Coltsfoot
Botanical Description / Habitat
Tussilago farfara
Family
Asteraceae (i.e. blessed thistle, chamomile, ragweed)
Common Names
British tobacco
Bullsfoot
Butterbur
Coltsfoot
Coughwort
Horsefoot
Horsehoof
Kuandongwhua
Habitat
A common invasive weed in Europe, found sporadically in North America.
Description
Perennial plant.
A prolific herb with creeping rootstock.
A single yellow flower converts to white as the large leaves appear.
Medicinal Parts
Coltsfoot leaf.
The flowers may also be collected, as soon as they open.
Historical Properties & Uses
Its soothing expectorant action gave Coltsfoot a role in most respiratory conditions, notably emphysema.
The fresh, bruised leaves were also applied to boils, abscesses and suppurating ulcers.
Coltsfoot leaf is approved for acute catarrh of the respiratory tract with cough and hoarseness, as well as acute, mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.
This herb has approval status by the German Commission E.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Method of Action
Coltsfoot contains mucilage, tannins and pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
There are no known interactions.
It is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
There are no reported side effects.
It is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.
Total daily dosage of pyrrolizidine alkaloids should not exceed 100 mcg.
Daily dosage of tea should not exceed 10 mcg pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
Daily dosage for extracts and pressed juice from fresh plants must not exceed 1 mcg total pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
It should not be taken for more than 4 - 6 weeks per year.
Preparation & Administration
1 - 3 teaspoons leaves or flower per 1 cup of water for an infusion.
1 - 2 tablespoons of juice t.i.d.
1 - 2 teaspoons of tincture.
The FDA classify this herb as having "undefined safety".
This herb has approval status by the German Commission E.
Recommended daily dosages in Germany are as follows:
4.5 - 6 g herb.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Note: This Herbal Preparation information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
References
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Facts and Comparisons. The Lawrence Review of Natural Products. Jun, 1996.
Hoffmann, D: The New Holistic Herbal. Element, 1983. Third edition 1990.
Roder, E: Tussilagin: new pyrrolizidine alkaloid from Tussilago farfara. Planta Med. 1981, 43:99.
Sperl, W et al., Reversible hepatic veno-occlusive disease in an infant after consumption of pyrilizidine-containing herbal tea. Eur. J. Pediatr. 1995, 154(2):112.
| Signup Free Applied Health Journal |
||||
|
FREE Sample Issue Your email address is all we need to start you on a better path to health. We respect your privacy.
|
