Nature is essentially rational - everything living and growing on Earth has its own benefit. Man (also a part of nature) has learned to use flora for his own benefit. Among the herbal plants healing properties Coltsfoot stands out, which can be called a paradoxical culture.
It grows everywhere, and some summer residents do not know how to finally get rid of it. But the more experienced understand how coltsfoot is useful not only for human health, but also for vegetable beds, therefore they actively cultivate flower grass in their plots.
Coltsfoot is difficult to confuse with another plant due to the characteristic shape of the leaves - rounded-heart-shaped, framed at the edges by a jagged-notched border. Basal leaves (which are precisely used in folk medicine) are leathery above and dark green in color, covered with white felt below.
At the top of the flowering stems, reaching a height of 25 cm, the leaves are smaller, scale-like, and reddish in color. Tubular-reed yellow flowers appear at the top of the stem in early spring. The plant produces a fruit by the beginning of June - an oblong ribbed achene.
The medicinal value of basal leaves is determined primarily by bitter glycosides - they contain about 2.6%. Coltsfoot is rich in organic acids - ascorbic, tartaric, malic, gallic. The herb is widely in demand in folk medicine and thanks to its polysaccharides - dextrin and inulin.
Vitamins, mineral compounds, carotenoids, saponins, tannins, mucilages, coumarin derivatives and traces of essential oil contained in coltsfoot leaves are also essential components that provide the plant with beneficial properties. Sometimes flowers are also used for treatment due to their high rutin content.
Coltsfoot has good expectorant properties. The herb is also used as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent. For medicinal purposes, the herb can be used not only by adults, but also by children.
For children
- Coltsfoot is included in herbal preparations for treating bronchitis and relieving inflammation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, as an expectorant (in the form of a drink).
- Protracted sore throat can be cured by using a decoction of the leaves to gargle (or by inhaling its vapors in the form of inhalations).
- If you have difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, it is recommended to inhale the smoke emanating from the burnt dry leaves of coltsfoot.
- Sometimes herbal tea is prescribed for intestinal disorders accompanied by diarrhea.
- When used externally, this herb is used to treat bruises, burns and abscesses (using compresses).
For women
- Women also use coltsfoot for colds, throat and bronchi problems.
- The flowers of this plant will help get rid of thrombophlebitis and varicose veins.
- Herbal decoctions are recommended for the treatment of hypertension.
- In the treatment of gynecological infections, not only herbal teas are useful, but also douching with coltsfoot decoctions.
- Rutin, which is part of the flowers, is a riboflavonoid that has antioxidant properties that will actively fight against old age.
- It is recommended to wash your hair with a decoction of flowers to get rid of excessive oily hair and dandruff.
- Having prepared coltsfoot from leaves and flowers eau de toilette, you should regularly wipe problematic facial skin with it (inflammation, oiliness, acne).
- Foot baths in a decoction of herbs will help fight fungal diseases of the feet.
Harm, contraindications
Before using this plant, you should find out if you are allergic to any of the components that make up the leaves or flowers.
Pregnant women (especially in the first trimester) are contraindicated to use coltsfoot orally.
And others should not get too carried away with traditional medicine - long-term use of the herb will negatively affect the condition of the liver.
The raw materials are used to prepare infusions and decoctions, which are then used internally for various diseases. It can also be brewed as tea and used for preventive purposes - this good remedy to improve immunity. Coltsfoot is also used in the form of lotions, compresses, and baths to treat inflamed skin.
Traditional medicine recipes
- For respiratory diseases Several recipes for breastfeeding are recommended, in which coltsfoot is also present. Here is the simplest of them: for 4 parts of plant leaves, take 3 parts of plantain and the same amount of licorice root. Pour 1 tbsp. collecting half a liter of boiling water, leave for 5-8 hours, and then take 2 tablespoons every 3 hours, after straining.
- Coltsfoot leaves, oregano, raspberries are a good diaphoretic. for colds. The collection is brewed like regular tea and drunk hot at night.
- Gargle recommended with the following composition - coltsfoot leaves, mullein and mallow flowers, marshmallow root (all in equal parts). The infusion is prepared from 1 tsp. mixture poured with a glass of boiling water. Gargle with warm solution.
- In the treatment of hypertension You should drink diuretic tea (half a glass) in the morning, prepared from the leaves of coltsfoot, birch (1 part each), blackberry or raspberry leaves, and heather flowers (4 parts each). A collection of 4 tablespoons, poured with a liter of boiling water, is steamed in a thermos for 4-5 hours, then filtered.
