Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) is a member of the Compositae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its leaves, flowers, and resin have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and bitter actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and traditional chinese medicine.

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Coltsfoot
Scientific Name	Tussilago farfara
Plant Family	Compositae
Genus	Tussilago
Species	farfara
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Flowers, Resin
Primary Medicinal Actions	Expectorant, Anti-Inflammatory, Bitter
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Tussilago farfara
Common Name: Coltsfoot
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Farfara, Tussilago, Coltsfoot
Plant Family: Compositae
Genus: Tussilago

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 20 to 60 centimeters.
Leaves: Ovate leaves with smooth margins, upper surface pale green, lower surface dull green, bearing prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Radially symmetric flowers with four to five white petals and yellow stamens arranged in a single layer, clustered in a hemispherical head.
Stems: Cylindrical, hollow, ribbed, glabrous, ascending, branched, with a persistent basal sheath.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Native American Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Syrup

Medicinal Actions

Expectorant: In herbal literature, noted as a gentle expectorant, in respiratory system contexts.
Anti-inflammatory: As described in traditional systems, a mild anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Bitter: Historically regarded as a warming bitter, in taste-driven classifications.
Carminative: Commonly referenced as a soothing carminative, in stomach-related herbal uses.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Glycoside: Secondary metabolites formed through glycosylation processes in plants.
Terpenoid: A chemical class commonly associated with volatile plant constituents.
Essential Oil: A mixture of naturally occurring compounds responsible for plant aroma.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Caution is advised in certain contexts based on traditional use and available information.
Contraindications: There is insufficient evidence to determine specific contraindications related to this herb.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: Interactions with prescription medications have not been well documented.
Toxicity: The toxicity profile of this herb has not been clearly established.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Powder: A preparation created by pulverizing dried plant material.
Tincture: Tinctures are liquid extracts produced through alcoholic maceration.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers moist soils. Tolerates variable moisture levels.