Description of the mother and stepmother flower. Coltsfoot description of medicinal herbs in the Kostroma region. What is coltsfoot

The only species is the common coltsfoot (Tussilágo fárfara).

It blooms in early spring, before the leaves bloom. Since ancient times it has been used as a medicinal plant.

Name
Scientific (Latin) generic name lat. tussilago, inis f comes from lat. tussis, is (“cough”) and ago, egi, actum, ere (“to drive away”) - and can be translated as “cough”. This name refers to the medicinal use of the plant as a cough suppressant.

The underside of coltsfoot leaves, covered with numerous hairs, evaporates water much weaker than the bare upper side of the leaves, so the lower side (mother) is warmer to the touch than the upper (stepmother) - hence the Russian name of the plant.

Other Russian names: two-leafed grass, kamchuzhnaya grass, icy lapukha, mother-grass, one-sided plant, king-potion.

Spreading
A perennial plant widespread in Eurasia (the entire territory of Western Europe, the Urals, Western Siberia (south of 59º north latitude), Eastern Siberia (south of 63º north latitude), Kazakhstan, the mountains of Central Asia and Southern Siberia, Asia Minor) and North Africa, and also (as an alien plant) in North America.

In the European sector it enters the Arctic (Arctic Scandinavia, Murmansk region, Kanin Peninsula, Kolguev, Malozemelskaya and Bolshezemelskaya tundras).

It is usually found in areas free of turf - the banks of reservoirs, on the slopes of ravines and landslides, often in areas subject to anthropogenic impact - fields, wastelands, landfills. Prefers clay soils, but is also found on other types of soils, including sandy and pebble river shallows.

The usual flowering time in the European part of Russia is in April.

Biological description
The rhizome is long, branched, creeping. Two types of shoots develop from the buds on the rhizome: flowering and vegetative.

Early spring Erect, low flowering shoots, covered with ovate-lanceolate, often brownish, scale-like leaves, begin to develop.

On each of the shoots a single, drooping head develops before and after flowering, consisting of a cylindrical single-row spathe, a bare flat receptacle and bright yellow flowers of two types.

Numerous outer (marginal) flowers are female, ligulate (the clearly expressed ligule of the marginal flowers is a diagnostic feature by which the coltsfoot differs from plants of the genus Butterbur, in which this ligule is not clearly expressed, the corollas are almost thread-like, and the number of marginal flowers is relatively small ), fertile.

The flowers that are in the middle of the inflorescence are bisexual, tubular, sterile.

The fruit is a cylindrical achene with a pappus (tuft) of soft hairs. After the fruits ripen, the flowering shoots die off.

Some time after the start of flowering, vegetative shoots begin to develop, which bear several relatively large round-heart-shaped, slightly angular (angular-unevenly jagged), white-tomentose below, bare leaves with long petioles above.

Economic importance and use
A particularly valuable early spring honey plant that provides nectar and pollen to bees.

Medicinal use
Coltsfoot leaf (lat. Folium Farfarae) is used as a medicinal raw material, which is harvested in the spring, dried in air or in dryers at a temperature of 40-50 ° C.

Coltsfoot leaves, containing mucus, which causes a softening, enveloping and expectorant effect, bitter glycoside tussilyagin, tannin, tannins, carotenoids and sterols, are part of the breast collection; V folk medicine This plant is used for many diseases.

Biologically active substances have a complex effect on inflammatory processes. Coltsfoot is a traditional remedy for coughs, especially whooping cough, and also for mucous phlegm.

Drinking tea from it can ease coughing and make viscous bronchial mucus more liquid. Used for chronic bronchitis, laryngitis, bronchopneumonia, bronchiectasis and bronchial asthma.

Precautions
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.

Coltsfoot blooms for 30-40 days in April - May before the leaves bloom. The price of a bag containing 0.05 grams of seeds is 85 rubles, and they sell 10 bags each. Having found coltsfoot plants and observing them, it is quite possible to collect coltsfoot seeds yourself.

The first flowers appear in early spring, from March to April. In unshaded areas, the plant blooms even when there is snow around. Leaves grow a little later, when the soil warms up. Flowering lasts about a month, but the plant is used as a honey plant for no more than two weeks.

Under favorable conditions, it can cover an area of ​​several hectares, forming a continuous yellow carpet.

Coltsfoot provides supporting honey flow, promoting the early development of bee colonies. Nectar and pollen collected from Coltsfoot almost never accumulate in the hives: Bees use them to build up the bee colony before active summer harvesting.

The honey productivity of Coltsfoot is only 6-30 kg/ha, so in the spring the bees also need other early honey plants.

Soil requirements
Coltsfoot is undemanding to soil.

Lighting requirements
It is better to choose a shaded location.

Frost resistance
Frost-resistant.

Reproduction
Root shoots, seeds.

Decorative use
Coltsfoot is one of the very first to bloom in spring, so it is very well suited for early spring garden decoration. It is good to plant it under the canopy of trees or along the slopes of drainage ditches.

Coltsfoot reproduces by self-seeding, so there is no point in messing around with planting it over large areas.

I invite everyone to speak out in

The medicinal properties and contraindications of coltsfoot were known to the ancient Greeks and Romans. This plant was mentioned by Hippocrates, Pliny and Dioscorides. The herb was famous for its expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic effects. Most often it was used in two cases - for coughing internally and purulent abscesses externally. Today it is one of the first medicinal plants for coughs. The herb is often included in pharmaceutical expectorant preparations.

Features of the medicinal plant coltsfoot

What does coltsfoot look like and where can it be collected? What beneficial substances does it contain? How is the herb used in traditional and folk medicine? Are there any side effects and contraindications?

