Coltsfoot (Tussilago Farfara) Cut & Sifted Herb

Description ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Coltsfoot Cut & Sifted Herb **Contains hepato-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. NOT FOR INTERNAL USE* HERB COMMON NAME :  Coltsfoot HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :  Tussilago Farfara OTHER NAMES :  Bullsfoot, Bull’s Foot, Ass’s Foot, Foalswort, Foal’s Foot, Fieldhove, British Tobacco, Butterbur, Coughwort, Pas d’âne, Sponnc, Hallfoot, Horsehoof, Donnhove FAMILY :  Asteraceae ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES : Element: Water Planet: Venus Direction:  West Zodiac Sign:  Taurus Chakra:  5th Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) Energy:  Yin Gender: Feminine Rune:  Isa Tarot:  The Justice Tarot (11) Animal:  Horse, Bull, Donkey Sabbat or Holiday:  Imbolc (February 1 – 2) Deity or God / Goddess Association:  Brigid, Epona   Parts Used:  Leaves, Flowers Description:  Because Coltsfoot leaves have a high mucilage content, they are traditionally used to make poultices, salves and ointments. Coltsfoot has been a cough-suppressing mainstay of Asian and European herbal medicine for 2,000 years. In addition to using the herb to treat cough, Chinese physicians have long prescribed it for asthma, colds, flu, bronchial congestion, and even lung cancer. India’s traditional Ayurvedic doctors prescribed powdered coltsfoot in the form of snuff to treat cough, headache, and nasal congestion. Smoking the leaves of coltsfoot has been a remedy for a wet cough since ancient Greece. The ancient Greek physician Dioscorides and the Romans Pliny and Galen recommended smoking coltsfoot herb to treat cough and asthma. Coltsfoot may help treat respiratory problems in several ways. It contains a substance (mucilage) that may soothe the respiratory tract. A German study using experimental animals showed the herb increases the activity of the microscopic hairs in the breathing tubes that move mucus out of the respiratory tract. Another experiment shows that the herb suppresses a substance (platelet activating factor) in the body that is involved in triggering asthma attacks. The fresh leaves or juice, or a syrup made thereof, is good for a hot dry cough, for wheezing, and shortness of breath. Historical Uses:  expectorant, demulcent, anti-tussive, anti-catarrhal, sedative, treats chronic cough, helps asthma, helps colds, helps flu, treats bronchial congestion, helps respiratory problems, helps wheezing, helps shortness of breath Mystical Attributes:  Coltsfoot is one of the first flowers to emerge in the springtime, often appearing as early as February. This and its bright sunny yellow flowers make it suitable for springtime rituals welcoming the return of the sun, such as Imbolc, Ostara and Beltane– depending on when they bloom that particular year. The long stems can be woven into wreaths. Coltsfoot is said to have the ability to cause visions when the leaves are smoked. It has been used as in love magic (add to love sachets), to bring tranquility, and in wealth spells, and burned during divination rites. Theocritus’s Idyll 2 mentions coltsfoot in the context of a spell to bring back a wandering lover. It is also burned in divinatory and healing incense. Mystical Intentions:  divination, prosperity spells, love magic, water herb, visions, peace, tranquility, fidelity spells, money spells Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  Coltsfoot is native to Asia and Europe and later introduced to North and South America. It is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family that spreads by seeds and rhizomes. Tussilago is often found in colonies of dozens of plants. The flowers, which superficially resemble dandelions, appear in early spring before dandelions appear. The leaves, which resemble a colt’s foot in cross section, do not appear usually until after the seeds are set. Thus, the flowers appear on stems with no apparent leaves, and the later appearing leaves then wither and die during the season without seeming to set flowers. The plant is typically 10–30 cm in height. Coltsfoot is often found in waste and disturbed places and along roadsides and paths. In some areas it is considered an invasive species. It’s a wayside herb that thrives in poor conditions in shade or sun. Coltsfoot can grow in many types of soil, such as poor soils or heavy clay, and prefers a moist neutral to alkaline soil. Seeds germinate easily. It does not usually require help with spreading itself around, but if required, the seed can be sown in the garden soil in early spring or autumn. Division of the roots is very easy and succeeds at almost any time in the year. The divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent locations in the garden. The leaves are harvested in June and early July, the flowers are harvested when fully open and the root is harvested in the autumn. All can be dried and used as needed. Cut the dried leaves into smaller pieces, store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Contraindications & Toxicity: There has been some attempt to ban coltsfoot because it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be harmful to the liver. DO NOT INGEST PA-containing herbs in tablets, gel caps, or teas. People with liver damage or who have had damage to it in the past should not use this herb. If you experience nausea upon using this herb, stop using. Pyrrolizadine alkaloids are considered hepato-toxic. Avoid long-term or excessive use. Do not use if taking blood pressure medication. Allergic reactions may occur for people allergic to ragweed. Do not use if there is a history of alcohol abuse or liver disease.   Constituents:  Flavonoids (rutin, hyperoside, isoquercetin) Mucilage (8%) Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (0%-0.015%) Tannin     Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources **IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product. PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. 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