Used as an infusion, decoction, tincture, ointment and smoke.
As Grieve says, 'One of the most popular of cough remedies.'
The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Coltsfoot leaf for 'Acute catarrh of the respiratory tract with cough and hoarseness, acute, mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. Contraindications: Pregnancy, nursing.'
'Daily dosage: 4.5 - 6 g of drug; equivalent preparations. Mode of Administration: Comminuted drug for infusions, pressed plant juice or other galenical preparations for internal use. Duration of Administration: Not longer than 4 - 6 weeks per year.'
'Ointments or other preparations for external use are made up with 5 - 20 percent of the drug and prepared accordingly. Actions: Inhibits inflammation; Furthers the formation of callus; Antimitotic.'
Coltsfoot is often brewed as a tasty tea, either alone or with such other herbs as horehound and marshmallow.
Coltsfoot is an expectorant and a soothing anti-spasmodic. The leaves of this herb contain mucilage, bitter glycosides, tannins, and zinc, a mineral that has been shown to have marked anti-inflammatory effects.
But the herb also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are potentially toxic in large doses, especially to those with liver problems. Coltsfoot is for occassional use only.
Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'One of the most popular of cough remedies. It is generally given together with other herbs possessing pectoral qualities, such as Horehound, Marshmallow, Ground Ivy, etc. The botanical name, Tussilago, signifies 'cough dispeller,' and Coltsfoot has justly been termed 'nature's best herb for the lungs and her most eminent thoracic.'
'The smoking of the leaves for a cough has the recommendation of Dioscorides, Galen, Pliny, Boyle, and other great authorities, both ancient and modern, Linnaeus stating that the Swedes of his time smoked it for that purpose. Pliny recommended the use of both roots and leaves.'
'The leaves are the basis of the British Herb Tobacco, in which Coltsfoot predominates, the other ingredients being Buckbean, Eyebright, Betony, Rosemary, Thyme, Lavender, and Chamomile flowers. This relieves asthma and also the difficult breathing of old bronchitis. Those suffering from asthma, catarrh and other lung troubles derive much benefit from smoking this Herbal Tobacco, the use of which does not entail any of the injurious effects of ordinary tobacco.'
'A decoction is made of 1 oz. of leaves, in 1 quart of water boiled down to a pint, sweetened with honey or liquorice, and taken in teacupful doses frequently. This is good for both colds and asthma. Coltsfoot tea is also made for the same purpose, and Coltsfoot Rock has long been a domestic remedy for coughs. The flower-stalks contain constituents similar to those of the leaves, and are directed by the British Pharmacopceia to be employed in the preparation of Syrup of Coltsfoot, which is much recommended for use in chronic bronchitis.'
King's 1898 Dispensatory: 'Coltsfoot may be regarded as emollient, demulcent, and slightly tonic (P.). It relieves irritation of the mucous tissues. The decoction is usually administered in doses of from 1 to 3 or 4 fluid ounces, and has been found useful in coughs, asthma, whooping-cough, laryngitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, and other pulmonary affections; in gastric and intestinal catarrh; and is said to have been useful in scrofula.'
'The powdered leaves form a good errhine for giddiness, headache, nasal obstructions, etc. Used externally, in form of poultice, to scrofulous tumors. A strong tincture of the leaves and the flowers, using strong alcohol, may be given in doses of 1 to 10 drops.'
Eclectic Materia Medica, 1922 (Felter): 'A demulcent to allay irritation of the bronchial and gastric mucous membrane, and of considerable value in coughs, laryngitis, bronchitis, asthma, pharyngitis, whooping cough, and gastric and intestinal catarrh. A coltsfoot candy is a popular confection for cough and sore throat.'
This is Plum Flower brand's nitrogen-flushed vacuum pack.
Plum Flower is one of the most distinguished herb houses in the world.
Sulfur Free, Chlorine Free, Aluminum Phosphate Free.
Sulfites are used to give herbs the appearance of freshness. As with dried fruit, unsulfured herbs look different than those that are adulterated with preservatives. Herbs that are preservative free are more natural looking and are generally darker. The brightness of the herbs may be appealing, but it indicates the presence of harmful additives. Despite their appearance, unsulfured herbs are more fresh and safer than regular commercially available products.
The use of sulfur, chlorine and aluminum phosphate was made unnecessary through the establishment of Plum Flower processing stations in China. Herb harvesters slice and process the herbs fresh, avoiding the need to rehydrate dried herbs later to process. This first step is crucial, as rehydration leads to decomposition and thus the need for preservatives.
The herbs are then packed and the packages vacuum-packed, injected with nitrogen, and sealed. The nitrogen process combined with the lack of sulfur treatment inhibits the growth of anaerobic organisms, resulting in safer, higher quality herbs. After opening, store in a cool dry place.
The facilities in Lanzhou and Guang Zhou, China, scientifically test each batch of herbs before, during and after the processing to make sure that all the active ingredients are present. Herbs are also tested to ensure that the formulas surpass all FDA guidelines regarding heavy metals. Those herbs exported to the U.S. are voluntarily submitted to the FDA for approval.
Finally, batches are regularly sent out for quality control testing in third-party labs to double-ensure that Plum Flower products are 100% free of pharmaceuticals, preservatives and dyes.
The Lanzhou and Guang Zhou factories are so clean, they are certified by the Australian Government’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (GMP). These standards surpass any of the FDA, and are considered the highest for any government agency in the world. |