Area

Coltsfoot is a widespread medicinal plant on the Eurasian continent. It can be found in Europe, the Urals, Siberia, Central and Asia Minor, the Caucasus and even in the Arctic zone. In addition to Eurasia, the grass grows in North America and North Africa, but is much less common here and is considered an introduced species. Loves clay soils, but also takes root well on sandy soils and river shallows. The grass can be found near rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, along cliffs, railway and construction embankments, quarries, damp ravines and slopes.

Botanical characteristics

What is the biological description of the coltsfoot plant? This is a perennial herb. It blooms in early spring, hence the popular name - “early flower”. The flowers are bright yellow, with the smell of honey. The creeping rhizome first throws out flowering shoots with reddish scales. Later, heart-shaped petiolate leaves appear. On top they are smooth, cool due to evaporation, dark green (“stepmother”), and below they are whitish, pubescent, soft, warm (“mother”).

Collection and preparation

Healing properties are found in the leaves, flowers, and roots of coltsfoot. They are prepared at different times.

The leaves of the plant are most often harvested.

The healing effect of the herb

Medicinal properties of coltsfoot:

• emollient;
• secretory;
• wound healing;
• anti-inflammatory;
• diuretic;
• diaphoretic;
• antispasmodic;
• expectorant;
• antiseptic;
• calming.

What's in the chemical composition?

• Coltsfoot leaves: polysaccharides (inulin, dextrin), a lot of mucus, vitamin C and A, astringent tannin, essential oil, tannins, saponins, glycosides, plant sterols, organic acids, pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
• Coltsfoot flowers: flavonoids, phytosterols, organic compounds (faradiol, arnidiol), glycosides, tannins, plant mucilages and bitterness, yellow pigment.

List of indications

For what symptoms and diagnoses will coltsfoot treatment be useful?

• Respiratory organs. Coltsfoot for coughs is one of the most popular and effective folk medicines. Helps with bronchitis, obsessive whooping cough, tracheitis, laryngitis, inflammation, abscess, pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchial asthma. The herb has the property of thinning phlegm and removing excess mucus from the bronchi, softens dry cough well, and makes it productive. It is recommended to take decoctions and infusions of herbs for ARVI and influenza to lower the temperature.
• Digestive system. The beneficial properties of coltsfoot for digestion are choleretic, astringent, appetite stimulant, anti-inflammatory. The herb is used for diarrhea, gastritis and colitis. The decoctions are used to make therapeutic enemas for intestinal inflammation.
• Urinary system. The herb is taken for swelling, inflammation of the kidneys and bladder.
• Nervous system. Relieves tension and nervous excitement, helps with insomnia. Some herbalists indicate that the herb can stop epileptic attacks.
• Cardiovascular system. Glycosides have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. It is useful to drink coltsfoot for atherosclerosis; it prevents the formation of atheromatous plaques and stimulates lipid metabolism. This medicinal plant normalizes blood pressure and helps relieve headaches.
• External use. Externally, you can use decoctions, dry herb powder, fresh leaves and juice. They are used for gargling and oral cavity. The herb heals stomatitis ulcers well and relieves gum inflammation. It is used to treat purulent wounds, abscesses, skin ulcers, burns, inflamed veins with varicose veins, tumors, frostbite.
• Cosmetology. Decoctions, infusions, and fresh juice are used as tonics, lotions, and masks for the face and hair. The herb has a tonic, refreshing, antiseptic effect. Used for all skin types, disinfects acne well and acne. Useful for strengthening hair, restoring its structure, eliminating dandruff. For hair care, it is used together with burdock root and nettle.
• For weight loss. Normalizes metabolism thanks to the glycosides and phytosterols it contains. These substances are involved in the biosynthesis of hormones, enzymes, cholesterol, bile acids, and vitamins.

The herb has few contraindications. It should not be taken orally during pregnancy, menstrual irregularities, during breastfeeding, or for children under 6 years of age. You should not drink coltsfoot if you have liver disease or individual intolerance. High content alkaloids can cause poisoning of the body, negatively affect liver function, and lead to carcinogenic effects. Therefore, medicines from this plant can be taken for no more than 6 weeks throughout the year.

Use at home

What are the uses of coltsfoot herb at home? Teas, decoctions, infusions, fresh juice, and powder are prepared from it. You can prepare the raw materials yourself or purchase them at the pharmacy. The instructions for use indicate the main pharmacological effect of the raw material - expectorant, anti-inflammatory, enveloping. Recommended for coughs with difficult sputum.

Decoction

How to brew coltsfoot to preserve its beneficial properties as much as possible?

Preparation

1. Pour a glass of boiling water.
2. Boil for 1 minute.
3. Leave for 30 minutes.
4. Strain.

Most often, leaves are taken for decoction, but you can also mix them with flower baskets. Take 3 times a day, ½ glass before meals. When coughing, it is recommended to add honey or raspberry jam to this decoction. For digestive problems, it is recommended to drink an unsweetened decoction.

Infusion

The method of preparing an infusion differs from a decoction - it is not boiled, but only steamed. Stronger infusions (take 2 tbsp of raw material per glass of water) are used externally or internally in a smaller dosage - 2 tbsp. spoons 3 times a day.

Preparation

1. Take 1 tbsp. l. raw materials.
2. Pour a glass of boiling water.
3. Leave for 1-2 hours.
4. Strain.

Taken orally in the same dosage as decoctions. Infusions are often used for rinsing in otolaryngology and dentistry. These medicines are also used to make lotions, compresses, baths and trays for skin diseases. There are positive reviews that decoctions and infusions relieve erysipelas, itching, and suppuration in thrombophlebitis.

Milk infusion recipe

1. Take 1 tbsp. l. dry grass.
2. Pour a glass of boiled milk.
3. Leave for 1 hour.
4. Strain.

A popular cough remedy. Take ¼ cup warm, you can add honey.

