In the article we discuss coltsfoot - the medicinal properties and contraindications of the plant. You will learn how the plant is useful, what diseases it treats, and how to properly prepare a decoction or infusion to treat coughs, bronchitis, pneumonia and colds.
Coltsfoot (lat. Tussilágo) is a monotypic genus of plants in the family Asteraceae or Compositae (Asteraceae).
Common coltsfoot (lat. Tussilágo fárfara) is a perennial herbaceous plant, common in Eurasia, Africa, and also, as an alien, in other parts of the world. An amazing feature of the plant is that the flowering period occurs in early spring, before the leaves bloom.
Mother and stepmother in Latin is translated as follows: the scientific (Latin) generic name tussilago, inis f comes from lat. tussis, is ("cough") and ago, egi, actum, ere ("to drive away") - and can be translated as "coughlegon". This name is associated with its medicinal use as a cough suppressant.
There are numerous hairs on the underside of the leaves, so the underside of the leaf evaporates water less than the bare top. The underside (mother) is warmer to the touch than the top (stepmother) - hence the Russian name of the plant.
Other Russian names: two-leafed, Kamchuzhnaya grass, cold lapukha, mother grass, one-sided, king-potion.
What does it look like
The coltsfoot plant has a long, branched, creeping rhizome. Two types of shoots develop from the buds on the rhizome: flower-bearing and vegetative.
What does a coltsfoot look like? The plant has flowering, erect shoots, covered with ovate-lanceolate, often brown leaves. On each of the shoots, a single head develops before flowering, and after it a drooping head, consisting of a cylindrical single-row bedspread, a bare flat receptacle and bright yellow flowers of two types.
Medicinal plant coltsfoot has external flowers - female, reed. The flowers that are in the middle of the inflorescence are bisexual, tubular, and barren.
The fruit is a cylindrical achene, with a tuft of soft hairs. After fruit ripening, flower-bearing shoots die off.
Some time after the start of flowering, vegetative shoots develop, which bear several round-heart-shaped, angular, white-tomentose below, bare leaves with long petioles above. You can see in more detail how the plant looks like in the photo of coltsfoot. Appearance (photo) coltsfoot
Where does it grow
Coltsfoot grass is popular in Europe, Asia, Siberia, Africa and America. In Europe, it grows to Arctic Scandinavia.
Usually found in areas free of turf, on the banks of water bodies, slopes of ravines and landslides, often in areas subjected to anthropogenic impact - fields, wastelands, landfills. It grows well on clay soil, but it also occurs on other types of soil, including sandy, pebbly river banks. Flowering time in the conditions of the European part of Russia is April.
Leaves coltsfoot
Since ancient times, the plant has been used as a medicinal plant. All aboveground parts have useful properties. The coltsfoot leaves and flowers are harvested. Before use, study the benefits and harms of coltsfoot.
Chemical composition
Chemical composition:
- vitamin C;
- tannins;
- complex carbohydrates;
- carotenoids;
- alkaloids;
- essential oil;
- slime;
- inulin;
- saponins;
- organic acids.
The popularity of the use of coltsfoot in folk medicine is due to the unique chemical composition.
Medicinal properties
Pharmacological properties:
- antitussive;
- enveloping;
- diaphoretic;
- antispasmodic;
- disinfectant;
- anti-inflammatory.
The use of coltsfoot for coughs and bronchitis is effective due to the mucus that is part of the plant, which envelops the respiratory tract and prevents irritation. Saponins, organic acids thin dry cough, remove sputum. Read more about coltsfoot for coughing at.
The plant is effective in complex treatment for sore throat. Coltsfoot is used for stomatitis, purulent infections, inflammation.
Tannins in the composition of the plant do not allow bacteria to multiply and spread throughout the body. The plant is used for colds.
Outwardly, coltsfoot is used to treat skin diseases, acne on the face, itching and dandruff on the head. To strengthen hair growth, decoctions based on a plant are used.
How to collect
The leaves of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. The terms for harvesting parts of the plant vary depending on which part of the coltsfoot you will collect. Choose sunny, dry weather to harvest the plant. Collect flowers at the very beginning of flowering, until they turn white and the first true leaves appear. Pick the flowers without a petiole. Dry raw materials in a well-ventilated area to prevent mold.
Leaves appear after the flowering period. The terms of harvesting the leaves of the coltsfoot can be found out based on the appearance of the plant. When the upper fluff disappears from the leaves, the upper side will be smooth, cold, and the lower side will be covered with white omission, and this makes it seem that it is warm, then collect the leaves of the coltsfoot. Break off the leaves with your hands, leaving a small petiole.
