Health benefits and uses of Coltsfoot
Native to Europe, but later taken to the new world Coltsfoot has a rich history of medical use, In fact, the genus name "Tussilago" means "cough dispeller."
A 17th century herbalist from England wrote about this about the plant;
"The fresh leaves, or juice, or syrup thereof, is good for a bad dry cough, or wheezing and shortness of breath. The dry leaves are best for those who have their rheums and distillations upon their lungs causing a cough: for which also the dried leaves taken as tobacco, or the root is very good. The distilled water hereof simply or with elder-flowers or nightshade is a singularly good remedy against all agues, to drink 2 OZ. at a time and apply cloths wet therein to the head and stomach, which also does much good being applied to any hot swellings or inflammations. It helpeth St. Anthony's fire (erysipelas) and burnings, and is singular good to take away wheals." - Nicholas Culpeper
Many of the natural coltsfoot remedies involved smoking the dried leaves of the plant, this is said to have a calming effect on the body and was often used throughout the middle ages to increase visions during scrying (the act of seeing things yet to happen in reflective surfaces such as a crystal ball) Nowadays coltsfoot can also be used to help smokers give up tobacco based products.
The top 6 health benefits of coltsfoot:
- Powerful antioxidant properties - The antioxidant properties of coltsfoot help to avoid excess oxidation within the body, many facial creams and cosmetic products now contain coltsfoot for this reason and it is even thought to help slow the visible signs of aging.
- Antiseptic and antibacterial properties - The antiseptic and antibacterial properties of coltsfoot make it ideal for wound care, padding an open wound with the leaves of the coltsfoot plant is a reliable way to reduce chances of infection and promote healing.
- Coltsfoot can help to fight depression - There is growing evidence to suggest coltsfoot can function as a completely natural antidepressant, consuming a small amount of coltsfoot a day can not only elevate your mood but improves immunity and reduce the risk of urinary infection.
- Coltsfoot has been used for centuries to treat respiratory problems - Smoking coltsfoot is thought to aid with asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, colds and coughs, chest ailments, congestion, and sinus problems. Not only this, but if you are looking for a nicotine free tobacco alternative coltsfoot could be just the thing to rid yourself of a nasty habit.
- Relief from bacterial vaginosis - The powerful antibacterial properties have shown to be useful in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, to do this leaves are boiled in water and the mixture is left to cool, once cold strain the mixture and add the liquid to a douche bag. Regular douching is not recommended so only use this option sparingly.
- Coltsfoot can help to treat colitis - The anti inflammatory properties of coltsfoot make it useful for colitis sufferers as well as the treatment of other duodenal problems. It is also worth remembering that coltsfoot can help clear a blocked nose and treat sinus issues when inhaled.
What are the nutritional values of coltsfoot?
- Coltsfoot is rich in various elements, including calcium, sulfur, zinc, copper, potassium, manganese, vitamins A, B, C and P and iron.
Where can I find coltsfoot?
Colt foot grows in the UK in many areas, the best time to collect wild coltsfoot is April and March, although it can be collected in the later summer months, if that seems like a bit too much work many natural health stores now stock dried coltsfoot that is ready to use straight out the packet.
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