Fresh juice and leaves

How can you use the juice and leaves of the plant?

Important to know:

• Juice can be treated for no more than 7 days;
• Do not violate the dosage - adults do not take more than 3 tbsp. l. per day;
• Before use in children, a mandatory consultation with a doctor is required;
• when side effects in the form of digestive disorders and allergies, stop taking it immediately;
• the juice contains many alkaloids, which can cause poisoning and have a negative effect on the liver;
• Before drinking juice, you should consult your doctor if you have any chronic diseases.

Powder

The use of dry herb powder in folk medicine is effective in the following cases:

• the powder is mixed with honey and washed down with water for tuberculosis;
• for sinusitis and severe runny nose it can be snorted to induce sneezing;
• when coughing during ARVI, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, whooping cough, take ½ teaspoon of powder with water or warm milk;
• useful for diarrhea as an astringent;
• sprinkle on wounds, ulcers, burns, skin inflammations.

Features of use in women

How can grass be useful for women?

• Most often it is used in home cosmetology- for hair and facial skin care.
• In gynecology, the herb is used externally - for douching for inflammation of the genitourinary area.
• Pregnancy is a strict contraindication for internal use due to the abortifacient properties of the herb.
• Pregnant women can use decoctions and infusions externally - for gargling, mouthwash, and skin treatment.
• During lactation, you should also not drink grass, however, compresses from its juice and decoctions are good for mastopathy.

Features of use in children

Some sources indicate that grass should not be given to children under 2 years of age, others - up to 6 years of age. The issue of age restrictions and safe use should be resolved with a pediatrician. Coltsfoot cough medicine for children is a frequent prescription for doctors. Often the herb is included in chest preparations. It is important to follow the dosage, not to exceed the course of treatment, and to remember that allergies to medicinal herbs are much more common in children than in adults.

How safe is grass for babies? In rare cases, pediatricians prescribe weak decoctions of it to children under one year of age when coughing. Some mothers refuse to give medicine even as prescribed by a doctor because of the age limit specified in the official instructions. How can coltsfoot be dangerous for a baby?

• Bitterness and mucus can affect the digestive system and cause either constipation or diarrhea.
• Alkaloids can have a negative effect on the liver.
• Biologically active substances can cause an allergic reaction in the form of urticaria and itching.

The coltsfoot plant is a valuable medicinal raw material. Its main use is cough for colds, ARVI, flu, bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia, pleurisy, tuberculosis, whooping cough. The herb also has pronounced anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It is used externally in dentistry, otolaryngology, dermatology, and cosmetology.

The coltsfoot plant is one of the common, widely known and popular plants; its appearance is familiar to almost everyone. Many owners of summer cottages fight it like a malicious weed, not realizing that they are destroying a useful medicinal plant. We invite you to get acquainted with its medical properties, contraindications for use, and also learn a few interesting facts.

Description

The coltsfoot plant is a perennial representative of the Asteraceae family, a relative of the beautiful garden flower, asters. Indeed, if you look closely, the sunny yellow small flower of the plant is very similar to the beautiful red, pink or white head of an aster. The features of the coltsfoot as a representative of the flora are as follows:

• Long creeping rhizome.
• There are two types of shoots. Flowering plants are formed in early spring, their height is no more than 30 cm, at the end of each there is a head - a flower. After flowering, these shoots immediately die off.
• Vegetative - the second type of shoot; leaves are located on them. They form some time after flowering has completed.
• The sheets are very unusual, soft and pleasant to the touch on the inside, smooth and cold on the outside. The parties are referred to as “mother” and “stepmother” respectively.
• The leaf shape is rounded, the ends have characteristic serrations, the size depends on the age. Mature leaves often reach 20 cm in diameter. Color - rich green.
• The flower is a basket of bright yellow color, reaches a diameter of 2.5 cm. It is because of their flowers that the coltsfoot plant and the dandelion are very similar, but the second has a larger diameter.
• The fruit is an achene.

It is among the amazingly prolific ones; in a season, just one bush can produce almost 20 thousand seeds, which themselves have good germination.

Name

Let's look at why the plant was called coltsfoot. There are several sad legends that explain this strange name.

In ancient times, a man left his family for another woman, leaving a wife and daughter with beautiful golden hair. But the new wife, tormented by jealousy, decided to destroy the child, lured the girl to a cliff and threw her down. The mother, feeling that her child was in danger, ran to the ominous place, but was too late - there was no way to save the girl. In desperation, she rushed at the killer, and both of them fell down without releasing their deadly embrace. The next morning, a huge number of unusual plants appeared near the cliff; one half of the leaf symbolized mother's love, the other - the stepmother's jealousy. And the sunny yellow flowers gave rise to associations with the blond hair of the dead girl.

Another legend explaining the origin of the name of the plant coltsfoot is as follows. One woman had a daughter, in which she was also an unloved stepdaughter. Fate took her own child away from her, so the unfortunate mother spent many hours in the cemetery, stroking the soil on the grave. So the plant grew, one half of its leaves was warm, like a mother’s love for her own daughter, the second was cold, like a woman’s indifference to her stepdaughter.

Spreading

Let us continue the description of the coltsfoot plant by indicating the places where it can be found. There are many of them, especially sun-drenched meadows, ravines, and river banks. The plant is also found on forest edges, summer cottages, fields, meadows, preferring wet clay soils without turf. This natural healer grows in Western Europe, Siberia, Asia, and is also found on the African and North American continents.