- By supplementing the coltsfoot with raspberries, linden flowers, anise seeds and willow bark, a healing tea is prepared in the treatment of rheumatism.
- If present inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, you should take a third of a glass of decoction of dry leaves (3 tablespoons per half liter of boiling water) before meals.
- To cope with inflammation of the veins in the legs, It is recommended to make warm lotions from a decoction of coltsfoot leaves (proportion 1:10).
- A decoction of nettle and coltsfoot leaves can be used to wash your hair. for hair loss.
- By preparing an herbal infusion with any of convenient ways, a cotton swab is moistened in it, which is inserted into the vagina at night with thrush.
It is not realistic to list all the recipes used in traditional medicine - there are a lot of them. The small part given here will also be of invaluable benefit.
Coltsfoot can be found everywhere, so when going outdoors, you should familiarize yourself with this plant in advance. Being at the dacha far from civilization or on a hiking trip, you can get hurt and catch a cold. This is where this plant comes in handy:
- coltsfoot leaves can, like plantain, be applied to wounds;
- fresh plant juice will help relieve the itching that appears after mosquito bites;
- Herbal tea will help cope with illness and prevent an incipient cold from developing.
Before using the leaves of the plant, it is recommended to rinse them with boiling water (or simply wash them), clearing them of accumulated dust and dirt. You should not use the grass that grows near roads or next to industrial facilities– the plant can absorb heavy metals.
Useful raw materials are collected after the plant has flowered, i.e. in early summer, if basal leaves are needed. This is done manually, tearing off the plate with a part of the petiole 4-5 cm long. If flowers are also needed, they are collected at the end of April - beginning of May, until the fruits begin to form.
The collected raw materials are carefully laid out in one layer on clean paper. In summer, the leaves are dried in the fresh air under a canopy. In spring, flowers are dried in a ventilated room at a temperature not lower than +22°C.
While the grass dries, it is periodically inspected, removing spotted and browned leaves. Dried normal raw materials are packaged in glass jars or boxes, which are then hermetically sealed. The best storage place is pantries and closets, i.e. where it is dry and there is no light.
In an apartment, these could be mezzanines or kitchen cabinets. At the right conditions When stored, dried coltsfoot does not lose its properties for 3 years, and then it is better to get rid of the excess.
In the treatment of various diseases within the framework of official medicine and in the recipes of traditional healers, flower baskets and coltsfoot leaves are used, from which decoctions and infusions are prepared. Leaves and inflorescences of coltsfoot are included in thoracic and diaphoretic herbal infusions. Fresh juice of the leaves is prescribed for both internal and external use. An extract from the leaves with syrup is used during rehabilitation therapy. Externally, coltsfoot is used in the form of lotions (a paste is prepared from fresh leaves), compresses, and rinses.
Medicinal properties
Leaves and coltsfoot flowers contain triterpene saponins (faradiol), flavonoids (rutin, hyperoside), bitter glycoside tusilagin, mucus, tannins, traces of volatile oils that act antibacterial and anticonvulsant, carotenoids (taraxanthin dye), silicic, malic and gallic acids, mineral salts, polysaccharides (inulin, dextrin). The flowers contain phytosterols. The leaves also contain sitosterol and the trace element zinc.
What is coltsfoot used for? Mainly as an expectorant, emollient, anti-inflammatory, mild diaphoretic, choleretic and weak antispasmodic. In scientific medicine, an infusion of coltsfoot leaves is prescribed for laryngitis, tracheitis, chronic bronchitis, bronchopneumonia, bronchial asthma, and bronchiectasis.
Coltsfoot has proven itself as an effective disinfectant for abscess and gangrene of the lungs. In folk medicine, in addition, an infusion of leaves is recommended for fever, catarrh of the stomach, intestines and bladder, inflammatory process in the kidneys, dropsy, general physical exhaustion; to increase appetite and improve digestion processes in chronic enterocolitis.
Raw coltsfoot juice is considered an effective diaphoretic and choleretic agent. Externally, an infusion of leaves is used for gargling for sore throats, for douching for general diseases of the vagina, while enhancing the therapeutic effect by ingesting the infusion of coltsfoot in a tablespoon up to 6 times a day.
In official medicine
In the assortment of pharmaceutical products you can find coltsfoot leaves and dry raw materials in packages of different weights.
In folk medicine
- For inflamed mucous membranes tea from coltsfoot is useful for the upper respiratory tract: a tablespoon of flowers is brewed in a glass of boiling water and allowed to brew for a quarter of an hour. Drink 100 ml warm twice a day.
