Coltsfoot

🌿 Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)

Also known as: Coughwort • Son-before-the-Father • British Tobacco
Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family — 🌼 related to ragweed)
Origin: Native to Europe and Asia, now naturalized across North America
Parts used: Leaves and flowers
Primary use: Internal & External

✨ Description

Soft, soothing, and long revered for its gentle touch on the lungs, Coltsfoot has been a beloved herbal ally for centuries. Its Latin name Tussilago means “to drive away cough,” and that’s exactly what it does — easing irritation, cooling inflammation, and helping clear the breathways.

Often one of the first flowers to bloom after winter, Coltsfoot embodies renewal and recovery — a breath of life returning to the earth. Traditionally used for coughs, bronchitis, asthma, and throat irritation, it calms the respiratory tract while promoting gentle expectoration and healing from within.

🍵 Dried Herb Uses

As a soothing respiratory and anti-inflammatory tea:

• Cough Relief: Soothes dry, hacking, or irritated coughs.
• Lung & Bronchial Support: Loosens phlegm and calms inflamed tissues.
• Throat Soother: Eases soreness, hoarseness, and voice strain.
• Anti-Inflammatory: Helps relieve mild asthma or bronchial irritation.
• Seasonal Allergies: Gently cools inflammation and eases sinus congestion.

Directions (Internal Use):
Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried Coltsfoot leaf in 8 oz of hot water for 10–15 minutes.
Drink 1–3 cups daily as needed for respiratory support.
Pairs beautifully with Mullein Leaf, Licorice Root, Marshmallow Root, or Elderflower.

💧 External Uses

• Use as a steam inhalation for cough, congestion, or sinus support.
• Apply as a warm compress to the chest or throat for soothing relief.
• Incorporate into salves or poultices for skin irritation or minor wounds.

🔮 Metaphysical & Energetic Uses

• Breath & Renewal: Symbolizes the return of life after hardship — a reminder to exhale the old and inhale peace.
• Air Element Herb: Promotes clarity, communication, and emotional release.
• Healing the Voice: Used in folk practices to clear blockages in both the throat and spirit.

Affirmation:

“With every breath, I release tension and welcome healing into my body.”

🌿 Pairing Suggestions

• Mullein Leaf or Marshmallow Root – for deep lung support.
• Licorice Root or Slippery Elm – for soothing the throat and mucous membranes.
• Elderflower or Peppermint – for cooling and clearing.
• Lobelia or Hyssop – for stronger respiratory blends.

🌼 Harvest & Sourcing

Our Coltsfoot is sustainably wild-harvested in early spring when its soft, silvery leaves are at their peak potency.
The leaves and flowers are shade-dried and hand-sifted to preserve their natural aroma and gentle medicinal oils.
You’ll recognize it instantly by its soft texture, mild fragrance, and bright golden-green color.

⚖️ Energetics & Taste

• Taste: Mildly bitter, earthy, and slightly sweet.
• Energetic profile: Cooling, moistening, and soothing.
• Pairs well with: Mullein, Marshmallow, Licorice, and Peppermint.

⚠️ Warnings

• Coltsfoot naturally contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) which, in large or long-term doses, may affect the liver.
• Use moderately and short-term only (not for extended daily use beyond 4–6 weeks).
• Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or with liver disorders.
• Always source PA-free Coltsfoot when available (our herb is tested for purity).

🌻 A Note from the Herbalist

Coltsfoot teaches the art of gentle healing — soft, subtle, and deeply nurturing.
It cools what’s inflamed, moistens what’s dry, and soothes what’s sore.
To sip it is to take a deep, healing breath — one that reminds the lungs and the heart of their rhythm, resilience, and calm.