for coughs,\u00a0asthma, whooping-cough, laryngitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis,\u00a0scrofula and in\u00a0gastric\u00a0and\u00a0intestinal catarrh (13). The powdered leaves were used to induce sneezing or increase nasal excretions and used for\u00a0giddiness, headache, nasal obstructions (13). It was used externally in the form of a poultice or a tincture of the leaves and the flowers, given in doses of 1 to 10 drops for scrofulous tumours (13).<\/span>\r\n\r\nGrieve described coltsfoot as one of the most popular cough remedies, describing it as \u201cnature\u2019s best herb for the lungs and her most eminent thoracic\u201d (12). Coltsfoot wine was considered excellent for all pulmonary diseases, \u201cto be taken at all times when there is diseases of the lungs, its influence more apparent when inflammation is present\u201d (5). It was generally given together with other herbs such as <\/span>horehound<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Marrubium vulgare<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>marshmallow<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Althaea officinalis<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>ground ivy<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Glechoma hederacea<\/span><\/i>) (12).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"

\"RespiratoryRespiratory system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nColtsfoot is an approved herb of the American Botanical Council, with the Commission E monograph stating uses for \u201cacute catarrh of the respiratory tract with cough and hoarseness; acute, mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa\u201d (<\/span>14<\/span>).<\/span>\r\n\r\nColtsfoot is an excellent herb for a dry, irritating, non-productive <\/span>cough<\/span><\/a>. The flavonoids in coltsfoot have anti-inflammatory, <\/span>antispasmodic<\/span><\/a>, and antitussive actions which help to relax the muscles in the respiratory system, soothing bronchial spasms and easing the cough (15,<\/span>16<\/span>). This can be helpful in whooping cough or a dry cough in asthmatic conditions to halt the spasming action of the lungs. <\/span>\r\n\r\nOther herbs with anti-tussive and antispasmodic action to consider as an alternative to coltsfoot include cherry bark, <\/span>pleurisy root<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Asclepias tuberosa<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>wild lettuce<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Lactuca virosa<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>hyssop<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Hyssopus officinalis<\/span><\/i>). However, antitussive herbs are not suitable for damp, productive coughs as mucus can get stuck in lungs, allowing infection to develop. When treating a dry, irritating cough, antitussive herbs are best combined with other ingredients to support the lung tissue such as <\/span>mullein<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Verbascum thapsus<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>white horehound<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>plantain<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Plantago lanceolata<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>marshmallow<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>liquorice<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Glycyrrhiza glabra<\/span><\/i>).<\/span>\r\n\r\nColtsfoot is high in polysaccharides, which are anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulating and demulcent (<\/span>16<\/span>). The anti-inflammatory mucilage<\/span> can soothe and protect inflamed and irritated mucous membranes <\/span>(15)<\/span>. This is helpful where there is pain and inflammation in the throat, airways or lungs from a persistent cough, laryngitis, tonsillitis or asthma.\u00a0 Herbal alternatives to coltsfoot with soothing, demulcent and anti-inflammatory actions on the lungs include marshmallow leaf and root, pleurisy root, liquorice, and mullein.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nColtsfoot works well as a remedy for individuals with chronic, debilitating lung conditions such as <\/span>asthma<\/span><\/a>, silicosis, chronic <\/span>bronchitis<\/span><\/a> or emphysema, and those with lung damage from smoking (<\/span>2,5,17). The condition often becomes chronic with deep, dried mucus that is difficult to expel, and the lungs may be damaged by scar tissue (3). The active constituents support recovery of the bronchial cilia, restore the integrity of the respiratory mucosa and increase immune resistance which can provide relief from the exhausted condition (2,3). These conditions are often accompanied by constricted airways and trapped mucus, in which coltsfoot dilates the bronchi and loosens stagnation, making it easier to cough up any phlegm (18).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nColtsfoot has antioxidant and antibacterial actions, however alternative herbs with these actions specific to the lungs include <\/span>elecampane<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Inula helenium<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>thyme<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>aniseed<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Pimpinella anisum<\/span><\/i>).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Digestive system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nDue to the mucilage content of coltsfoot, it has a demulcent action which can be used to sooth irritations in the GIT and treat inflammatory digestive disorders, especially where there is ulceration (15). One of the major constituents of coltsfoot, tussilagone, has strong anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the activation of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-<\/span>\u03b1<\/span>, TNF-<\/span>\u03ba<\/span>B and interleukin-6 (19). This has been demonstrated in vivo to attenuate colonic inflammatory damage in intestinal colitis (19).<\/span>\r\n

Skin health<\/a><\/h3>\r\nThe fresh, bruised leaves can be applied to boils, abscesses, and suppurating ulcers (15). A poultice of the flowers can soothe and support healing of inflamed skin disorders such as eczema, ulcers, sores, varicose veins and insect bites (18,20). The antiseptic and skin toning properties can be used to minimise blemishes and reduce skin oiliness when used in a facial steam or toner (4).<\/span>","research":"Measurement of MEFV in 66 cases of asthma in the convalescent stage and after treatment with Chinese herbs<\/span>\r\n\r\nThere is a lack of research exploring the use of coltsfoot in human clinical trials. One study included coltsfoot as an ingredient in a multi-herb decoction in the treatment of 35 asthmatic patients (21).\u00a0 All patients were in convalescence and had obstruction of the airways, defined by lower-than-normal values on pulmonary function assessments. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe decoction of several Chinese herbs (<\/span>Viscum coloratum<\/span><\/i> 15 g, <\/span>Psoralea corylifolia<\/span><\/i> 15 g, <\/span>Eucommia ulmoides<\/span><\/i> 15 g, <\/span>Lycium chinense<\/span><\/i> 9 g, <\/span>Tussilago farfara<\/span><\/i> 15 g, <\/span>Artemisia capillaris <\/span><\/i>9 g, and <\/span>Pogostemon cablin<\/span><\/i> 9 g), was given daily for 10 weeks to all the patients. After the 10 weeks, maximal expiratory flow-volume curve (MEFV) was significantly improved, suggesting that the airway obstruction of asthmatics in the convalescent stage is reversible with herbal therapy (21).\u00a0<\/span>","did_you_know":"In Paris, the coltsfoot flower used to be painted as a sign on the door of apothecary shops (12).\u00a0 <\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":263535},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Coltsfoot is a low growing, rhizomatous perennial plant, flowering from February to May, before the leaves emerge from April to November (22,23). The flowers are yellow with both disk and ray florets (15\u201335 mm), atop a single stem (24). <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe stems are short, purplish, white, woolly and leafless with many overlapping, fleshy scales, growing to a height of 10\u201315 cm (23,24). <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe leaves are broadly heart-shaped, polygonal, resembling a colt\u2019s foot, entire and toothed with a grey tinge of downy on the upper side (10,23,24). It produces copious white pappus seeds, similar to dandelions (23,24). It spreads by seed and fleshy but brittle rhizomes (23). <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe rhizomes bury deep and preserve their vitality for a long time, and may spring up when the ground is disturbed (12).<\/span>","common_names":"