- As an expectorant and enveloping agent for inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory tract, a decoction is recommended for children and elderly patients: a tablespoon of coltsfoot leaves is poured into 200 ml of water and boiled over low heat. Let it brew for 10 minutes. Take half a glass three times a day (for adults this decoction should be given with the addition of other herbs).
- When coughing prepare an infusion from a tablespoon of a mixture (take equal parts of all herbs) of coltsfoot leaves, black elderberry flowers, tall and linden mullein, wheatgrass and comfrey rhizomes, brewed in a glass of boiling water. Keep the infusion for at least 8 hours and take 50 g four times a day.
- For liver diseases, rashes, spots on the body a tablespoon of a mixture of coltsfoot flowers, rue herb and knotweed (taken in proportions 5:3:10) is steamed in 200 ml of boiling water and allowed to brew for 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 glasses of infusion per day.
- For pulmonary tuberculosis, freshly squeezed juice from coltsfoot leaves is drunk for a long time, 4 tablespoons per day.
- For coughs, as an expectorant, they recommend an infusion: 2 tablespoons of a mixture of coltsfoot leaves, great plantain and licorice root (in a ratio of 3:2:2) pour 400 ml of boiling water, let it brew. Take 0.5 cups three times a day.
- For tonsillitis useful composition: coltsfoot, raspberry and sage leaves, calendula flowers (equal parts of all herbs), chop and mix. Steam a tablespoon of this mixture in 200 ml of boiling water, let it brew for half an hour, strain and drink 100 ml of infusion three times a day.
- For whooping cough and bronchiectasis take coltsfoot leaves and pine buds in equal parts. Grind the ingredients and mix well. Pour 2 tablespoons of the mixture into a glass of cold water and let it brew for 2 hours. After boiling for 5 minutes, strain and drink 1/3 glass daily, observing equal intervals between doses.
- For a cold Syrup is recommended. To prepare it you will need: 2 cups of coltsfoot flowers, lemon juice (from 2 lemons), 1.5 liters of water, 1.5 kg of sugar. Clean the inflorescences from the receptacle, rinse thoroughly, and pour boiling water over them. Insist for a day. Afterwards, strain the infusion, pour in the juice of 2 lemons, add granulated sugar and cook until it thickens. Pour the warm syrup into jars and store in a cool, dark place. For colds, add to tea and milk.
- As diuretic An infusion helps: prepare a mixture of coltsfoot leaves, raspberries and oregano herb (in a ratio of 2:2:1). Pour a tablespoon of this mixture into a thermos with 200 ml of boiling water and leave overnight. Strain the infusion. Drink hot before bed.
- With duodenitis It is recommended to take coltsfoot with honey. Brew a tablespoon of dry coltsfoot leaf in 200 ml of boiling water. Let cool slightly, strain, add a tablespoon of honey. Take up to three times a day, a tablespoon.
- For bladder diseases mix dry coltsfoot leaves, bearberry and lingonberry (take equal parts of each herb). Brew and drink like regular tea.
- Cough remedy: 28 g each of coltsfoot, fennel, speedwell leaves and 14 g of orris root. Mix the herbs, steam 3 tablespoons of the mixture in 4 cups of boiling water, let it brew for 2 hours, strain and take a tablespoon every two hours. You can add a little honey.
- Remedy for sore throat and hoarseness: 42 g coltsfoot leaves, 56 g marshmallow root, 28 g licorice root, 14 g orris root. Mix all the ingredients, steam 3 tablespoons of the herbal mixture in 4 cups of boiling water, let it brew for a quarter of an hour, then strain and bring to a boil again. Sweeten with honey and drink 2 cups daily.
- Lotions with fresh juice (or crushed coltsfoot leaves) treat purulent wounds, ulcers, and abscesses.
- For hair loss and dandruff, accompanied by itching of the scalp, a strong decoction of coltsfoot and nettle leaves is recommended for washing (4 tablespoons of each herb per liter of water).
- For erysipelas, the affected areas are sprinkled with powder from coltsfoot leaves.
- For douching, prepare a decoction of coltsfoot leaves at the rate of 50 g of raw material per liter of water. Boil the broth for 5 minutes, strain, cool to the desired temperature.
- For headaches fresh leaves Coltsfoot is applied with the smooth side to the forehead and temples.
- For rhinitis, the juice of fresh leaves is dropped into the nose.