Dry the leaves under a canopy in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Can be dried in a special dryer at a temperature not exceeding 35 degrees. Turn leaves occasionally to dry evenly.
You can understand that the leaves are already ready by their characteristic folded appearance. The short stem breaks easily. Before storing raw materials, sort them out, since there should be no more than 3% of rust-covered leaves. Dried leaves are odorless, bitter in taste, with a slimy feel. Store raw materials in paper or cloth bags.
How to apply
Any plant-based products should be used with caution. Basically, coltsfoot is used in combination with other herbs in the form of infusions, decoctions, alcoholic tinctures, and plantain syrup and coltsfoot are also popular.
Decoction for cough
Take coltsfoot decoction for cough as an independent or additional treatment. The plant does not absorb nitrates, therefore it effectively cleanses the lungs.
Ingredients:
- Dried leaves - 1 tbsp.
- Boiled water - 200 ml.
How to cook: Fill the leaves with water, close the container with a lid, heat in a water bath for 15 minutes. Infusion coltsfoot stir occasionally. After cooking, cool the mixture and strain. Bring the strained mixture to a boil. Store the decoction in a cool place for no more than 2 days.
How to use: Take ½ cup warm 2-3 times a day 1 hour before meals.
Result: Has an expectorant effect, clears dust from the lungs.
Decoction for bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi. The disease is primary or secondary, when bronchitis develops as a complication against the background of chronic diseases.
Coltsfoot with bronchitis has an antitussive effect. The plant is part of the chest preparations for coughing. Coltsfoot for tracheitis or bronchitis is used together with flower baskets and leaves.
Ingredients:
- Leaves - 3 tablespoons
- Water - 2 glasses.
How to cook: Pour the plant with water, boil until the water has evaporated by half. Strain the decoction after cooking.
How to use: Use 1 tbsp. every 2 hours.
Result: Expectorant, improves the general condition of the body, supports during illness.
Infusion for asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease. Exogenous allergens are considered a provoking factor in the development of the disease.
Common allergens are vegetable, food, book dust, fish food, particles and animal dander.
In 20-40% of people with this disease, a reaction to drugs is detected. In 2%, the disease was obtained due to work in a hazardous enterprise or in a perfume shop. Coltsfoot for asthma is an effective remedy.
Ingredients:
- Mother and stepmother - 4 tsp
- Boiling water - 1 cup.
How to cook: Pour boiling water over the components of the plant, leave for 30 minutes.
How to use: Take ¼ cup 4 times a day.
Result: Has antiseptic, expectorant effect.
Infusion for pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung tissue of an infectious origin. The disease occurs when attacked by a bacterial infection, the causative agents of which are pneumococcus, streptococcus, staphylococcus, fungal infections, herpes virus.
Ingredients:
- Crushed leaves of the plant - 1 tbsp.
- Water - 1 glass.
How to cook: Pour boiling water over the components of the plant, leave for 30 minutes.
How to use: Take up to 5 times daily chilled.
Result: Coltsfoot with pneumonia has an expectorant effect, produces mucus, which relieves inflammation.
Other application
Coltsfoot can be bought at a pharmacy. Coltsfoot with pancreatitis normalizes the production of enzymes, relieves inflammation, pain, and has an antimicrobial effect. Treatment with plant-based preparations is carried out for at least two months.
Coltsfoot for hemorrhoids is used as a decoction for baths. Leaves of coltsfoot, oregano, alder cones, couch grass root, hop cones are mixed in equal proportions, infused and added to water. Helps with the expansion of the veins of the anus, anal fissures, pain.
Coltsfoot for weight loss is used in combination with other herbs. The plant goes well with blackberries. Take coltsfoot in the form of tea. The drink removes toxins, toxins from the body, restores strength. Coltsfoot for weight loss is popular due to its diuretic effect.
Coltsfoot with angina affects the inflamed tonsils. Take the plant inside in the form of infusions, decoctions or gargle. Also carried out with coltsfoot inhalation. For inhalation, a complex of herbs is used: chamomile, coltsfoot, thyme, eucalyptus, sage, linden. In the broth, you can add the asterisk balm at the tip of the knife. Breathe in steam as much as possible. After a couple of days, improvements are noticeable, there will be no trace of inflammation and cough.
Coltsfoot for hair acts as a strengthening agent, restores the structure of the hair. The plant is used for hair loss, increased oiliness of the scalp, dandruff.
Features of use during pregnancy
Mother-and-stepmother during pregnancy can only be used as directed by a doctor. In the first trimester of pregnancy, taking the plant is strictly prohibited. Substances that make up the plant can penetrate the placental barrier and disrupt the development of the fetus or cause miscarriage.
