Coltsfoot

Tussilago farfara, also known as coltsfoot, is the only plant species in the genus Tussilago from the Asteraceae family. The plant is one of the spring flowers and was named medicinal plant of the year in 1994. The name Tussilago comes from the Latin tussis = cough and agere = to lead away, corresponding to the folk medicinal use of coltsfoot.

The dried leaves (coltsfoot leaves - Farfarae folium) are used phytotherapeutically.

Coltsfoot grows as a perennial, herbaceous plant and reaches growth heights of between 10 and 30 cm. The basal leaves reach a width of about 10 to 20 cm and have a heart- or hoof-like shape. The leaves are characterised by a slightly bitter taste and a rather faint odour.
In spring only the yellow inflorescences appear at first, only after they have withered do the leaves grow. At flowering time the stems are only covered with brown or reddish, hairy scale leaves. The flowers have a faint scent of honey and taste similar to the leaves, but slightly sweeter.

Tussilago farfara is the parent plant of Farfarae folium

Cosmetics: Tussilago farfara leaf extract refers to the drug extracted from the leaves of the plant.

acid mucilage polysaccharides (6-10%), inulin, tannins, cave: may contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (hepatotoxic), but in special cultivars free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Mucilage drug: coltsfoot mucilage forms a protective layer that shields the sensitive mucous membrane in the throat and windpipe from irritation and thus reduces the urge to cough. It also has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect.

see under: Farfarae folium

Indication according to Commission E: Catarrh of the upper airways with cough and hoarseness, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat

Daily dose: 4-6 g drug - maximum 4-6 weeks / year!

Contraindication in pregnancy and lactation, also caution in children.

1. Schilcher H et al. (2010) Leitfaden Phytotherapie, 4th edition: 163-164.
2. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/huflattich.php
3. Wenigmann M. (2017) Phytotherapy medicinal drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, application. Urban & Fischer, pp. 127-128