Coltsfoot Tea

Also known as coughwort, and horsehoof, coltsfoot is an herb known scientifically as Tussilago farfara. Coltsfoot belongs to the daisy family and has traditionally been used mainly to treat respiratory conditions. The benefits of coltsfoot tincture include treating asthma, bronchitis, influenza, laryngitis and lung congestion but also extend to skin and hair care.

Named because the shape of the leaves resembles a horse’s foot, this herb is indigenous to Europe and some parts of Asia. Being one of the earliest blooming Spring flowers, coltsfoot has gained the name Filius ante patrem – or ‘son before the father’. This is also because the leaves only appear after the blooms have faded.

Coltsfoot is often mistaken for dandelion because of the similarity of the flowers which have a striking resemblance to each other. The herb also has a similar character to the dandelion being considered a weed and growing by roadsides, in waste land, hedgerows and meadows.

The two traditions that have highly regarded this herb are Western Herbalism and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Both prescribe the herb as a remedy for sore throats and coughs. Even the Latin name for Coltsfoot has derived from its traditional usage with Tussil meaning ‘cough’ and ago meaning ‘depart’.

Apparently in 18th century France every well respected apothecary used a picture of the Coltsfoot flower as a symbol of their trade; this shows the popularity of the herb during this time in Europe.

The reason that coltsfoot has such a long history of use in medicine is the presence of various medicinal compounds. The herb contains a mucilage compounds, tannins, carotenoids, flavonoids and terpene alcohols. According to studies, the herb contains mucilage at a concentration of around 8% while it also yields certain sugars such as fructose, glucose and galactose.