What is Coltsfoot?

Coltsfoot is the dried aerial parts of Tussilago farfara, a small early-spring perennial in the daisy family (Asteraceae) native to Eurasia and naturalized in parts of North America. Its yellow dandelion-like flowers appear before the leaves, which later emerge shaped like a hoof print and give the plant its English name.

About the plant

Coltsfoot has a documented place in European folk tradition spanning more than two thousand years; the botanical name Tussilago derives from the Latin for cough, a reflection of that old tradition rather than of any use we offer it for. Modern understanding of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) has significantly changed how the herb is handled: standard commercial coltsfoot contains PAs, and modern Western herbalism does not consider it appropriate for internal consumption. It is offered here as a botanical, and PA-reduced cultivars developed in Germany are a separate regulated product.

Coltsfoot: form & sizes

We carry Coltsfoot as organic cut and sifted dried aerial parts, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Coltsfoot in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Coltsfoot at a glance

Botanical name

Tussilago farfara

Family

Asteraceae

Native region

Europe and Asia

Plant part

aerial parts

Sourcing

Organic

Also known as

Coughwort, Horse-Foot, Foal's-Foot

Notable compounds

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (concern for internal use)

Form

cut and sifted dried aerial parts

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb