Coltsfoot ~ Tussilago farfara L. is one of the first wild flowers to bloom in Ontario in spring time.
Coltsfoot grows all around Georgian Bay and prefers to grow near water in wetter areas near stream banks and ditches. It looks like dandelion flowers and it is from the same Aster family. The flowers resemble a bent horse leg before and after flowering because they nod.
The leaves appear after the flowers have gone to fluffy seed that fly through the air in puffy white little clouds.
The leaves look lung shaped and treat lung conditions helping to reduce inflammation and spasms. It is mildly bitter, demulcent, astringent and cooling.
| Common Name | Coltsfoot leaves/ flowers |
| Latin Name | Tussilago farfara |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Parts Used | Perennial flowers bloom first in spring and then turn to seed, leaves follow in May/ June |
| Target Organs | respiratory, throat |
| Common Uses | Lungs: acute chronic lung chest infections, irritating dry coughs, External leaves: wounds, bruises, |
| Properties | relaxing/ secretolytic expectorant, demulcent, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic, diuretic, anti-catarrhal, emollient |
| Constituents | Flowers: flavonoids: rutin, carotene, taraxanthin, arnidiol, farfardiol, tannin, Essential oils
Leaves:mucilage, polysaccharides, tannin, bitter glycosides, inulin, sitosterol, zinc Traces of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, hormonal substances, calcium, magnesium, sodium, trace minerals |
| Cautions | Due to traces of pyrrolizidine alkaloids do not use for extended periods of time at high dosages. Do not use with children under the age of 8, during pregnancy or lactation. |
| Dosage | Tincture: 2-5ml Tea: 6-14g |