- Inhalation with coltsfoot and chamomile helps with colds. Pour 0.5 liters of boiling water over a teaspoon of coltsfoot leaves and 2 teaspoons of chamomile flowers, boil for a couple of minutes, let cool to the desired temperature. Breathe over the herbal steam for about 10 minutes.
- When mastitis begins, compresses from coltsfoot leaves soaked in hot milk are recommended.
- For bronchial asthma in children, it is recommended to pour 40 dry coltsfoot leaves into 0.5 liters of vodka. Leave the raw materials overnight. On the first evening, place a sheet soaked in vodka on the child’s back. The next day, apply the sheet to your chest. So alternate treatment for more than a month.
- For thrombophlebitis, brew 3 tablespoons of crushed coltsfoot herb in 200 ml of boiling water, let it brew for half an hour, then strain. Use the infusion for compresses.
- Bath with coltsfoot
Pour 200 g of coltsfoot flowers and leaves into 3 liters of boiling water, boil the broth for a quarter of an hour, let it brew, strain and add to a full bath.
In oriental medicine
In Chinese medicine, coltsfoot flowers ( quan dong hua) are used to treat wet cough accompanied by copious sputum production; to activate lung activity.
In scientific research
Nicholas Culpeper in his herbalist (The Complete Herbal, 1653) indicated that “...the fresh leaves, juice or syrup of coltsfoot are suitable for the treatment of hot dry cough, wheezing and dyspnoea.” Also, according to the notes of a British healer, remedies from coltsfoot help with fever, erysipelas, burns and blisters.
The pharmacological and phytochemical aspects of the study are the goal of the scientific work of a group of Chinese scientists (Li K.Y., Tsang T.J. et al.).
The article by Karomatov I.J., Ibatov Kh.B., Amonov M. is devoted to the medicinal potential of coltsfoot.
The composition of water-soluble polysaccharides contained in coltsfoot leaves and their significance in antiallergenic therapy was studied in the work of Korzh A.P., Guryev A.M., Belousov M.V. and etc.
In cooking
Coltsfoot flowers are edible. They are added to salads and infused with honey. Dried flowers are added to dough for pancakes or pancakes, and to baked goods. Young leaves of coltsfoot are added to soups, salads, stews, after boiling them to remove bitterness. Dried and fresh leaves are used in herbal tea.
Carrot salad with coltsfoot leaves
For the salad you will need: 50 g fresh carrots, 30 g coltsfoot leaves, 30 ml kefir, salt to taste. Grate the carrots on a coarse grater, rinse the coltsfoot leaves thoroughly under running water, chop, mix with carrots, season with kefir or yogurt without additives and add salt.
Sauerkraut and coltsfoot salad
Required products: 300 g sauerkraut, 100 g young coltsfoot leaves, 40 ml vegetable oil. Wash coltsfoot leaves, chop finely, mix with sauerkraut and season vegetable oil.
Soup with coltsfoot leaves
For the soup you will need: 100 g of fresh coltsfoot leaves, 200 g of potatoes, salt to taste, sour cream for serving. Cut the potatoes into slices, wash the coltsfoot leaves well and chop finely. Boil the potatoes until half cooked, add coltsfoot leaves, bring to a boil, remove from heat and let the soup brew. Add salt to taste and serve with sour cream.
Honey with coltsfoot
It’s easy to prepare this herbal honey: separate the coltsfoot inflorescences from the calyxes, disassemble the inflorescences-baskets. Pour the prepared flower mass into a sterilized glass container and fill it to the top with liquid honey. Infuse honey in a warm place, on a windowsill well lit by sunlight, etc. Keep the honey for 6 weeks. Then strain into a separate container and store in a cool place.
Herbal lollipops with coltsfoot
Ingredients: 15 cups coltsfoot leaves, 5 cups water, 450 g sugar, 2 cups corn syrup, 3 tablespoons butter, pinch baking soda, a tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Wash the leaves thoroughly, put them in a saucepan and add water. Bring to a boil, cook for 3 minutes, then add sugar, corn syrup, butter and simmer the mixture over low heat until a drop of syrup thrown into cold water will not harden into a dense ball (the so-called sugar syrup test). Remove from heat, add baking soda, stir and beat with a mixer until it becomes thicker and more viscous. Grease a mold or deep frying pan with vegetable oil and place the candy mass in it to harden. Break the frozen candy layer into pieces. These lollipops help relieve sore throats and coughing attacks and are an excellent natural treat.
Coltsfoot Wine by Monica Wilde
You will need: a 5-liter container filled with coltsfoot inflorescences, 5 liters of water, juice and zest of two oranges and one lemon, wine yeast (bag), yeast nutrition, 1 kg of sugar (for dry wine) or 1.6 kg of sugar (for semi-sweet wine).
