One of the earliest flowers of the European spring — its cheerful yellow blooms often appearing through late winter snow before the leaves have emerged — Tussilago farfara — Coltsfoot — takes its genus name from the Latin 'tussis' (cough) and 'ago' (drive away), a direct statement of its ancient and primary medicinal purpose. Used in Chinese, European, and Indigenous North American herbal traditions for respiratory support, Coltsfoot has been smoked, steeped, and poulticed for coughs and lung complaints for as long as written herbal records exist.
Coltsfoot's large, hoof-shaped leaves (which give it its common name) are rich in mucilaginous polysaccharides that coat and soothe irritated bronchial and throat tissue, making it one of the premier demulcent herbs for dry, irritating coughs, bronchitis, laryngitis, and the kind of persistent ticklish cough that follows respiratory illness. It also has mild expectorant properties — helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways — and an anti-inflammatory action that eases the inflammatory component of respiratory conditions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, coltsfoot flower (kuan dong hua) has been used for thousands of years specifically for lung cold and chronic cough. It combines particularly well with other respiratory herbs to form comprehensive lung support formulas.
For a powerful respiratory soothing and lung support blend, pair Coltsfoot with our Mullein Leaf — the premier lung-opening herb in the Western tradition — our Elecampane for its deep lung-tonifying and expectorant action, and our Eucalyptus for its camphoraceous bronchodilating and antimicrobial support.
Coltsfoot contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that in large accumulated amounts can affect liver health. It should be used in moderate amounts for limited periods (no more than 4–6 weeks continuously). Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not appropriate for children under 2. Those with liver conditions should avoid internal use. As always, consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
* Premier respiratory demulcent — soothes dry, irritating coughs and bronchial irritation
* Mucilaginous polysaccharides coat and protect irritated throat and lung tissue
* Mild expectorant — helps loosen and clear mucus from the airways
* Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years for lung cold and chronic cough
* Anti-inflammatory action eases the inflammation component of respiratory conditions
* One of Europe's most ancient cough remedies — used since Roman times
1. Measure 1 teaspoon of Coltsfoot leaf per 8 oz of water.
2. Pour boiling water over the herb, cover, and steep for 10–15 minutes.
3. Strain and drink warm with honey, which enhances the soothing effect.
4. Drink 2–3 cups daily during acute respiratory support periods.
5. Do not use for more than 4–6 consecutive weeks.
For a comprehensive respiratory blend, combine equal parts Coltsfoot, Mullein Leaf, and Elecampane. This trinity of lung herbs addresses soothing, opening, and toning in a single cup. Add a few Eucalyptus leaves for antimicrobial and bronchodilating support.