Although, in the optimally selected dosage, coltsfoot for a cold can strengthen the body of a pregnant woman and saturate it with vitamins, in no case should you use the plant without first consulting a doctor.
Outwardly, it can be used to treat skin diseases, as well as apply coltsfoot compresses for varicose veins.
In the second trimester of pregnancy, the use of the plant is not so dangerous. With a runny nose, cough, you can use tea from coltsfoot, after consulting with your doctor.
Plant-based teas or coltsfoot teas can be purchased ready-made or you can make your own.
When breastfeeding, the plant should not be consumed in any form, since the coltsfoot enters the child's body through breast milk. The plant is contraindicated for small children.
Contraindications
Contraindications for use:
- delay, violation of the menstrual cycle;
- breast-feeding;
- children's age up to 2 years;
- disruption of the liver;
- individual intolerance;
- simultaneous intake of certain vitamins, dietary supplements, medicines to relieve symptoms of a cold, temperature.
Before using any products containing coltsfoot, be sure to consult your doctor. Some medicines do not combine with the plant.
Side effects:
- nausea;
- vomit;
- diarrhea;
- temperature.
Due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the plant, the toxicity of which has been poorly studied, it is not recommended to use coltsfoot flowers for more than 4-6 weeks in a row.
Classification
Taxonomic position:
- Domain - Eukaryotes.
- Kingdom - Plants.
- Department - Flowering.
- Class - Bipartite.
- Order - Astrocolor.
- Family - Astroflowers.
- Genus - Mother-and-stepmother.
For more information about coltsfoot, see the video:
Varieties
Previously, the genus was understood in an essentially broad sense. Many of the species that are now part of the genus Butterbur (Petasites) were formerly classified in the genus Tussilago:
- Butterbur smooth or radiant (Tussilago aquatica).
- Fragrant butterbur (Tussilago pyrenaica).
- Butterbur cold (Tussilago frigida).
- Butterbur hybrid (Tussilago hybrida).
- Rocky or reddish butterbur (Tussilago rubella).
- Siberian Butterbur (Tussilago sibirica).
- False Butterbur (Tussilago spuria Retz).
coltsfoot infographic
Photo of coltsfoot, its useful properties and application: 
Infographics on coltsfoot
What to remember
- Coltsfoot is a medicinal plant that helps in the treatment of coughs, pneumonia, colds and for weight loss.
- Before using the plant, study what coltsfoot helps from, what contraindications there are.
- Collect flowers and leaves of the plant for harvesting.
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The coltsfoot is a flower that is considered a real herald of the approaching summer, because it blooms very early - with the first warm rays of the sun.
In other languages, the name of this plant sounds like this:
- German - Huflattich;
- English - coltsfoot;
- French - tussilage, pas-d "âne.
Appearance
Coltsfoot is a short grass, the stems of which are covered with reddish scales. The flowers are bright yellow, fluffy, similar to dandelions, but smaller in size. The origin of the Russian name of the plant is associated with the peculiarities of its leaves: the upper side of the leaf is smooth and cold to the touch, and the lower side is fluffy and warm. Hence the comparison with his own mother and evil stepmother.
Where does it grow
The coltsfoot is distributed almost throughout Eurasia, including the countries of Western Europe, Siberia, the Urals, Kazakhstan, Central and Asia Minor, and even the Arctic regions. In addition, the plant can be found in northern Africa and the United States of America.
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The collection of coltsfoot begins closer to the middle of summer, when seed boxes appear in place of the flowers. The highest quality and most useful raw materials can be obtained from flowers growing far from human habitation, industrial enterprises and highways. The best time to harvest is around noon when the morning dew has gone. Most often, only the leaves of the plant are collected, cutting them off along with the cuttings. The collected leaves are dried on the street under a canopy or in rooms that are well ventilated. To dry the leaves on all sides, turn them over from time to time.
Characteristics
- has medicinal properties;
- used in medicine, cooking and cosmetology;
- has a bitter taste;
- has a faint, honey aroma.
Chemical composition
- Essential oil;
- Tannins;
- Mucous substances;
- Acids: gallic, malic, tartaric acid, ascorbic;
- Many metals: calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, cobalt, molybdenum, chromium, aluminum, barium, selenium, vanadium, nickel, strontium, lead, silver, iodine, bromine, boron.
Beneficial features
- has a softening and enveloping effect;
- is a good expectorant;
- relieves inflammation;
- disinfects;
- has an astringent effect;
- anesthetizes;
- calms the nervous system;
- strengthens the hair structure;
- relieves tooth and irritation;
- heals wounds;
- normalizes digestion.