Boil water, add sugar, cook over low heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour orange and lemon zest into the hot syrup and cool to 21 0. Add coltsfoot flowers, citrus juice, wine yeast and fertilizer to the cooled syrup. Stir, cover tightly and leave in a warm place for a week. Stir daily. After a week, strain into a fermentation bottle. Aging the wine in a warm place for 3 months. After this, carefully (without lifting the sediment from the bottom) pour into a bottle and keep for another 2 or 3 months. Then bottle it.
Sorbet from French chef Marc Veyrat (Tussilago Flowers Sorbet Recipe from Marc Veyrat)
To prepare an exquisite recipe, you will need the following ingredients: 30 fresh coltsfoot inflorescences, 125 g of sugar, 400 ml of mineral water, a little lemon juice, half the white of one large egg.
Grind the inflorescences into a crumbling flower mass. Separate the flowers from the sepals. Boil water with sugar, add lemon juice. Pour coltsfoot flowers into boiling syrup and boil for 2 minutes. Strain through a sieve and let the flower syrup cool. Then add the egg white and beat thoroughly. After this, cool the sorbet in freezer or in an ice cream maker. If sorbet is prepared in the freezer, it must be periodically removed from the refrigerator and whisked to form the desired structure.
When serving, you can serve the sorbet with fresh coltsfoot flowers and caramel threads.
In cosmetology
Soothing herbal cream for dry skin
Ingredients: tablespoon coltsfoot extract, 1 tablespoon lanolin, half a cup of olive or corn oil, 1 tablespoon fresh plantain juice.
Mix lanolin and oil, stirring, gradually add plantain juice. Add coltsfoot extract, bring everything until smooth with a mixer or blender.
Face masks with coltsfoot
Mask for oily skin
Pour boiling water over 2 tablespoons of dried and finely chopped coltsfoot leaves until it becomes a paste. Heat the mixture over low heat and let it cool. This mask has an anti-inflammatory effect and evens out the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
Mask for normal skin
0.5 cups of fresh stems, 0.5 cups of kefir. Wash the leaves, grind until mushy, mix with kefir. Apply the mask to your face. After a quarter of an hour, wash off warm water.
Mask for dry skin
Pour 2 tablespoons of finely chopped coltsfoot leaves into 200 ml of hot milk, let it brew, mix thoroughly, apply the mask to clean facial skin. After a quarter of an hour, rinse with water.
For problem skin and rashes, the following cosmetic recipe is effective. Steam 2 tablespoons of finely chopped coltsfoot leaves in 200 ml of boiling water and keep in a water bath for at least 5 minutes. Let cool, strain and mix the infusion with 2 tablespoons of vodka. Use this “lotion” to wipe cleansed facial skin twice a day.
Anti-wrinkle mask
3 tablespoons of crushed coltsfoot leaf pour 100 ml hot water. Let the infusion stand for a quarter of an hour, then strain. Take 2 tablespoons of infusion, combine with 2 tablespoons of sour cream, bring to a homogeneous state, apply to clean facial skin for 20 minutes. Rinse off the mask first with warm water, then with cool water.
Hair rinse with coltsfoot
Coltsfoot is useful for hair. To heal and strengthen them, prepare a decoction: pour burdock and coltsfoot leaves (in a ratio of 1:1) with water and boil in a water bath for 20 minutes. Rinse washed hair with warm broth.
Nail bath
Dissolve a tablespoon of sea salt in a glass of coltsfoot infusion. Keep your nails in this infusion for 10 minutes. Then gently wipe your nails dry and lubricate with nourishing cream.
If your nails are peeling, it is useful to make a mask: mix a teaspoon of any hand cream with a teaspoon of ground red feather and coltsfoot juice. Leave the mask on your nails for 5 minutes, then rinse off.
Other uses
Dried and burnt to an ash-like state, coltsfoot leaves are used as a substitute for regular kitchen salt if it needs to be excluded from the diet due to a certain diet, etc.
Toothache subsides by smoking special cigars made from powdered coltsfoot leaves. The smoke of such a cigar needs to be held in your mouth.
The coltsfoot plant is a common herbaceous perennial. It is characterized by a thin creeping rhizome. Geographically distributed in Eurasia, African lands and other parts of the world. It belongs to the Asteraceae family. The stems of the plant are covered with oblong scales reddish color. Their length can reach seven to fifteen centimeters. The time when coltsfoot blooms is the period of early spring. Due to the fact that it blooms in early March after the snow has melted, this type began to be classified as primroses. After this period is completed, the plant enters the next stage of development and coltsfoot leaves appear - they are quite large, located at the root. They are characterized by long and thick roots.
