Coughwort, Horsehoof, Foal's Foot, Coltsfoot, bull's foot, horsefoot, butterbur, British tobacco, flower velure, ginger root, kuan dong hua

Description: The specific name of the plant is derived from Farfarus , an ancient name of the White Poplar, the leaves of which present some resemblance in form and colour to those of this plant. There is a closer resemblance, however, to the leaves of the Butterbur, which must not be collected in error; they may be distinguished by their more rounded outline, larger size and less sinuate margin.

An old name for Coltsfoot was Filius ante patrem (the son before the father), because the star-like, golden flowers appear and wither before the broad, sea-green leaves are produced.

A common wild plant in Britain and Europe, growing in damp places. Coltsfoot is a common herb used throughout history for coughs and wheezing. It is the Chinese, however, who primarily emphasize the use of the flowers for this purpose. Interestingly, while the leaves used in the West are primarily used as an anti-inflammatory, the flowers are mostly used by the Chinese for coughs that are due to cold.

Main constituents: Flanonoids; rutin, hyperoside and isoquercetin

Mucilage, consisting of polysaccharides based on glucose, galactose, fructose, arabinose and xylose; and inulin

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, including senkirkine and tussilagine

Tannin

Properties: Expectorant, anti-tussive, anti-spasmodic, demulcent, anti-catarrhal, diuretic, emollient, pectoral, diaphoretic, tonic, antiasthmatic

Uses:Tussilago has a soothing expectorant and antispasmodic action which is effective in the treatment of  acute or chronic bronchitis, irritating coughs, whooping cough and asthma. It reduces non-productive coughs and soothes dry, irritable airways. Its has a role in most conditions of the respiratory tract, including the chronic states of emphysema and silicosis. The mucilages supply the soothing action while the sesquiterpenes are spasmolytic. The triterpene saponins in the flowers provide a stimulating expectorant action.

Tussilago is a mild diuretic and has been used in cystitis. It contains appreciable levels of zinc which may be responsible for the herb's anti-inflammatory and healing properties; the fresh, bruised leaves can be applied to boils, abscesses and ulcers while compresses made from the fresh leaves may help to relieve joint pain. Antibacterial activity has been documented against various Gram-negative bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus , Proteus hauseri , Proteus vulgaris and Pseudomonas aeruginosa .

Safety Considerations: Coltsfoot flower should not be used for conditions that are of a hot nature.

This herb is restricted in Australia and New Zealand because it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which have been shown to cause liver damage in rats. However, they occur in minute quantities, and Swedish research suggests that they are destroyed by boiling. It is also thought that the mucilage present in the plant makes the alkaloid safe. Nevertheless, in the UK it is recommended that this herb should be used internally only under professional guidance.

Magical:

Folk Names: Ass's Foot, British Tobacco, Bull's Foot, Butterbur, Coughwort, Pas d'ane (French), Sponnc (Irish), Foal's Foot.

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Powers: Love, Vision.

Uses: Add to love sachets and use in spells of peace and tranquility. The leaves, when smoked, can cause visions.

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