Harm
Contraindications
- pregnancy;
- lactation period;
- children's age (up to 2 years);
- severe liver disease.
Application
In medicine
Coltsfoot-based medicines are used to treat and manage the symptoms of a wide range of conditions, including:
- whooping cough;
- bronchitis;
- laryngitis;
- pneumonia;
- bronchial asthma;
- bronchiectasis;
- tracheitis;
- acute respiratory diseases;
- dropsy;
- catarrh of the esophagus;
- cystitis;
- pyelonephritis.
A particularly popular coltsfoot for treating cough ailments.
Leaves
Most often, coltsfoot leaves are used for the preparation of medicines, since they contain the greatest amount of useful substances. From the leaves of the plant, infusions and tinctures, syrups and decoctions are prepared, and the juice is also squeezed out. Sometimes flowers or plant roots are added to preparations.
Root
The coltsfoot root, like other parts of the plant, contains useful substances that help fight various ailments. So, a decoction of the roots of coltsfoot, well helps with colds. With it, you can bring down the temperature, get rid of nasal congestion, cough and sore throat.
Folk recipes
- To get rid of the headache you need to prepare a decoction of the leaves of the coltsfoot. Take 1 tbsp. chopped leaves, pour 0.5 liters of hot water and boil for 6 minutes. Then cool and strain. Drink half a glass 3 times a day, one hour before meals.
- To cure abscesses and other purulent inflammations on the skin, it is recommended to apply fresh leaves of the coltsfoot twice a day to the affected area, fix with a bandage and keep for 1-2 hours.
- To stop hair loss and get rid of dandruff, prepare a decoction of fresh or dried coltsfoot and nettle leaves. Take one part of each plant, cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Remove the decoction from the stove, cool and strain. Decoction should be rinsed with hair every time after shampooing.
Juice
Traditional medicine recommends using the juice of fresh coltsfoot leaves for cleansing and healing wounds. To prepare the juice, you need to thoroughly rinse the leaves, rinse with boiling water, twist through a meat grinder and squeeze. To wash the wounds, the juice must be diluted in half with water and boiled a little. If you want the juice to keep for several months, dilute it with ½ part vodka.
Cough syrup
Coltsfoot syrup is a very effective cough suppressant.
To prepare it, you will need fresh, well-washed coltsfoot leaves, sugar and honey. In a clean three-liter jar, lay out the leaves and sugar in layers until the container is full. Remove the container to a cool, dark place.
When syrup forms at the bottom of the jar, pour it into another container and add a glass of honey (preferably fresh). Mix and leave in the same place for another week.
Take 1 tbsp. 3 times a day for 2 weeks. If necessary, after a 10-day break, repeat the treatment.
Infusion
In case of digestive disorders or loss of appetite, it is recommended to prepare an infusion of coltsfoot.
Rinse a few flowers and leaves of the plant, grind and pour 250 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for half an hour and strain. You should drink the infusion per day, in several doses. Take until improvement occurs. The medicine can also be used for various respiratory diseases.
In cosmetology
Coltsfoot is an indispensable tool for maintaining youth and beauty. Masks and tonics based on this useful plant will help:
- reduce the number of wrinkles;
- defeat excessive dryness of the skin;
- remove oily sheen;
- maintain the elasticity and softness of the skin in the neck and décolleté area;
- strengthen hair roots;
- get rid of dandruff.
In cooking
- fresh coltsfoot leaves add a pleasant bitterness to vegetable salads;
- finely chopped greens are added to omelettes and minced meat dishes;
- from a mixture of coltsfoot leaves, garlic, salt and pepper, a spicy dressing is prepared for the main dishes;
- with dried leaves and flowers, coltsfoot makes a very healthy, fragrant tea.
A fresh vegetable salad
Cut the vegetables into small pieces - cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, carrot (1 each), 200 grams of cabbage. Prepare the egg pancake: beat the egg, pour it into the pan and fry on both sides. Pancake cut into strips. Cut the chicken fillet into small pieces and fry in vegetable oil until tender. Mix all ingredients. Salt and pepper to taste. Prepare the dressing: mince a clove of garlic, mix with 1 tbsp. mayonnaise, 2 tbsp. soy sauce and the juice of half a lemon. Finely chop a few fresh coltsfoot leaves and add to the dressing.
Sauce for garnish
Rinse fresh coltsfoot leaves and finely chop. Put 250 grams of greens in a saucepan, add a chopped clove of garlic and pour water so that it slightly covers the contents of the saucepan. Wait until it boils and cook for 10 minutes. Drain the water and beat the leaves in a blender with 1 tsp. sesame. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice or vegetables.
