Linn.
Family: Compositae; Asteraceae.
Habitat: Western Himalayas from Kashmir to Nepal at 1,500-3,500 m.
English: Coughwort, Coltsfoot, Asses' Foot.
Unani: Fanjiyun.
Action: Leaves and flowers— anticatarrhal, antitussive, expectorant, antispasmodic, demulcent, anti-inflammatory. Used for dry, unproductive, irritative cough, smoker's cough, whooping cough, bronchial asthma (effect shortlived), laryngitis.
Key application: In acute catarrh of the respiratory tract with cough and hoarseness; acute, mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing. (German Commission E.)The leaves and flowers contain flavo- noids including rutin, hyperoside and isoquercetin; pyrrolizidine alkaloids including senkirkine and tussilagine (about 0.015%); mucilage (about 8%) consisting of polysaccharides based on glucose, galactose, fructose, arabinose and xylose; inulin, tannins.Polysaccharides are antiinflammatory and immuno-stimulating, as well as demulcent. Flavonoids also have anti-inflammatory and antispasmod- ic action. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have caused hepatotoxicity in rats fed daily on high doses, but not on daily low dose regimes. These are largely destroyed when the herb is boiled.The leaf contains an inhibitor of platelet activating factor (PAF). The PAF inhibitor can account for Coltsfoot's efficacy in asthma. The constituent, tussilagone has respiratory stimulant and cardiovascular (including pressor) activities. In animal studies, Coltsfoot is reported to have a pres- soreffect similartodopaminebut without tachyphylasis. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)
Tussilago farfara. N.O. Compositae.
Synonym: Also recognised as Coughwort and Horsehoof, the name Coltsfoot is from the shape of the leaf, which is supposed to resemble a colt's foot.
Habitat: It prefers moist, clayey soil, and is usually found growing near streams and ditches.
Features ? Springing erect from the ground to a height of about eight inches, the stem is entirely covered with small brown scales and a loose cottony down. The angular, long-stalked, toothed leaves are about four inches, green above with long white hairs underneath. Large, daisy type, bright yellow flowers appear, one to eachstalk, from February to April, long before the leaf growth. The taste is mucilaginous and rather astringent, the odour scarcely noticeable.Part used ? Leaves.
Action: Expectorant and demulcent.
Coltsfoot leaves are used in a decoction of 1 ounce to 1 1/2 pints of water, simmered down to 1 pint, which is taken in teacupful doses. Its expectorant and demulcent action is of great help in cough remedies when in conjunction with pectorals such as Horehound. The leaves also form a useful constituent of asthma and whooping-cough medicines, and are smoked as a relief against asthma, bronchitis and catarrh.These same uses were known centuries ago, as witness Culpeper ? "The dry leaves are best for those that have thin rheums, and distillations upon the lungs, causing a cough, for which also the dried leaves taken as tobacco, or the root, is very good."... coltsfoot
Coltsfoot tea is a popular remedy for cough as well as for other respiratory problems. Read more about it.
More about Coltsfoot Tea
Also known as tussilago farfara, coltsfoot is native to Europe, but can also be found in North America. It is a perennial, woolly herbaceous plant, with green heart-shaped leaves, that blossoms in early spring with a bright yellow flower, resembling a dandelion.
Coltsfoot can be bought as tea infusion, capsules, syrups or extracts.
The active constituents of coltsfoot tea are mucilage, flavonoids, tannins, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, zinc and vitamin C. These constituents are known to impart the expectorant, antitussive, demulcent, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and anti-catarrhal properties of the herb.
While the pyrrolizidine alkaloids are believed to be toxic for the liver, they are obliterated when boiled to prepare a decoction.
How to brew Coltsfoot Tea
Flowers and leaves are usually used to prepare a tasty cup of coltsfoot tea. Making the tea is easy. Just use one teaspoon of dried plant and let it steep for 30 minutes in a cup of hot water.
Health Benefits of Coltsfoot Tea
Coltsfoot Tea is said to be effective in treating and relieving lung, chest and bronchial ailments such as: whooping cough, dry cough, asthma, catarrh, bronchitis, emphysema.
This tea may improve the immune system.
It may help alleviate the inflammations.
When applied externally, especially the crushed flowers, it is said to cure certain skin conditions.
Side Effects of Coltsfoot Tea
The main side effect of coltsfoot tea is the fact that the pyrrolizidine alkaloids contained may contribute to liver toxicity and even cancer. It is still a subject of debate as some countries even prohibited its usage.
There is a concern that coltsfoot tea taken in large amounts might interfere with treatment for patients with high blood pressure, heart and liver diseases.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children are advised not to use coltsfoot tea as a safe precaution. The long-term use of this herb is also not advised.
Occasionally, it can also generate allergies.
Although it contains harmful pyrrolizidine alkaloids, the herb is considered to be safe when taken in small doses.
However, the risks are generally seen by many as small and the health benefits outweigh these risks. As long as you keep the moderation and pay attention to the precautions, you may enjoy a cup of coltsfoot tea in your diet.... coltsfoot tea
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