An effective demulcent and expectorant herb, coltsfoot is one of the most popular European remedies for treating chest problems. In Europe, the leaves are preferred to the flowers (which contain higher amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids), but in China the flowers are preferred. Both parts are taken as a decoction for chest conditions. When used as a syrup or a medicinal cigarette, coltsfoot also relieves asthma. Coltsfoot is used as a specific treatment for spasmodic coughs. It combines well with licorice, thyme, and black cherry. In China, coltsfoot is classified as a "warming" herb that helps relieve coughing and wheezing.
5 comments:
I just passed some of this growing on the side of the road, but didn't know what it was!! I think I'll go back and get some now :) Thanks! ~*Lenten Blessings, Karen
I'm from Germany and I always take my children in the spring to collect coltsfoot. Here in NY it's not blooming yet, though.
Eva, I would love for you to tell us how you use coltsfoot in Germany:)
Karen, go pick some!
We use both the leaves and the blossoms. You have to pick the blossoms when they are fully open, i.e. around noon. We than dry them and use them for coughs and colds. I haven't collected the leaves yet, but they are also used for the same purposes. (I normally buy dried leaves). I know that some people make a poultice out of the leaves for wounds.
learned a lot
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