Coltsfoot herb information
Coltsfoot leaf is used by
herbal practitioners as a soothing expectorant and anti-spasmodic.
Coltsfoot has traditionally been used to alleviate coughs, colds and sore throats. However it may contain potentially harmful naturally occurring chemicals. The chemicals, known as PAs (Pyrrolizidine
Alkaloids), are naturally occurring in over
6,000 plant species and are thought to be
produced by plants as a defence mechanism
against herbivores. The general scientific
consensus is that there may be no safe level of
these chemicals and due to the fact that they
build up cumulatively, caution is advised. If
you do take Coltsfoot, you should only do so for
a short period of time
Coltsfoot leaf can be used for:
Chronic or acute bronchitis
Irritating coughs
Whooping cough
Asthma
Emphysema
Flu’s & colds
Sore throats
Precautions
Do not take in pregnancy,
breast feeding or liver disease due to presence of pyrrolizidine
alkaloids. Not for prolonged use.
Active compounds
Tannins, mucin, glycosidal
bitter principle, inulin, zinc.
What herbal practitioners say about Coltsfoot leaf
In Latin coltsfoot means
‘cough dispeller’ and its one of the best cough remedies around. It combines a soothing expectorant action
with an anti-spasmodic effect and is useful in the treatment of dry, irritating
coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough, difficulty breathing and asthma. It is especially useful in the treatment of
chronic respiratory disorders such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It also helps the bronchioles to recover
after damage from smoking. The leaves contain
zinc which has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory action, which is useful
in the treatment of sore throats, laryngitis, hoarseness, flu and colds.
Tincture dose
Adult dose: 1 - 3mls three times a
day.
Children’s dose: 0.7 - 1mls three times a day.
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