Botanical Overview
Tussilago farfara, commonly known as Coltsfoot, belongs to the family Asteraceae. The primary parts used in herbal medicine are the leaves and flowers. Native to Europe and Asia, Coltsfoot has been naturalized in North America.
Energetics
This herb is considered cooling and moistening in nature, with sweet, bitter, and mucilaginous tastes. It has a descending directionality and is relaxing in tonicity, mainly affecting the qi aspect.
Primary Actions
- Demulcent
- Expectorant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Mucolytic
Indications
Western
- Cough
- Bronchitis
- Phlegm
- Sore throat
Syndromes
- Upper respiratory tract inflammation
- Productive cough
- Catarrh
TCM
Not established
Ayurveda
Not established
Unani
Not established
Constituents & Mechanisms
Contains mucilage, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, essential oils, coumarins, and sesquiterpenes which contribute to its demulcent and expectorant effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion: 2-4 g dried leaf or flower, 2-3 times daily
- Tincture: 1:5 in 40% ethanol, 2-5 mL, 1-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Use with caution due to hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Not recommended during pregnancy and lactation. Avoid with liver disease and long-term use.
Astrological Correspondences
Not established due to lack of reliable source data.
Selected References
- Phytotherapy: A Quick Reference to Herbal Medicine
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) Herbal Monograph
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
- Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, 2nd edition