Coltsfoot ~ Materia Medica

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Botanical Name: Tussilago Farfara

 

2. Common Name(s): Coltsfoot

 

3. Habitat and Growing area:

• Found throughout North America in moist fields and along roadsides. We have growing on our farm.

 

4. Pertinent Information on the Plant:

• Respiratory system
• Pectoral (strengthen the respiratory tract and pulmonary system)
• Respiratory relaxant
• Demulcent (soothing action on inflammation, especially of mucous membranes)
• Coughs/colds/bronchial congestion
• For direct treatment for coughs, coltsfoot may be smoked
• Anti-asthmatics (relieving or counteracting the symptoms of asthma)
• Expectorant (facilitates removal of secretions)
• Anti-catarrhal (reduces inflamed mucous membranes of head and throat)
• Emollient (softens and soothes the skin)
• Anti-tussive (controlling or preventing cough)
• Diuretic (increases urine flow)
• Tonic (a substance that increases strength and tone)
• Anti-inflammatory (controlling inflammation, a reaction to injury or infection)
• Astringent (agent that constricts and binds by coagulation of proteins a cell surface)

 

5. Your personal experience with the plant. Include your personal experience of tasting it and its effect on you.

• All most tasteless, slightly bitter with a touch of sweet. A slight pleasant aroma
• Very enjoyable flavour
• Very effective for respiratory issues!

 

 

6. The reference books used, author, page

 

Holistic Herbal

David Hoffmann

Pages 36, 37, 39, 127, 128, 135, 143, 145-47, 175-77, 192-93, 195, 198, 205, 207, 208, 211, 216-17, 220, 234, 239

 

The way of Herbs

Michael Tierra

Pages 27, 33, 35, 120, 121

 

The complete Encyclopedia of Herbs

Nico Vermeulen

Pages NA… says 225 but no info

 

Family Herbal

Rosemary Gladstar

Pages 105, 192, 277, 324, 325

 

Peterson Field Guide

Easter/Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs

Steven Foster and James A. Duke

Pages 146-147