The leaf blade, by which you can unmistakably recognize what a coltsfoot looks like, is distinguished by a heart-shaped shape and a notch at the base. Their size varies greatly, but generally it is approximately equal to an open palm. Each leaf is dark green on top and dark green on the bottom. White color. The coltsfoot grass acquired its name due to the difference between the two sides of the leaf. The upper shiny part is cold to the touch, the lower part is very pubescent and warm. 
Each coltsfoot flower is a single basket with a diameter of 2-2.5 centimeters. When ripe, the inflorescence turns into a fluffy head. It is because of this feature that coltsfoot grass and dandelion are sometimes confused by inexperienced herbalists. To distinguish them, it is worth assessing the size of the flower baskets. In coltsfoot they are smaller than in dandelion. The fruits of this plant are ribbed achenes with a tuft.
Where does the plant grow? Coltsfoot grass often lives near a river or stream, choosing moist and clayey soil. It can also be seen in wasteland, in forest and forest-steppe zones, among other weeds.
When to collect a plant?
Medicinal raw materials should be collected from this plant when the flowering coltsfoot begins to replace the yellow baskets with leaves. This procedure will begin before mid-July. Experts advise tearing off the baskets with your hands so that you grab about five centimeters from the petiole. You should not pick off very young leaves that do not have pubescence, or those that have turned yellow.
The collected raw materials can be dried in a well-ventilated place, spreading the leaves in a thin layer. Both the attic and open air are suitable for this. During the drying process, herbalists recommend gently turning the leaves several times so that they dry more evenly.
Flower baskets are prepared for collection at the beginning of flowering - March-April. They are dried in the shade, also laid out in a thin row, like the leaves.
Raw materials from coltsfoot can be stored for approximately 24 months, but experts advise updating stocks of medicinal herbs annually.
What are the benefits of the herb?
Known since ancient times medicinal properties coltsfoot, allowing this plant to be used for many diseases. Today it has not lost its popularity. Nowadays, the medicinal herb coltsfoot has found use as an excellent disinfectant and anti-inflammatory agent. An infusion of the leaves can be used for stomach ailments and intestinal problems.
The medicinal properties of the coltsfoot herb belong to both flower baskets and leaves. These parts contain a huge amount of essential oils, ascorbic acid, inulin, rutin, and organic acids.
What does the herb contain?
Due to the content of glycosides, tannins, and mucus, this remedy began to be very actively used in pharmacology. Chemical composition of coltsfoot: saponins, rutin, hyperin, insulin, ascorbic, malic, tartaric and gallic acids, polysaccharides and carbohydrates. In the flower baskets of the plant there is the presence of faradiol, an amorphous yellow pigment, stigmasterol, mineral salts and other components. Due to the rich content of substances, the beneficial properties of coltsfoot are amazing in their healing abilities.
A remedy for the treatment of respiratory diseases and other ailments
The special benefit of coltsfoot is the content of tannins, which promote expectoration of phlegm. The content of a large amount of mucus leads to the fact that this medicinal species has a softening and enveloping effect. It will help improve the condition of sore throat, bronchitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, pleurisy, pneumonia and even pulmonary tuberculosis. Facilitating the discharge of sputum, medicinal herb has a healing effect for pathologies associated with the upper respiratory tract. Thanks to the ability to restore the activity of the ciliated epithelium of the trachea and bronchi, the product acts as an anti-inflammatory, emollient and antispasmodic.
Carotenoids and sterols in this species have direct influence to combat inflammatory processes.
In addition, coltsfoot has a slight diaphoretic effect. Decoctions in the form of tea are recommended to be taken to increase vitality, as a general tonic, in case of loss of strength and decreased immunity. Also, a course of taking the plant is useful after a protracted illness.
How to use coltsfoot?
The herb can be prepared as an infusion and decoction to alleviate many diseases.
Over the course of thousands of years, this plant has gained fame as an effective recipe in the fight against persistent cough and hoarseness. 
However, it has also been seen to be effective in treating other cold and flu symptoms.
Coltsfoot is used in not only folk but also traditional medicine. It may be part of drugs for the treatment of tracheitis or laryngitis. High efficiency showed coltsfoot cough medicine in various syrups and tablets. To get rid of a runny nose, it is recommended to bury the juice of the plant in your nose.