For weight loss
Coltsfoot normalizes the work of the gastrointestinal tract, therefore, it is part of herbal preparations that promote weight loss. In addition, experts recommend taking warm baths with coltsfoot decoction. This procedure cleanses the pores, tightens the skin, and also reduces the appearance of cellulite.
- Three yellow coltsfoot flowers on a green field are the coat of arms of the Norwegian commune of Nannestad.
- Treatment with the help of a coltsfoot was recommended by the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, who lived in the 4th century BC.
- In Russia, mother-and-stepmother was also called near-river grass, king-potion, mother-grass and horse hoof.
It will take quite a bit of time, the snow will melt, and the first yellow eyes of the flowers of the forest lapushka will appear on the thawed patches. What plant do you think it is? It is also called kamchuzhnaya grass or kolorechnaya grass. Rannik, butterbur. Well? Guessed? If not, then such names as a two-faced, stepmother, mother-grass will definitely help you decide. This, of course, mother-and-stepmother.
A unique plant, there are so many names. Yes, what a variety!
The names mother-grass, stepmother and two-faced are associated with an interesting pubescence of leaves. Radical leaves, located on long petioles, are rounded heart-shaped from above - smooth, cold, like an unkind stepmother, and from below - soft, velvety, warm - like an affectionate mother.
The mother and stepmother plant has a branched creeping rhizome and thin roots. Golden-yellow flowers appear directly from the rhizome in the earliest spring, long before the leaves appear.
Properties of the plant coltsfoot
However, not flowers, namely leaves are very valuable for medicinal purposes. It is the leaves that contain a huge amount of useful substances. Macronutrients: magnesium, calcium, potassium; trace elements: selenium, silicon, copper, and many others.
And the medicinal properties of the leaves are due to the presence in them of substances such as the glycoside tussilagin; saponins; sitosterol; malic, tartaric, ascorbic and gallic acids; polysaccharides: inulin, dextrin; flavonoids (rutin, hyperoside). Carotenoids, essential oils and other substances also determine the beneficial properties of coltsfoot.
The healing properties of coltsfoot have been known for a very long time, even in ancient Rome. Pliny and Dioscorides used the coltsfoot plant in the treatment of coughs and various lung diseases in the form of aromatherapy - patients inhaled smoke from dried leaves through a tube, and a decoction of the leaves was also used. Hippocrates used preparations of the coltsfoot plant both as an expectorant and as an external remedy, for example, in the form of poultices for abscesses.
Application of coltsfoot
Nowadays, the infusion and decoction of the leaves are prescribed by doctors, mainly as an emollient and expectorant in the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract (laryngitis, bronchitis).
The mother and stepmother plant is also used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.
The leaf mother and stepmother is part of the diaphoretic teas and nursing fees, as a remedy for fever.
Another use of mother and stepmother is in the treatment of skin ailments: erysipelas, scrofula and hair loss.
When and how to harvest coltsfoot grass
The collection of leaves of the mother and stepmother is carried out in the summer sometimes, in June-July, during their maximum development. Collect unfolded (not young) leaves with part of the petiole. Dry raw materials at 50-60 ° in electric dryers or in an ajar oven. The leaves are laid out in layers of 1-2 sheets and a couple of times a day the leaves are carefully turned over.
Dried raw materials are stored for up to 3 years.
Mother and stepmother has been known since ancient times as a plant with many healing properties.
It was used both in folk and official medicine for the treatment of external and internal diseases.
Many recipes were compiled by ancient Roman healers. It is no less popular in our time.
On the shelves of pharmacies are collections and preparations, which include coltsfoot. What medicines can be prepared at home from it, we will describe below.
Biological description of the plant
Coltsfoot (Asteraceae family) is a perennial herbaceous plant.
It has a creeping rhizome, fluffy stems covered with pink scales depart from it.
They are decorated with baskets of bright yellow flowers.
The Latin name is Tussilago farfara L., which translates as "eliminating cough".
The Russian name is explained by the special structure of the leaves of the plant - the underside is soft (“mother”), and the upper side is smooth and cold (“stepmother”).
They are rounded, with jagged edges, dark green in color, up to 20 cm in diameter.
It grows everywhere - along ravines, embankments, river banks; prefers lighted places. The flowers appear first, in March - April, then the leaves break through.
Chemical composition
Leaves and flowers are somewhat different in the set of elements:
Such a rich composition explains the beneficial properties and widespread use of coltsfoot.
Medicinal properties and indications for use
This herb, as part of preparations and home remedies, has a complex therapeutic effect:
- emollient (action is similar to or castor oil, instructions for use of which) and expectorant;
- enveloping;
- disinfectant and anti-inflammatory;
- astringent;
- diaphoretic.
