Additional

This is a native of Europe or Eurasia. The name 'Tussilago' comes from the Latin 'tussis' which means cough. This reflects a common use of the plant which was probably brought to this country by early settelers for medicinal reasons. The Coltsfoot name refers to the shape of the leaves.

Medical Uses: The plant has been used since pre history to relieve coughs and other respiratory problems. It is made into herbal teas (un-opened flowers and leaves) and is found in commercial cough preparations. It is an ingredient in concoctions used to treat diarrhea. The leaves are sometimes smoked for relief of congestion. The crushed leaves or a leaf decoction is used externally where it may be applied to sores, injuries, rashes and painful joints. The large mucilage content accounts for most of the medical benefit derived from the plant. It also contains tannins, salts, sterols* and inulin** several other possibly active components.

 Coltsfoot’s lore lies in its smoke. During World War II, soldiers in Europe smoked it as a substitute for tobacco, and through the ages the dried leaves were burnt and inhaled to treat lung infections. Some still refer to it as “coughwort.”