Peculiarities

The medicinal plant coltsfoot is interesting because in the spring (mid-March - early April) flowers appear first, and then leaves. For this feature in Great Britain the flower is called “son before father.” The plant has a powerful root that extends a meter into the ground and develops at a very high speed, so it can become a real disaster for fields and vegetable gardens, crowding out cultivated plants. Sometimes coltsfoot is called the first harbinger of spring, because modest yellow flowers begin to decorate the ground, barely free of snow.

It grows in families, so the meadow is almost always dotted with yellow baskets: if one flower has already faded, then the second is just beginning to bloom. After this, like a dandelion, the plant disperses seeds located on fluffy fibers.

Leaves and inflorescences are used as medicinal raw materials; it is recommended to collect the latter in July, without waiting for them to grow large and harden. The resulting raw material should be dried on fresh air, avoiding exposure to direct rays of the sun, turning over periodically.

Medicinal properties

The use of the plant for medicinal purposes began in Ancient Greece and Rome. Since ancient times, it has been known that the gift of nature helps to cope with the symptoms of bronchitis and alleviate the course of bronchial asthma. Hippocrates and Avicenna used it in their work.

In Latin, the coltsfoot plant is called Tussilago farfara L., which means “healing cough.” The name very accurately characterizes the specifics of the perennial; its flowers really allow you to quickly get rid of throat diseases, including coughs, both dry and wet. But that's not all. The plant has such an extensive list of medicinal properties that it is used not only in folk medicine, but also in completely traditional medicine. There are several main effects:

• Disinfectant action.
• Expectorant effect.
• Due to the tannins contained in the leaves, the plant inhibits the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.
• Essential oils have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart.
• The plant is used for pathologies internal organs: kidneys, bladder, intestines, stomach.
• The leaves of the plant are applied to wounds and burns for their speedy healing.
• The medicinal flower will also help with increased fatigue, drowsiness, and overwork.

Sometimes coltsfoot is used as part of complex therapy to treat a wide range of diseases of the throat, oral cavity, and purulent infections. However, it is important to remember that by using large number medicine, it is impossible to speed up getting rid of the disease, but it is very easy to harm yourself. Therefore, you should strictly follow the dosage and, if any controversial issues arise, consult a medical specialist.

Contraindications

The medicinal plant coltsfoot has several contraindications, which should be taken into account by everyone who decides to improve their health and well-being with its help. Who should not eat flowers and leaves?

• Pregnant women and young mothers during lactation.
• Children under 3 years old.
• For liver pathologies (hepatitis, cirrhosis).
• For persistent menstrual irregularities.
• Cases of individual intolerance.

Also, doctors do not recommend extending the course for more than 1.5 months, because after regular use of coltsfoot herb, glycosides accumulate in the body and begin to poison it. The use of the plant together with antipyretic medications is possible only after consultation with a physician.

Possible side effects

When taken correctly and in accordance with the dosage, coltsfoot rarely has a negative effect on a person’s health. However, the following side effects are possible:

• Abnormal stool.
• Vomiting and nausea.
• Abdominal cramps.

Most often they occur when consuming medicinal plant in unreasonably large doses. In this case, the reception is stopped immediately.

Best Recipes

Let's get to know the most useful recipes from a collection of folk wisdom that will help you use medicinal properties coltsfoot plants with maximum benefit. You can quickly get rid of a cough using this remedy: pour 1 tsp of boiling water into a glass. leaves of the plant, leave for 30 minutes. Drink the resulting drink three times a day, 1 tbsp. l. 10 minutes before meals. After 2-3 days, only memories will remain from the cough.

The following infusion will help bring the acidity of the stomach back to normal: take 20 g of dried flowers per 1 liter of boiling water, and infuse for 60 minutes. Next, the product is filtered using gauze, and 100 ml is taken every 6 hours.

For a suffocating cough, you can use the smoke from the plant. To do this, crushed dry grass and leaves are poured onto a hot frying pan, and the person suffering from cough inhales the resulting smoke. A 2-3 minute procedure will bring relief almost immediately.

Unusual pasta

Coltsfoot - useful plant, which can also be eaten, surprising your household with an unusual dish, the ingredients of which they will never guess. So, for preparation you will need:

• Apple.
• Butter - 2 tbsp. l.
• Coltsfoot flowers - ½ cup.
• Sugar - 1 tsp.
• Cinnamon - a little bit, on the tip of a knife.

The apple should be baked in the oven, then crushed to a puree, mixed with butter, flowers, sugar, and add cinnamon. It turned out sweet paste, which can be spread on bread or eaten as jam.

In conclusion, we invite you to get acquainted with a selection of fascinating facts about amazing plant:

• The coltsfoot is the emblem of pharmacies in Paris.
• The root of the plant was previously used for medicinal purposes, but now only the above-ground parts are used.
• The duration of flowering is almost 40 days, which is a real record for the first spring flowers.
• The coltsfoot plant is a honey plant, and at the same time very useful, it is what helps the hardworking inhabitants of the hive to wake up. The honey productivity of the flower is low, but the problem can be solved due to a large quantity: often bright yellow baskets decorate meadows and fields, providing bees with the opportunity to collect the required amount of nectar.
• This representative of the flora is also a natural barometer that allows you to predict the weather.
• The plant grows very well in fire pits and uses ash as fertilizer.
• In the old days, the flower even had its own day - April 10th. It was believed that potions prepared from raw materials picked on this day had magical properties.

We looked at the appearance features of this amazing inhabitant of meadows and ravines, learned the history of the origin of the coltsfoot plant, and its medicinal properties.

It is a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family. Its only representative is the common coltsfoot. The scientific name comes from the Latin “tussis” (cough) and “aqo” (to drive away) and is translated as “cough”. In traditional and scientific medicine, the plant is used as an effective cough remedy. The popular names of the plant are king potion, two-leafed grass, camouflage grass, water burdock, mother grass, butterbur. Coltsfoot is a honey plant that provides pollen and nectar to bees.