In addition, coltsfoot treatment is also appreciated in dental circles. It has been proven that it can reduce toothache and cure oral inflammation. Among the diseases in the treatment of which the collection of coltsfoot is useful, there are also arthritis, myositis, and allergies. It can be prescribed for epilepsy, malaria, edema, shortness of breath, as part of a comprehensive health treatment gastrointestinal tract, for ulcers and catarrh of the stomach, heart ailments, problems with the bladder and kidneys. 
Having a slight hypotonic effect, the herb can be used to reduce high pressure. Many doctors recommend drinking it for heart failure, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular problems.
In area infectious diseases genitourinary system coltsfoot has established itself as a remedy for pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, and cystitis. It is also effective for vaginal discharge and leucorrhoea in women, and can be used for enemas.
External use of coltsfoot
External use of coltsfoot is useful for mastitis and boils. It is recommended for erysipelas, ulcers and burns, and also as a useful cosmetic product. The medicinal infusion of coltsfoot can be used to strengthen the hair and get rid of profuse dandruff. As a crushed powder, the product is used to reduce sweating, and in the form of a compress of leaves, poured with boiling water and infused, it can improve the condition of eyelashes and accelerate their growth.
For people suffering from tuberculosis, it is recommended to take the plant in the form of juice from fresh leaves. Crushed leaves can also be applied to wounds and abscesses. They reduce tumors, help with breastfeeding and skin inflammation. In addition to application, the leaves can be wrapped around the legs for spurs and used in the treatment of articular rheumatism and ischialgic pain. For burns, thrombophlebitis, and poorly healing wounds, a compress made from scalded parts of the plant is used. Having the property of increasing the regulatory properties of tissues, the product can be useful in the form of dressings, poultices, lotions and baths. A decoction of leaves and flowers is used to gargle for sore throats and stomatitis.
Combination of coltsfoot with other herbs
Traditional medicine uses coltsfoot decoction as an independent component and in an ensemble of herbal infusions. To treat gastritis, this herb is combined with yarrow in equal proportions. 
To obtain a powerful expectorant and antitussive, plantain is mixed with coltsfoot and licorice root. To make your hair look healthy, it is recommended to mix this plant with burdock root, common hop fruits and nettle leaves. This will strengthen the hair roots and get rid of dandruff. For a strong cough, mix chamomile and coltsfoot with tricolor violet and plantain, peppermint and calendula flowers. Anise fruits, some elecampane roots, and wild rosemary herb are added here in equal proportions. The combination of the coltsfoot plant with pine buds, licorice root, string and dill fruits is an excellent remedy for asthmatic cough. For bronchitis and whooping cough, doctors recommend mixing this medicinal species with pine buds and plantain. Chamomile with leaves of this plant and oregano - effective remedy with chronic bronchitis. To treat tonsillitis, you can use an infusion of leaves of coltsfoot, raspberry, sage and marigold. To get rid of sinusitis, prepare a remedy consisting of two parts of this medicinal plant and calendula flowers, as well as one part of yarrow. The resulting tincture is injected into each maxillary sinus after rinsing with an isotonic sodium chloride solution.
Contraindications for use
The healing herb coltsfoot has some contraindications. Before using this remedy, you should contact your doctor and find out all the subtleties of the effects of this herb.
It should not be taken by children under two years of age. Before brewing coltsfoot for a child, you should consult a specialist. When treating older children, the correct dosage must be observed. At the first symptoms of overdose or poisoning - the appearance of vomiting, nausea or rash, you should stop taking it and consult a doctor.
And all this is due to the fact that this plant grows, in the literal sense of the word, everywhere and is one of the first to bloom. At the same time, coltsfoot has beneficial properties and is medicinal plant, which contains a huge amount of substances. The benefits and harms of the plant, as well as its properties and methods of use, are discussed further in the article.
Brief characteristics of the plant
Coltsfoot - perennial herbaceous plant, which belongs to the Astrov family. This is one of the first spring flowers, which is famous for the originality of its flowering. First, a thick stem is formed with yellow flower, which after some time becomes a white fluffy ball.
As soon as the plant fades, the basal leaves collected in a rosette are revealed to the human eye. On one side they are covered with a soft, warm fluff, and on the other side the surface is somewhat different - smooth to the touch and cool. It is because of this characteristic feature of the plant that it is nicknamed the “coltsfoot”, where the “mother” is the warm and fuzzy side, and the “stepmother” is the cool and smooth side.