Mucus covers the airways, which prevents irritation; saponins and organic acids thin the dry discharge and facilitate expectoration.
Tannins inhibit the development of pathogenic bacteria and promote the rapid healing of tissues. Essential oils tone up, glycosides normalize the work of the heart.
Coltsfoot is prescribed for a number of diseases for external and internal use as an adjuvant. Main indications:
Harm and contraindications
It is necessary to use only high-quality raw materials for the preparation of home remedies, and when buying ready-made ones, check the expiration date.
There is also evidence of the carcinogenic effect of alkaloids, so in some countries coltsfoot is not available for sale. It cannot be accepted:
- For pregnant and lactating women, grass can disrupt the development of the fetus or provoke a miscarriage.
- Women suffering from delayed menstruation.
- People with liver diseases (cirrhosis, hepatitis). The alkaloids contained in the plant destroy its cells.
- Children under 2 years of age.
- With the simultaneous use of antipyretics, some dietary supplements and vitamins.
- In case of individual intolerance to the plant.
Check with your doctor before adding coltsfoot to your medications, as you may not be aware of these contraindications.
Side effects
They may appear as:
- nausea and vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- abdominal pain and intestinal disorders;
- temperature increase.
In these cases, immediately stop using coltsfoot!
Ways to use coltsfoot
All aerial parts of this herb have medicinal properties. Previously, roots were also used for treatment, but now this is not practiced.
Yellow baskets of inflorescences are harvested in early spring, leaves - in the first months of summer. It is necessary to collect strong intact parts of the plant and only in clear weather.
Dry raw materials in the open air or in a special oven at a temperature of 50 - 60 ° C, so all useful substances are preserved.
Then they are separated, since the flowers are stored for 2 years, and the leaves - 3.
Store in a closed container or linen bags.
On the basis of the herbal collection are prepared: infusions, tinctures, decoctions, teas, fresh gruel and juice, medicinal "cigarettes", powder, tablets, potions and syrups.
Folk recipes
leaf decoction
- collection of coltsfoot leaves - 1 teaspoon;
- boiling water - 1 cup.
Brew the raw materials in an enamel bowl, close the lid. Place in a water bath or low heat, heat for 15 minutes, stirring constantly.
Take 1/3 cup, 3 times a day before meals. Duration - 2 days. A decoction is useful for inflammation of the throat and lungs, bronchitis.
This is an effective expectorant, helps to soften and expel sputum.
It is also prescribed for inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and heart disease, dosage - 1 tbsp. spoon 6 times a day, before meals.
Outwardly - to strengthen the hair (rinsing) and the treatment of wounds (washing and compresses).
water infusion
Fill the baskets and leave to infuse for 1 hour.
Strained infusion take 100 ml 3 times a day for stomach diseases.
It normalizes the acidity of the stomach (it is written about the treatment of gastritis with folk remedies), soothes the irritated mucous membrane and promotes its healing.
It is used externally for gargling. Widely used with folk remedies.
Therapeutic "cigarettes"
- powder from the leaves of the plant - 2 teaspoons;
- cigarette paper.
They make a straw and fill it with grass, then smoke it like a cigarette. You can sprinkle the powder on a hot pan and inhale the rising smoke.
The remedy helps with choking cough.
Fresh plant juice
To obtain it, young leaves are used, which are poured over with boiling water and scrolled in a meat grinder.
The gruel is squeezed out and an equal amount of water is added, heated, boiled for 2 minutes. Take 1 tbsp. spoon, three times a day (after meals).
Juice is useful for beriberi. To get rid of a cold, 2-3 drops are instilled into the nose.
Vodka tincture
Take the components in equal volume, mix in a glass bottle. Put in a dark place for a week.
The dosage is 30 - 40 drops, once a day. Tincture stimulates metabolism, strengthens the immune system.
Despite the healing composition, coltsfoot is used only as an additional treatment.
Being a potent plant, it requires careful use, so you can not use it uncontrollably, considering it a harmless herb.
In order not to make a mistake with the dosage and not harm yourself, consult your doctor.,
How and when to collect, from what diseases folk recipes from coltsfoot will help - look in the proposed video.
It is impossible to deny the achievements of modern medicine in this direction. But, do not forget about the means that nature itself suggested to our ancestors. In many cases, they are no less effective, while not having a negative effect on the body, or with some completely minor warnings.
One of these natural unique remedies is coltsfoot - a plant known to almost everyone, even today it is used not only in folk medicinal recipes, but also in the appointment of doctors.
Most often, coltsfoot is used for coughing, with all sorts of respiratory diseases, as it has a powerful expectorant effect. But its properties are much wider.