Where does coltsfoot grow up?

The plant's homeland is Africa and North America; as an alien plant, it has also multiplied in other parts of the world. Grows on soils that lack turf - clay, sand and pebbles. In large numbers, coltsfoot can be seen in fields, landfills, embankments, wastelands, in ravines, near roads, along the banks of rivers and streams.

What does coltsfoot look like?

Description - Common coltsfoot has a long branched rhizome. Two types of shoots emerge from it - floral and vegetative. The stems are erect, reaching a height of 10-15 cm, covered with ovate-lanceolate brown leaves. In early spring, flower shoots develop and bear bright yellow flowers. After flowering, vegetative flowers begin to grow. The fruit is an achene with a tuft.

Popularly, the name “coltsfoot” is explained by the characteristics of the leaves: one side is smooth and cold (like a stepmother), and the other with small fibers, soft and warm (like a mother).

When the coltsfoot blooms – the plant blooms in the European part of Russia at the end of April. From the flower shoots, flowering heads are formed, reaching a diameter of 2-3 cm. Then, fluffy caps with seeds are formed from them, which are blown by the wind over long distances.

Are coltsfoot and dandelion the same thing?

Both plants are medicinal and belong to the Asteraceae family, but to different genera.

Similarities- bloom with yellow flowers, forming after flowering fluffy caps with seeds that have tufts and scatter in the wind for many kilometers.

Differences– the coltsfoot blooms even before the leaves appear, and the dandelion first appears with leaves and then flowers; its stem is hollow and contains milky juice. They differ in the shape of the leaves - in coltsfoot they have a rounded shape and there are small fluffy fibers on the underside of the leaves, while in dandelion they are elongated, feathery with cuts. Dandelion flowers are large, reaching 5 cm in diameter, while coltsfoot flowers are smaller, somewhat reminiscent of daisies.

How to properly prepare raw materials

Flowers and leaves are used for medicinal purposes; the coltsfoot root cannot be harvested.

When to collect – harvesting is carried out in dry weather in environmentally friendly places far from places of pollution - factories, highways, landfills.

Flowers– collected at the beginning of flowering, even before the leaves appear. They are cleared of debris and laid out in a small layer to dry. The collected raw materials are dried in a well-ventilated area without direct sunlight. Dried flowers are stored for 2 years.

Leaves– harvesting of coltsfoot leaves is carried out after flowering, plucking them by hand. After collection, they are dried in a darkened and well-ventilated room so that they dry evenly, they are laid out in a small layer and periodically turned over. Store for 3 years.

Coltsfoot - medicinal properties and contraindications

The benefits of coltsfoot are due to its chemical composition. It contains many useful substances:

• Vitamin C;
• Microelements (zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium);
• Essential oils;
• Bitter glycoside;
• Tannins;
• Polysaccharides;
• Organic acids;
• Inulin;
• Dextrin;
• Mucous substances.

Why coltsfoot is useful

The herb has the following therapeutic effects on the human body:

• Anti-inflammatory;
• Antiseptic;
• Antispasmodic;
• General strengthening;
• Antipyretic;
• Sweatshop;
• Expectorant;
• Diuretic.

What does it help with?

The medicinal plant will help heal and alleviate the condition of:

• Colds, infectious and viral diseases;
• Pulmonary and bronchial diseases;
• Inflammation of the mucous membrane;
• Gastrointestinal problems (stomach ulcer, gastritis, enterocolitis);
• Kidney diseases;
• Bladder catarrh;
• Pulmonary tuberculosis (in the initial stage);
• Scrofula;
• Headache;
• Atherosclerosis;
• Painful and irregular periods;
• Diseases of the upper respiratory tract (sore throat, cough, rhinitis);
• Hypertension;
• Increased cholesterol levels;
• Weakened immunity.

The mucus contained in the plant envelops the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract and relieves irritation. Saponins and organic acids dilute mucus and phlegm and remove them from the body. Essential oils tone the body. Glycosides normalize heart function. Tannins kill pathogenic microflora during colds and viral infections.

Contraindications

• Pregnant women;
• When breastfeeding;
• Children under 2 years old;
• People with liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis);
• In case of individual intolerance to the components.

How to brew coltsfoot: instructions for use

How medicine coltsfoot flowers and leaves are used. The leaves are rich in carotenoids, tartaric and malic acid, tannins, mucus, flavonoids, vitamin C. Flowers are rich in phytostyrene, carbohydrates, rutin, sitosterol, tannins. Leaves and flowers are used as raw materials for the preparation of medicines - decoctions, infusions, alcohol tinctures, teas, juice, oil extracts. They are used to make cosmetics for skin and hair care, as well as in cooking for making jam and preparing salads.

Homemade recipes:

Mother and stepmother decoction – 5 gr. Place the crushed leaf in a container with a glass of boiling water, simmer over low heat for 1/4 hour, strain. Drink 100 ml. warm three times a day. Decoctions have an enveloping and antispasmodic effect, enhance the secretion of the bronchial glands, and improve digestion. They facilitate coughing, remove phlegm, mucus and soothe cough.

Crushed flowers are used to make medicinal drinks

Tea – crushed raw materials (leaves and flowers) in the amount of 15 g. put in a teapot with boiling water. Wrap and hold for 30 minutes. Strain and drink 100 ml. twice a day. It will help stop coughing attacks, restore gastrointestinal and liver function, cleanse the blood, lower cholesterol levels, and relieve pain in the joints.

Infusion – you need to take 15 grams. coltsfoot leaves (dried), place in a container with 250 ml. boiling water, keep in a water bath for 40 minutes, strain. Take 50 ml. 3 times a day. The infusion normalizes the acidity of gastric juice, envelops and heals the mucous membrane.

