Coltsfoot

The image above is from the lesson I attended.

Sorry I didn't get this up yesterday.  I wasn't able to finish my research before the day ended.

I will get this herbarium posted and update it once I get the two appendices done.  Love and Light!

On to coltsfoot.

Constituents: Flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin and their glycosides), alkaloids (pyrrlizidine-type), acids (caffeic acid, caffeoyltartaric acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, tannic acid), carbohydrates (mucilage, inulin), tannins, bitter *glycoside), choline, paraffin, phytosterols, triterpene, tussilagone, volatile oil (Petersen, 2018, p. 127).  Hoffman (2003) says Flavonoids (rutin, hyperoside, isoquercetin); mucilage, conssting of polysaccharides based on glucose, galactose, fructose, arabinose, xylose; zinc; inulin; pyrrolizidine alkaloids (senkirkine, tussilagine); and tannins (p. 590). Hoffman (1987) says the flowers have mucin, flavonoids (rutin and carotene); taraxanthin, arnninidiol and farradiol; tannin, and essential oil. The leaves have mucin, tannin, glycosidal bitter principle, inulin, sitosterol, and zinc (p. 66). Chevallier (2016) says flavonoids, mucilage (polysaccharides), tannins, pyrrholizidine alkaloids, Vitamin C, and zinc (p. 279).

Therapeutic Actions: Anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory (Petersen, 2018, p. 128). Hoffman (2003) says expectorant, anti-inflammatory (zinc), antitussive, antispasmodic, demulcent, anticatarrhal, and diuretic (p. 590). Chevallier (2016) says anti-inflammatory, demulcent, expectorant, immunostimulant, and antispasmodic (p. 276).

Indications: Petersen (2018) says this is primary used for acute respiratory tract mucous membrane inflammation (with cough and hoarseness), acute/mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa, asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, pertussis (Whooping cough), and sore throat (p. 125). Hoffman (2003) says chronic/acute bronchitis, irritating coughs, whooping cough (pertussis), asthma, most respiratory conditions such as emphysema and silicosis, also for cystitis, externally for boils, abscesses, and suppurating ulcers (p. 590). Clark (2011) says cough suppressant, acute breathing disorders, bronchitis, dry coughs, sore throats, and laryngitis (p. 35). Chevallier (2016) says it was used for coughs and breathing easier for at least 2,500 years (p. 279).

Safety: The Commission E says not to use longer than 4-6 weeks each year (Petersen, 2018, p. 127). Unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids are hepatoxic and hepacarcinogenic. May also be mutagenic. Do not combine with hypotensive herbs. Do not combine with anti-platelet herbs either. American Herbal Products Association lists this as Class 2b, 2c, and 2d. The FDA lists this herb as needing the following label: “For external use only. Do not apply to broken or abraded skin. Do not use when nursing.” (Petersen, 2018, p. 128-9, 130). Hoffman agrees with the precautions mentioned by Petersen but adds if used as directed, it’s safe (which includes using it the limited period mentioned by Petersen) (p. 590). Clark (2011) says not to give this to children with heart or blood pressure problems.  Use coltsfoot carefully (p. 35).  Chevallier (2016) says not to use the flowers and use the leaves with caution, no more than 4 weeks. Do not take while pregnant or breastfeeding and do not give to kids under 6 years old (p. 279).

Have a Great Day!