Medicinal properties and uses of coltsfoot
It perfectly disinfects, helps fight inflammation, and even helps with asthma. But, nevertheless, it is for coughs of various etiologies that it is used in 99% of cases, since it has an enveloping and thinning effect, it has a positive effect on hoarseness, inflammatory processes in the pharynx, bronchitis and even pneumonia.
It contains a high concentration of natural biologically active substances - saponins and various organic acids.
They reduce the density of sputum, which is in the upper respiratory tract, and quickly restore the normal processes of the natural active movement of the special ciliated epithelium located in the trachea and bronchi.
The mucus contained in the plant is released from it during brewing. It has a very positive effect on the respiratory system, as it has an enveloping effect on the mucous membranes in the mouth, throat, larynx, eliminates inflammation and irritation in them.
Tannins, in combination with the above properties of the plant, quickly alleviate cough, thin and remove sputum, reduce inflammation and hyperemia.
Thanks to all this, coltsfoot is almost the first remedy for coughing of any etiology in both children and adults. It is available, easy to prepare, simple to apply, has a unique effect, can quickly alleviate the condition even in severe cases.
Another of its advantages is that even children drink coltsfoot with pleasure, since a decoction or infusion of its leaves and flowers, especially with bee honey, is not only healthy, but also tasty.
The plant contains a lot of vitamins and minerals, tannins, valuable acids, essential oils. Due to this, it also acts as a general tonic, as it nourishes the body with all this, stimulating the immune system, helping to restore the optimal ratio of intestinal microflora, having a beneficial effect on the functioning of the entire gastrointestinal tract.
Less often, but no less effectively, this plant is also used for tuberculosis, varicose veins, dermatological problems, nasal congestion, as a cosmetic remedy for hair loss and brittleness.
Cough infusion from coltsfoot leaves
There are two popular recipes that you should definitely talk about. One of them is based on vodka, the other is based on water. Both are designed to alleviate the patient's condition when coughing or completely get rid of it.
Water Based Infusion
In a glass of boiling water, take 3-3.5 teaspoons of a dry plant, pour it with water in a porcelain teapot, cover with a lid. After that - wrap with a natural cloth and leave to infuse for 20-25 minutes. Next - unravel, strain. To consume: half a glass, regardless of the meal, 2-4 times a day.
The infusion that is consumed immediately after preparation, in a warm form, helps best of all.
Ideally, if you add a teaspoon of bee honey to it, which will complement the healing effect of the mother and stepmother and speed up recovery, plus add new unique flavor notes to the infusion. With colds, viral ailments accompanied by a cough, this remedy is one of the best remedies for children and adults!
If your baby refuses to use a decoction of herbs, then try to offer him, this is my grandmother's simple and effective recipe.
Infusion on vodka
Place the crushed dry (you can also take fresh) leaves of the plant in a glass dish (a jar or bottle, for example), pour vodka so that they are completely covered with it, tightly cork with a lid or cork, rubber stopper.
Put in a dark cool (but not cold) place for 10-14 days. Take an infusion of vodka should be twenty to thirty drops three times a day before eating. Impact - similar to the effect of taking infusion on the water.
Decoction of coltsfoot leaves to treat cough
It is no more difficult to prepare it than an infusion. To do this, take 1-1.5 teaspoons of dry leaves, based on a glass of water. Pour, heat for 10 minutes in a water bath, turn off, leave for 6 minutes, and then add pre-boiled water so that the total total volume is exactly 1 cup, or 250 milliliters.
The decoction is taken every few hours in a tablespoon. This is in the first few days, during the onset of the disease. Further - three to four times a day for the same spoon before the meal (half an hour before it). The course of taking a decoction, as well as infusion on water or vodka, for coughing is no more than 1 week!
Cough coltsfoot - how to take and how to drink
There are pharmaceutical preparations, syrups and even tablets prepared on the basis of this plant. All of them help cough very well and are prescribed by doctors for children and adults. But no less popular are the products prepared according to the recipes of alternative medicine.
The greatest demand continues to be infusions and decoctions. Their effect is very similar to each other, as well as the method of preparation, as well as the application. But, nevertheless, there are differences in the latter, and they should be remembered.
So, for adults for coughing:
✔ Infusion on water: drink half a glass, regardless of food intake, 2-4 times a day.
✔ Infusion on vodka: take 20-30 drops 3 times a day before meals for 30-35 minutes.
✔ Decoction: the first 1-2 days of illness - drink every 2-3 hours, 1 tablespoon. Then, another 4-5 days - 3 to 4 times a day, 1 tablespoon 30 minutes before a meal.