The plant is popularly called: mother grass, cold burdock, two-leafed grass, and camouflage grass. Flowering occurs in early spring.
The collected raw materials must be thoroughly dried before being sent for storage. It is very important that the room is ventilated.
The shelf life of flowers is two years, leaves – three, rhizomes – one year.
Application
The benefits of coltsfoot for the human body are undeniable. In addition to the fact that the plant is widely used in both folk and traditional medicine, it is also used for cosmetic and culinary purposes. The leaves of the plant are added to various salads and sauces. Thus, people strengthen the immune system and fight various ailments.
The plant is used to prepare various healing decoctions, infusions, herbal mixtures, and make tea. In addition, coltsfoot extract is added in the manufacture of lotions, masks and creams.
Chemical composition and medicinal properties
Thus, the leaves contain a sufficient amount of:
- mucus;
- bitter glycosides;
- saponins;
- carotene;
- vitamin C;
- insulin.
Tannins, phenolic acids, essential oils, phytosterol and organic substances - all this is present in the flowers of the plant.
The substances that make up coltsfoot have:
- enveloping;
- softening;
- liquefying;
- restorative;
- expectorants;
- antipyretic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- diaphoretic properties.
The mucus contained in the plant helps coat and protect the oral mucosa from various types of irritations, including stomatitis. The presence of saponins and organic acids in the plant significantly improves the process of sputum discharge.
Glycosides and sterols promote healing of the mucous membrane of burns and wounds.
Coltsfoot will get rid of all troubles
The most popular and effective recipes
A healing infusion will help cure a persistent cough. Take the dry mixture of flowers and leaves and brew it in a glass of boiled water, then leave to infuse for half an hour. After straining, consume 1/4 cup three times a day.
In addition to infusion, inhalations can be used for the same purposes. The mixture is prepared according to the above recipe. Pour the warm infusion into a bowl, cover yourself with a warm towel, bend over and inhale the vapors.
There is also an ancient and very effective way eliminating tuberculosis cough. Take the coltsfoot leaves, put them in a three-liter bottle and fill them with sugar, literally two pieces. In this way, layer by layer, fill the entire jar. In this state, the product should be infused for several months. After this, drain the resulting viscous mucus and add a couple of spoons of honey to the healing part. Take one spoon three times a day.
Take the flowers, put them in a jar, fill them with vodka, and then close them tightly. Leave for a week in a dark place. Take thirty drops of the product half an hour before sitting down at the table.
A decoction of the leaves of the plant. Pour one handful of raw materials with a liter of boiled water, place on the stove and simmer over low heat for ten minutes, then leave to steep for half an hour. Filter and use for compresses, baths, rinsing and washing.
Infusion for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. This remedy will help cure diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Take a few spoons of the mixture of flowers and leaves and add boiled water, leave to steep for a couple of hours, then strain. Take 50 ml of medication before each meal.
Nasal drops from coltsfoot. Take fresh leaves of the plant, wash and squeeze the juice from them. Place two drops of this juice in each nasal passage.
Milk and coltsfoot juice are an excellent cough remedy. You need to squeeze out juice from the fresh leaves of the plant, about three spoons. Then combine it with warm milk and drink. This remedy must be taken once a day. Cannot be stored.
Coltsfoot in cosmetology
This flower is also used for cosmetic purposes. Various decoctions are prepared from the plant, which help strengthen the roots and accelerate hair growth. Eliminating dandruff and preventing hair loss - this healing plant can cope with all these problems.
Baldness treatment
Take fresh coltsfoot grass and nettle leaves, chop well and mix. Then pour boiled water over this mixture, put it on the stove and boil for a couple of minutes, then let it sit for an hour, strain and use for rinsing.
An infusion that needs to be rubbed into the roots can also help with hair loss: take the herb of the plant and pour a glass of boiled water. After the product has infused, it is ready for use.
Recipe for a toning face mask
Mix coltsfoot herb with boiled, cooled water to a paste-like consistency. Then add a couple of tablespoons of honey to this mass and mix thoroughly. Thin layer Apply the product to your face. The duration of the procedure is twenty minutes. After time has passed, wash off the residue with warm water.
If you have a dry skin type, then replace honey with cream; if you have oily skin, replace it with a mixture of egg white and lemon juice.
This plant has not only medicinal properties, but also contraindications. It is not recommended to use coltsfoot-based products for small children, pregnant and breastfeeding women. If you have liver disease, then it is also better for you to refrain from using medicines them of this plant.
In addition, do not self-medicate under any circumstances or take any medications without first consulting a specialist.
