Coltsfoot Ordinary

Coltsfoot Common: a valuable plant for the treatment of bronchitis and other diseases

Common Coltsfoot, also known as Farfara, is a perennial plant from the Asteraceae family. This plant, which attracts attention with its bright yellow inflorescences and pleasant smell, spreads slowly through the ground and can be found in wastelands, roadsides, brick factories, and gravelly areas.

Coltsfoot has been used as a medicinal plant for many years. Its parts, mainly the leaves, are used in folk medicine to treat various diseases, including bronchitis, coughs, rashes and wounds.

Collection and preparation of coltsfoot

Coltsfoot inflorescences are harvested when the flowers have fully bloomed. They need to be dried quickly to maintain their presentation. However, much more than the inflorescences, the leaves are used for medicinal purposes. They are collected in May-June, preferably young, half the size of a palm and only clean, not soiled with earth. Research has shown that coltsfoot leaves that grow in the sun are richer in components and better than leaves that grow in the shade. This is worth paying attention to when collecting. Chop fresh leaves immediately after harvesting to speed up drying. Only quickly dried leaves are stored well.

Active ingredients of coltsfoot

The most important substances contained in coltsfoot are plant mucus, tannins and bitterness, as well as flavonoids, which perfectly complement each other when acting on diseased lungs and bronchi. However, pyrrolizidine alkaloids also deserve mention. They are practically absent in flowers.

The healing effect and use of coltsfoot

Coltsfoot is a valuable remedy for coughs, especially whooping cough, and also for mucous sputum. Tea made from it can ease coughing, make viscous bronchial mucus more liquid, and therefore bring real relief to patients with chronic bronchitis, pneumoconiosis and emphysema. Coltsfoot tea is prepared from 2 heaped teaspoons of chopped leaves, poured with 1/4 liter of boiling water, steeped for 10-15 minutes. You should drink 1/2 cup of tea 2-3 times a day.

Coltsfoot can also help with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis due to its inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Coltsfoot leaves can also be used to make skin creams and skin care products.

However, like any other medicinal plant, coltsfoot has its contraindications and side effects. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for children under 6 years of age. Long-term use of coltsfoot may cause intestinal disorders and allergic reactions.

Before using coltsfoot as a medicinal plant, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist to avoid possible side effects and interactions with other medications.