Tincture – to prepare it, dry crushed flowers are placed in a liter jar (half full) and filled with vodka or alcohol. Place in a dark place for 10 days. After the infusion period has expired, filter and take 30 drops diluted with water once a day. Coltsfoot tincture activates metabolic processes, cleanses the blood and blood vessels of cholesterol, and strengthens the body.

Juice – obtained by grinding fresh leaves in a meat grinder or juicer. Strain and drink after meals, a tablespoon three times a day.

Crushed leaves, to prepare juice, must be squeezed through cheesecloth

It is recommended to consume fresh juice to enrich the body with vitamins and boost immunity. Used externally for purulent inflammation of the skin - compresses are applied to sore spots, changed every three hours until complete cure. The pulp remaining after squeezing the juice is used to treat mastitis, diathesis and boils.

Coltsfoot oil – crushed raw materials (fresh leaves and flowers) are placed in a jar (halfway) and poured hot vegetable oil to the top. Close and place in a dark place for ten days to infuse. Then filter and store in the refrigerator. Used externally for cosmetic purposes, to care for the skin of the face and hands.

Coltsfoot syrup – fresh leaves are crushed and placed on the bottom of the container (2 cm layer), sprinkled with sugar (in the same amount) and repeat layers to the top. Cover and put in a cold place for 20 days to infuse. Then the liquid is drained and 20 ml is drunk. before meals three times a day. It is effective to take cough syrup to stimulate metabolic processes and the body's immune forces.

Coltsfoot jam – cooking recipe: chop fresh flowers (500 g), place in a container with 2/3 liters of water and keep on low heat for about half an hour. Remove from heat and leave for another hour, then strain and add one and a half kilograms of sugar, cook for another 15 minutes. Store in the refrigerator for a month.

Jam with lemon – during the first cooking, add lemon (2 pieces), cut into pieces. It is not necessary to remove the zest; it gives the jam a slight, specific bitterness. You can consume jam in small quantities several times a day. It will help restore the body after suffering from colds and infectious diseases, strengthen the immune system, cleanse the bronchi and lungs, and alleviate the condition of heart and vascular diseases.

How to take:

Treatment with coltsfoot for more than 2 months is not recommended, since the glycosides contained in the plant can accumulate and poison the body. Use the plant with caution, after consulting with your doctor. It should be remembered that non-compliance with dosages may cause side effects - diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, increased body temperature.

Coltsfoot for women

The plant has an effect on female body beneficial action. It has an antioxidant effect, reduces the number of free radicals, accelerates recovery processes, and replenishes the body with vitamins and minerals. Used to treat gynecological diseases (inflammation of the appendages, painful menstruation, severe uterine bleeding). Helps a woman take care of her hair and skin (nourishes, moisturizes, removes rashes, reduces oiliness).

For face – the plant tones, cleanses, refreshes and activates vascular microcirculation. For these purposes, you need to wipe your face with coltsfoot broth in the morning and evening.

Honey mask– take half a glass of coltsfoot broth, add honey (a tablespoon), soak a cotton pad in this solution and apply it to the skin. After half an hour, wash off with warm water.

By doing daily procedures using coltsfoot, you can make your skin healthy and beautiful

Softening mask– fresh coltsfoot and chamomile flowers crushed to a mushy state (a tablespoon each) are mixed with cream (a tablespoon) and applied to the skin. After half an hour, wash off with warm water. It is recommended to use to relieve peeling and redness of the skin during chapping - to nourish and moisturize it.

Hair coltsfoot – the amino acids contained in the plant help restore and maintain the beauty and health of hair. Cystine strengthens and stimulates growth, silicon removes dandruff, restores structure and gives shine to hair.

Hair mask– for its preparation you need the following ingredients: dried nettle and coltsfoot leaves (a tablespoon each), rye bread(100 gr.). Herbs are placed in a container with 250 ml. boiled water, keep in a water bath for half an hour and filter. Crushed bread is added to the broth and the mixture is rubbed into the roots of the hair. Leave for half an hour and rinse with warm water. The procedure strengthens hair, prevents hair loss and dandruff.

Coltsfoot hair rinse– prepare a decoction from the leaves and flowers of the plant: 50 g. The raw materials are placed in a container with two liters of water, left in a water bath for half an hour, filtered and rinsed after washing.

For weight loss – tea with coltsfoot cleanses the body of impurities and toxins, activates metabolic processes, and strengthens the immune system. Weight loss occurs due to the diuretic property of the plant - it removes excess fluid from the body.

During pregnancy – ingestion of drugs with coltsfoot is not recommended; the plant can cause uterine contractions and cause miscarriage. Can be used externally to treat varicose veins and skin ailments.

Nursing mothers – consuming the plant is also prohibited, since the reaction of the child’s body to the plant is unknown.

The use of coltsfoot in folk medicine

For pneumonia - Coltsfoot decoction helps a lot. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and has a detrimental effect on bacterial infections. You need to drink 30 ml of the decoction. 4-5 times a day.

Coltsfoot decoction is an effective remedy for the treatment of upper respiratory tract diseases

For pancreatitis – it is necessary to take the infusion of coltsfoot. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties help alleviate the condition of gastrointestinal diseases and normalize the production of enzymes. To achieve the desired effect you need to take long time(up to two months).

For sore throat - gargle with coltsfoot decoction every 2 hours until symptoms disappear. It is useful to do inhalations - wrap yourself in a towel and breathe in the vapors of the decoction.

For a runny nose – put 3 drops of juice from fresh leaves of the plant into the nose. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. Relieves congestion and frees breathing.

