Information on Coltsfoot
| Latin Name |
| Tussilago farfara |
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| Affects |
| Respiratory system |
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| Herb Forms |
| Tincture, bulk herb. |
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| Dosages |
Infusion: 2-3 cups daily
Tincture: 20-30 drops 2-3 x daily |
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| Cautions |
| Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing. Not for long-term use. The herb contains small amounts of alkaloids that have a potential for toxicity but are considered safe by herbalists when used for short periods of time (up to 2 weeks several times a |
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| Botanical Information |
| A plant from the Aster family with long petioled kidney-shaped scalloped leaves and light yellow ray flowers. |
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| Description |
| Coltsfoot is a water-loving plant that grows naturally in Europe, but is a garden favorite worldwide. It has been used for centuries, both in folk medicine and modern herbal practice, to help alleviate the symptoms of cough catarrh and upper respiratory tract congestion during a flu or cold, whooping cough, laryngitis, bronchitis, or asthma. It has expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. |
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| References |
| Blumenthal, Mark et al. 1998. The Complete Commission E Monographs. Austin: American Botanical Council.
Newall, C. et al.. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.
McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
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Ailments treated by Coltsfoot
| Ailment |
Treatment Support |
Application |
| Cough, chronic |
antitussive, expectorant |
tincture, tea |
| Whooping cough |
antitussive, expectorant |
tincture, tea |
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