# Plant Monograph: Coltsfoot
**Name of plant:**
Coltsfoot
**Catch phrase (Carmina Gadelica or traditional invocation if available):**
No specific invocation from the *Carmina Gadelica* is recorded for Coltsfoot. In European folk herbalism it was often regarded as a companion of the lungs and a herald of spring, appearing before its leaves emerged.
**Family:**
Asteraceae (Daisy Family)
**Genus and species:**
*Tussilago farfara* L.
**Other names:**
Coltsfoot, Coughwort, Foal's Foot, Ass's Foot, Horsehoof, Bull's Foot, Son-before-the-Father, Hallfoot, Tussilago, Beich (traditional Scottish name), Cough Herb
**Brief introduction:**
Coltsfoot is a perennial herb native to Europe and parts of Asia and now naturalized throughout North America. It is easily recognized by its bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring before the leaves emerge. The large hoof-shaped leaves inspired many of its common names. For centuries Coltsfoot has been one of Europe's best-known respiratory herbs, traditionally used for coughs, bronchial irritation, and throat complaints. Modern use has become more cautious because the plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that may pose a risk to the liver.
**Traditional uses:**
* Relief of coughs
* Soothing irritated throats
* Support for bronchial complaints
* Traditional remedy for hoarseness
* Smoking herb for respiratory conditions
**Historical use:**
* Used by Greek and Roman physicians for respiratory ailments
* Burned or smoked traditionally for chronic coughs
* Included in medieval European cough remedies
* Used in syrups, lozenges, and herbal teas
* Featured in many traditional pharmacopoeias as a primary lung remedy
**Parts used and method of use:**
* Leaves
* Flowers
Used as:
* Infusion (tea)
* Syrup
* Lozenges
* Traditional smoking mixtures
**Use in healing (modern herbal practice):**
* Traditional support for dry, irritating coughs
* Demulcent support for sore throats
* Soothing agent for irritated mucous membranes
* Historical support for bronchial irritation
* Primarily of historical interest due to safety concerns regarding pyrrolizidine alkaloids
**Pharmacology and biochemistry:**
* Mucilage polysaccharides
* Flavonoids
* Pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Mechanisms:
* Mucilage may coat and soothe irritated mucous membranes
* Flavonoids exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity
* Pyrrolizidine alkaloids may contribute to toxicity and liver injury
Overall profile: Coltsfoot has a long history as a respiratory herb and contains compounds that may soothe irritated tissues. However, the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids significantly limits its modern use, and many practitioners prefer PA-free extracts or alternative herbs with better-established safety profiles.
**Common dosage:**
* Infusion (traditional use): 1–2 g dried leaf or flower per cup, up to 3 times daily
* Syrup: 5–10 mL up to 3 times daily
* PA-free standardized extract: According to manufacturer recommendations
* Lozenges: As directed by product labeling
**Safety factors (including side effects):**
* Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that may be hepatotoxic
* Long-term internal use is not recommended
* Contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding
* Individuals with liver disease should avoid use
* Modern use should favor certified PA-free products whenever possible
**First aid / adverse reaction response:**
* Gastrointestinal discomfort: discontinue use and monitor symptoms
* Allergic reaction: discontinue use and seek medical advice
* Signs of liver distress (jaundice, abdominal pain, dark urine): seek immediate medical attention
* Suspected overdose or prolonged exposure: consult a poison control center or healthcare provider promptly
**Drug interactions:**
* Potential additive liver toxicity with hepatotoxic medications
* Use caution with substances metabolized by the liver
* Theoretical interaction with drugs affecting liver enzyme systems
* Individuals taking prescription medications should consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use
**Horticultural requirements:**
* USDA / Canadian zone: Zones 4–8
* Soil pH: 5.5–7.5
* Light requirements: Full sun to partial shade
* Moisture: Moist to wet soils
* Other notes (growth habit, harvest timing, etc.):
* Rhizomatous perennial that spreads readily
* Yellow flowers emerge in early spring before the leaves
* Leaves are typically harvested after flowering
* Common in disturbed soils, stream banks, roadsides, and damp meadows
* Propagates aggressively through rhizomes and seed
**Sampling of clinical reports / studies:**
* Clinical evidence for traditional respiratory uses remains limited
* Pharmacological studies support demulcent and anti-inflammatory properties of mucilage-rich extracts
* Phytochemical investigations have identified flavonoids, mucilage compounds, sesquiterpenes, and pyrrolizidine alkaloids
* Ethnobotanical evidence documents centuries of use for coughs, bronchitis, and throat irritation throughout Europe and Asia
* Overall assessment of evidence: Traditional support for respiratory use is strong, and pharmacological studies support some mechanisms. However, safety concerns related to pyrrolizidine alkaloids substantially limit modern therapeutic use and warrant caution.
Educational Use Only: The information presented on this page is provided for educational, historical, and informational purposes only. ArdNemeton na Tuatha and Bhùth Draoi do not provide medical advice. Always consult your physician and pharmacist before using any herb, mushroom, supplement, or botanical product for medicinal purposes. Traditional uses described herein do not constitute medical claims.