For cough – It’s good to drink 100 ml of coltsfoot decoction. before meals three times a day. The drink softens, thins mucus, facilitates expectoration, and cleanses the bronchi and lungs.

The medicinal syrup tastes sweet and children take it with pleasure.

Cough for children – you need to give the child plantain and coltsfoot syrup a dessert spoon three times a day. It can be prepared at home, or can be purchased at the pharmacy in ready-made form.

For colds – use decoction and tea from coltsfoot leaves. The tannins contained in the leaves prevent the growth of bacteria and are very effective against colds and viral infections.

For bronchitis – pour boiling water (300 ml) over crushed leaves and flowers (in the amount of 20 grams), leave on low heat for about half an hour. Strain and drink a tablespoon several times a day. The decoction has an antitussive effect, promotes expectoration, removes mucus and phlegm, and quickly and effectively cures bronchitis.

Medicinal fees

Coltsfoot, nettle – crushed plant leaves are used to prepare a decoction. The collection is steamed, filtered and rinsed with hair.

The plant is used in combination with other medicinal herbs

Sage, coltsfoot – a decoction of these plants is used to gargle with a sore throat; inhalations with these herbs are effective for treating the disease.

Chamomile, coltsfoot – are part of a herbal collection for the treatment of ARVI in children. Take angustifolia (3 parts), coltsfoot (2 parts), calendula, chamomile, linden, mint (1 part each), mix everything. 50 gr. the mixture is placed in a container with 1.5 liters of water, infused in a water bath for half an hour and used for inhalation. All herbs have an anti-inflammatory effect, contain essential oils and soften respiratory tract. Used as a remedy for cough, chronic rhinitis, sore throat.

Lungwort, coltsfoot - are part of the pulmonary collection; thyme, echinacea and licorice roots, linden flowers are also added there (all in equal quantities). Stir and 15 g. The mixture is steamed with a glass of boiling water and left for 5-10 minutes. Filter and take 100 ml. three times a day before meals.

Chernobyl (wormwood), coltsfoot – used in herbal mixture to treat cough. Add herbs - oregano, calendula, comfrey, pine buds, pine needles, fir cones, chamomile and sage. Stir and 20 gr. The mixture is poured with boiling water (200 ml), infused, and taken 1/4 cup three times a day. The collection eliminates congestion, facilitates breathing and expectoration, and improves well-being.

Coltsfoot, plantain, pine buds – prepare a decoction of herbs taken in equal quantities. 30 gr. The mixture is poured with boiling water (200 ml) and kept on low heat for 5-10 minutes. Infuse and drink 50 ml. three times a day. The drink is used to treat respiratory organs - cough, sore throat, bronchitis, and is especially effective for whooping cough.

Burdock, coltsfoot, nettle - included in herbal collection for hair care. Prepare a decoction with crushed nettle and coltsfoot leaves and burdock roots - all in equal quantities. Stir and 50 gr. The mixture is poured with two liters of boiling water and left in a warm place for 15 minutes. Strain and wash your hair twice a week. The procedure removes dandruff, revitalizes hair and gives it shine.

Plantain, coltsfoot, thyme – used to treat bronchitis. Herbs are mixed in proportions 1: 3: 2 and 20 g. the mixture is placed in a container with 250 ml. boiling water, they insist. Strain and take with honey after meals.

Coltsfoot is herbaceous plant, which comes from the class Asteraceae. It has a creeping, branched, thick and strong root system. The active period of growth and flowering of coltsfoot begins in early spring, after the arrival of the first warming. The inflorescences of this plant are yellow in color and their diameter is about 2.5 centimeters. During its maturation, the coltsfoot flower becomes fluffy and in its own way appearance it somewhat resembles a dandelion.

What diseases should the plant be used for?

Coltsfoot is an excellent remedy that is often used during the treatment of diseases associated with the respiratory system. A decoction made from this herb is highly effective in treating diseases such as:

• bronchitis;
• high blood pressure;
• runny nose;
• laryngitis;
• asthma.

In addition, decoctions made from coltsfoot are often actively used during the treatment of sore throat. This herb is also excellent at eliminating spasms and removing accumulated phlegm from the body. Tinctures prepared from it help eliminate severe inflammatory processes that occur in the area of ​​the mucous membranes, reduce swelling, and also eliminate the bacterial factor that contributes to the emergence and development of various diseases.

Due to the fact that coltsfoot stands out among other herbs for its pronounced antispasmodic and bactericidal properties, it is ideal during the course of treatment of various diseases that are accompanied by inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system. This plant is also often used during the normalization of kidney function. It quickly and effectively eliminates inflammatory processes and acute pain in the body.

Another feature of this plant is that it can have a beneficial effect on the state of work digestive system. Thanks to the use of this herb, there is a significant increase in intestinal motility, and the digestibility of food consumed is also significantly improved. In addition, it should be noted that this plant actively stimulates the free flow of bile in the body. Thanks to its use, diseases such as colitis and increased flatulence can be eliminated. In addition, it should be noted that coltsfoot acts as an excellent remedy for eliminating constipation.

Tinctures and decoctions prepared from this herb are often used when a person develops high blood pressure. After all, as you know, coltsfoot is able to quickly reduce high blood pressure and actively stimulate the work of all organs of the cardiovascular system. Quite often, this herb is actively used for preventive purposes, as well as during the treatment of such a disease as atherosclerosis. In addition, it is able to actively remove toxins and cholesterol from the body that have accumulated in it.

Decoctions made from coltsfoot are actively used when diseases appear in the oral cavity. For example, such decoctions are often used to eliminate stomatitis, periodontal disease, or bleeding in the gums. Due to the fact that this plant has astringent properties, decoctions prepared from it can quickly stop bleeding and effectively heal wounds. In addition, it is worth noting that coltsfoot, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and strong bactericidal abilities, is able to eliminate sources of infection in the body and relieve inflammation.

