Coltsfoot in Herbalist: Properties of Coltsfoot

Scientific name

Tussilago farfara

Family

Asteraceae

Origin

Europe, Asia

Parts Used

Drug consisting of leaves and flowers

Chemical constituents

• Mucilage;
• Tannins;
• Inulin;
• Mineral salts;
• Alkaloids.

Coltsfoot in Herbalist: Properties of Coltsfoot

The infusions and extracts of coltsfoot were used as a mucolytic and sedative remedy for coughs. Among the medicinal properties ascribable to coltsfoot we mention the antitussive, expectorant, bronchial fluidifying and mildly spasmolytic properties.

In cosmetics, coltsfoot extracts are known for their astringent, skin-purifying, emollient and soothing properties; in popular tradition, coltsfoot juice was used against skin irritations, boils, erysipelas and eczema.

Warnings

Coltsfoot contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (senkirkina, tussilagine, senecionina) hepatotoxic in humans (responsible for veno-occlusive disease), in experimental animals and in livestock (some are carcinogenic in animals); in addition, senkirkina, its main alkaloid, was found to be mutagenic in several tests, and increased the growth of liver adenomas in rats. Coltsfoot should no longer be used for medicinal purposes.

Pharmacological interactions

• not used in therapy

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