The course of taking any of these funds should not last more than 7 days.
Mother and stepmother for children
For little "patients" this plant will also bring a lot of benefits. It can help to completely get rid of a cough, and this will prevent the use of chemical pharmaceutical preparations, which is also important for a still fragile child's body.
When using products prepared for children from this plant, one should be extremely careful, considering all its effects: disinfectant, tonic, diaphoretic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing. How the child's body will behave, how it will react to one or another component of the plant is not 100% known.
Therefore, children should be given coltsfoot only if there is evidence for this, and also under close supervision by adults. It is best to consult a pediatrician before starting treatment.
It is best to use a decoction or infusion, but not on vodka, but on clean drinking water. You can give it starting from the age of 5, but, again, only if there are no contraindications (they will be discussed separately below). They help, first of all, with coughing.
But they can also be used for chronic inflammation of the tonsils, nasal congestion, fever, as a tonic and tonic, for diathesis and even for scrofula.
Children should take an infusion of about 50 grams, and a decoction - a teaspoon. Multiplicity of reception - 2-3 times a day. In the absence of an allergy to honey, it is recommended to add it to the funds!
In the vast majority of cases, this dosage is not respected. That is, parents simply brew coltsfoot leaves with flowers, like tea, and give them to their children with honey several times a day, about half a glass. This method, on the one hand, is justified, as it allows you to enhance the effect of the reception. But, on the other hand, it is more risky, because, after all, the minimum dosage recommended above, although it reduces the effectiveness of the funds, but at the same time reduces the possible risks from taking them.
Collection of herbs for the treatment of cough with coltsfoot
This plant is far from the only one, although one of the most famous, among those that can be used in the treatment of coughs and colds, viral diseases.
Rosehip, anise, elderberry, oregano, plantain, currant, raspberry, licorice root. All these natural ingredients themselves have unique healing properties. And they are able to perfectly complement the action of the coltsfoot!
Rosehip recipe
Dried rose hips - two and a half tablespoons. Mother and stepmother - a tablespoon. Bee honey - two and a half tablespoons. Clean drinking water - five glasses. Mix dry and chopped grass with fruits, pour boiling water over it, cover with a lid and leave for about 25-30 minutes. Strain.
Pour the cake again with 2 cups of boiling water, insist again and strain. Combine both infusions and add honey. You need to use half a faceted glass three times a day. Very good for colds, coughs and strengthens the immune system.
With anise, rosehip and elderberry blossoms
Proportions of ingredients: 3:2:1. They should be mixed and poured with 1 glass of drinking cold water. Infusion time - 3 hours. Next - boil and simmer over low heat for no more than 5 minutes. Take for cough, with general weakness and malaise, with gastritis - 3 times a day for 1/3 cup.
Raspberry, oregano, currant
Raspberry leaves, oregano and currant leaves. All this is mixed in equal proportions. The ratio of water to the mixture: a spoonful of the mixture, a glass of water. Pour boiled water, leave for about 10 minutes.
Take half a glass before bedtime, always hot. The tool will add strength, help to establish normal nasal breathing, normalize sleep, thin out sputum and eliminate a coughing fit.
With licorice root
These are two powerful ingredients. Even a dry cough will not resist their joint onslaught. He will be defeated in 5-7 days. Crushed licorice root should be mixed with dry leaves of coltsfoot, in proportions one to one. Put them in a porcelain teapot (1-1.5 teaspoons) and pour 1.5 cups of boiling water, insisting under the lid for 5 minutes. Drink half a glass 3 times a day before meals.
Also, in addition, you can try another popular cough recipe - this. This is a simple and effective cough remedy for children and adults.
Herb contraindications:
1. Age up to 5 years.
2. Pregnancy and lactation.
3. Severe damage to the kidneys and liver.
4. Individual intolerance.
5. Application period - no more than 10-14 days.
When and how to prepare coltsfoot leaves
It is the leaves that have a special healing power, because more than 85% of the active substances are concentrated in them.
But you can also harvest flowers, then mixing them with leaves in the preparation of funds. They will give a decoction or infusion a pleasant color, taste and aroma.
In different regions, coltsfoot "ripens" at different times. Flowers are harvested during its flowering period, after 2-3 days from its beginning. It's about April.
Leaves - during their greatest freshness and rampage: in late May - early June. Raw materials are cut or torn off, folding into a convenient container.
At home - lay it out in one layer on sheets of paper and dry naturally for 3-5 days. Further, dry raw materials are folded into jars or bags for storage. The ideal place for this is an attic or pantry.
Harvest the leaves, coltsfoot when coughing has a really positive effect. But before using, read the contraindications. Be healthy!
