Ekoplanet Coltsfoot leaf - Tussilago farfara 100g

Coltsfoot 

Coltsfoot is a plant that is widespread over almost the entire European continent. The plant has yellow flowers that are clustered in baskets, developed on a scaly stem before the rounded heart-shaped rosette leaves arrive. The herb has a creeping rhizome that is extensive and scaly.

Active substances in the plant

Tussilago farfara contains a large amount of biologically active substances (over 150 isolated so far). The main compounds responsible for the properties of Coltsfoot are caffeoylquinic acid derivatives. In raw materials obtained from Tussilago farfara we can distinguish among others: sesquiterpenes (e.g. tussilagonone, farfaron D, tussilagon), triterpenoids, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, flavonoids (e.g. apigenin, luteolin , quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, hyperoside), chromones (e.g. tussilagofarol) and their derivatives, minerals (potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, iron zinc) and alkaloids (tussilagin, isotussilagin, senecionine) .

Coltsfoot also contain polysaccharide mucilage substances (approx. 8%), inulin (approx. 3%), amines and amides, fatty acids and plant sterols. Among the polysaccharide compounds in Tussilago farfaras leaves, inulin predominates (about 30%). In addition to the listed ingredients, the leaves are a source of mucilage substances, amino acids and essential oil.

What is Coltsfoot good for?

In the past, the flowers and rhizome were used for the same purpose as the leaves, and the leaf was also used to make fennel. During the First World War, the leaves were widely used as a tobacco surrogate.

Tussilago flowers, both fresh and dried, have also been used to make wines. The flowers and leaves also have an expectorant effect and were used in the past to help coughs. Hence the Latin name tussilago which means herb that lifts. Coltsfoot is also called tussilago. The name may be a corruption of whooping cough, but it may also refer to the leaves, which are slightly horseshoe-shaped.