Coltsfoot Leaf, Cut & Sifted (Tussilago farfara) – Dried Herb

Coltsfoot grows wild over much of Europe and was eventually brought to the American colonies. Coltsfoot is a flower in the daisy family that’s long been cultivated for its medicinal properties. Coltsfoot is often mistaken for the Dandelion plant. The name is derived from the horseshoe shaped leaves. Coltsfoot is also known as Folia Farfarae, Filius Ante Patrem and Kuandong Hua. The Latin name, Tussilago farfara, is derived from the word “tuss”, meaning cough and “lago”, meaning to dispel, which also explains the term “anti-tussive.” Before the plant flowers, it resembles Butterbur. It was so popular in Europe at one time that French pharmacists painted its flowers on their doorposts.

Most of the most common folklore concerning Coltsfoot comes from the fact that it has always been used as a smoking herb. Internally and externally Coltsfoot has been used through the centuries to bring forth its medicinal properties. A small amount of tincture made from dried Coltsfoot Leaves and Flowers is used in cough syrup recipes. In Chinese and Russian traditional medicine inhalation from the smoke of its Flowers is reputed to be helpful in treating asthma, bronchitis and persistent coughs. Cornish tin miners would regularly smoke Coltsfoot to guard against diseases of the lungs.

Not only did Dioscorides, Galen, Pliny and Boyle recommend the herb to be smoked but in certain magical rituals Coltsfoot is burned to create equilibrium or to call a loved one back. One of the most interesting folklores from northern England tells how Coltsfoot Leaves were used to tell the future. By peeling away the thin layer of soft grey tissue of the new leaf, the shiny surface of the leaf would be used as a window or mirror. It is said that with the right charm or utterance the “window” would then predict your future spouse. This particular folklore is now only known by memory and the chants that were kept secret to locals have faded into obscurity.

Properties:

The energetics and taste of Coltsfoot are cooling, moistening and the taste is pungent, acrid and sweet. Coltsfoot has an affinity to the respiratory system and immune system. For a lung tea combine Coltsfoot with Thyme, Licorice and Wild cherry bark. For the Immune system combine Coltsfoot with Elderflower, Lemongrass, Echinacea or Peppermint.

How to use:

1 teaspoon of Coltsfoot to one cup of boiling water. Steep for 15 minutes, strain and drink one to two cups a day.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.