Herb guide › Coltsfoot Leaf (Tussilago farfara)
Coltsfoot Leaf (Tussilago farfara)
The leaf of the coltsfoot plant has a mild, slightly bitter, and earthy taste with herbal-sweet undertones when brewed. It produces a light greenish-gold tea long valued for soothing the respiratory system.
Traditionally used for
Cough, repiratory irritation
Potential benefits
Expectorant, relieve coughs, soothes sore throats, reduces mucus, eases bronchial irritation, acts as a lung tonic and mild anti-inflammatory
Origin
Europe, Asia
How it is traditionally prepared
1 teaspoon of dried leaf per cup, steep for 10 minutes; drink up to twice daily for short-term respiratory relief (no longer than 4–6 weeks continuously).
Cautions and who should avoid it
Not recommended for pregnancy, breastfeeding, or long-term use due to trace pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs); Avoid in liver disease
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