Coltsfoot acts as a pretty effective remedy, which helps eliminate the occurrence and spread of purulent diseases that may appear on the surface of the skin. For example, this herb is often used to quickly and effectively eliminate ulcers, acne, and dermatitis. It is also indispensable in treating an abscess, eliminating bedsores or treating calluses. When eliminating skin diseases, special baths are used, to which a tincture made from coltsfoot is added. Quite often, these tinctures are used for rubbing or preparing lotions.

It is worth noting that a plant such as coltsfoot can be actively combined with a variety of herbs that have medicinal properties. For example, if coltsfoot is additionally added to a decoction made from nettles, you can get a remedy that perfectly copes with itching, hair loss or seborrhea.

In order to eliminate such an ailment as diathesis in a small child or get rid of excessive sweating of the feet, you can use a special powder previously prepared from coltsfoot. To prepare such a powder, you need to take the dried herb and grind it thoroughly. This powder can be used to treat inflamed areas of the skin or foot.

To eliminate painful insect bites, you can use the juice squeezed from the fresh leaves of this herb.

In order to eliminate sudden pain in the head area or quickly cope with intense fever, it is necessary to apply green coltsfoot leaves to the forehead area.

Main therapeutic characteristics

The leaves and inflorescences of coltsfoot contain a large amount of vitamin C and essential oils. In addition, they contain useful substances such as carotene and glycosides. This plant is a good remedy that is actively used to strengthen the body's immune system. In addition, coltsfoot has such medicinal properties as:

• Anti-inflammatory long-term effect on the body.
• Disinfectant property.
• Relieves cough.
• Eliminates and prevents hoarseness.

In addition, decoctions of this plant can be used to stimulate appetite in humans and treat inflammatory processes that appear on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. Due to the fact that this plant contains a huge amount of mucus and polysaccharides, it can also have a softening effect on the entire body and inflamed areas of the mucous membrane.

Use in alternative medicine

1. IN alternative medicine decoctions and tinctures prepared from coltsfoot are usually used during the treatment of cough as a pathogenic expectorant. Translated from Latin, coltsfoot means a plant that drives away coughs. Therefore, it is mainly used during the treatment of cough and diseases of the respiratory system. Coltsfoot is able to dilute mucus accumulated in the lungs and facilitate its removal from the body. In order to enhance the healing properties of decoctions of this plant, which are used to treat coughs, you can also add a plant such as thyme to them.
2. Infusions prepared from the leaves of this herb are actively used in folk medicine as a strong expectorant. To prepare such an infusion, you need to brew coltsfoot leaves by pouring one spoon of this herb with 250 milliliters of boiling water. The resulting infusion must be left to stand for 20 minutes, and then strained thoroughly using gauze or a fine sieve. It is recommended to take this tincture no more than 4 times every 24 hours.
3. In addition, during the treatment of cough or hoarseness, decoctions prepared from coltsfoot are actively used in folk medicine. To successfully prepare such a decoction, you need to take well-crushed leaves of the plant and boil them, using a so-called water bath during the boiling procedure, for no more than 5 minutes. Then the broth needs to be given time so that it can brew. Then you need to strain it properly and add a small amount of boiled water to it. You need to consume this decoction one tablespoon per day in a comprehensive manner, alternating two-hour breaks between doses.

Attention! To improve the removal of accumulated phlegm from the body, it is recommended to additionally use complex chest massages along with the use of decoctions and tinctures. Also for more effective treatment cough or diseases of the respiratory system can be combined with the use of medicinal drugs and tinctures prepared from coltsfoot.

For more effective separation of phlegm (in the event of bronchitis) from the body, decoctions made from coltsfoot should be used. To prepare such a decoction, you need to thoroughly mix in one container, for example in a saucepan, one spoon of coltsfoot inflorescence, anise, linden and raspberries. The resulting mixture should be poured with one liter of water and boiled well for no more than 5 minutes. This decoction must be boiled over low heat, after which it needs to be given a little time so that it can infuse properly. Then the resulting decoction should be filtered and consumed 80-100 grams several times every 24 hours.

It should also be noted that the juice made from the coltsfoot leaf is actively used in alternative medicine during the treatment of the common cold. Many doctors are confident that this juice is quite capable of replacing any nasal drops that are sold in pharmacies. When treating a runny nose, you can use a few drops of the plant's juice, which should be instilled into the nostrils.

If you have a cold or viral disease, you need to drink plenty of fluids. It is known that coltsfoot has a general strengthening and stimulating effect on the body. Therefore, when the first signs of ARVI appear, you can drink teas and decoctions made from this herb. Also during treatment colds You can combine the use of coltsfoot with honey, raspberries or cranberries.

Contraindications

Despite the fact that such a plant as coltsfoot, although it has a large amount beneficial properties and is a multifunctional remedy that is actively used to treat a variety of diseases, it still needs to be used carefully. First of all, you must carefully observe and not exceed the permissible daily dosages of decoctions and tinctures that were made from this plant. In addition, it should be noted that the period of use of products made on the basis of coltsfoot should not exceed 28 days.

The use of this plant is strictly not recommended for pregnant women to treat diseases. Also, coltsfoot infusion should not be used during breastfeeding. You should also refuse to take decoctions prepared from this herb if you experience intolerance or an allergic reaction to this plant.

In no case should decoctions made from coltsfoot be used for a long time in the treatment of diseases in large doses. Otherwise, due to prolonged use of these decoctions, the liver may suffer.

You should not use coltsfoot to treat children under two years of age. When the first symptoms of overdose occur, namely: vomiting, rash, allergic reactions, redness, nausea, you should immediately stop using products made from this plant.

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