Coltsfoot is also known as Tussilago farfara. This plant has golden-colored flowers that resemble dandelions. Coltsfoot is a perennial herbaceous plant that spreads by seeds and rhizomes. This plant has been used in herbal medicine.
Tussilago farfara is consumed as a food product with some confectionery products like Coltsfoot Rock. Its leaves are used internally or externally for treating disorders of the respiratory tract, skin, locomotor system, viral infections, flu, colds, fever, rheumatism, and gout. Coltsfoot leaves extract has also been used to make cough drops and hard candy.
Health Benefits Of Coltsfoot
1. Treat chronic cough
Traditionally coltsfoot is used as a natural remedy for respiratory conditions such as asthma, whooping cough, and bronchitis. According to research coltsfoot can be effective against chronic coughing caused by these conditions. In the research, they mentioned that in an animal study, a mixture of coltsfoot compounds helped reduce cough frequency by up to 60%. It increases the secretion of sputum and decreases inflammation. However, more human research is needed regarding this.
2. Useful for skin
Tussilago farfara is also pretty much beneficial for calming certain skin issues. As coltsfoot is naturally known to have anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains mucilage which coltsfoot can soothe skin conditions such as stings, bug bites, eczema, and general inflammation. Both freshly picked leaves and flowers are known to provide this purpose. An individual can mash them and applied to the irritated area of the skin.
3. Can reduce inflammation
According to research coltsfoot can help in reducing inflammation and even certain inflammatory markers. Tussilagone an an active component found in coltsfoot can be helpful with the same. This compound helped block specific pathways involved in regulating inflammation. While the other compounds also contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects. However, more study is needed.
4. Benefit brain health
It has been researched that coltsfoot can help protect brain health. The coltsfoot extract prevented nerve cell damage and fought harmful free radicals. It is the compounds that contribute to chronic disease. However, more human studies are necessary.
The Side Effects of Coltsfoot
1. Contain risk compounds
Coltsfoot is said to be safe if consumed in limited amounts. It has a carcinogenicity substance that promotes carcinogenesis the formation of cancer. Coltsfoot contains mutagenicity chemical or physical agent’s capacity to cause mutations. Tussilago farfara contains pyrrolizidine alkaloid compounds that cause acute and chronic liver damage.
2. Sun sensitivity
An individual can suffer from sun sensitivity and sun damage to the skin by applying the extract in high amounts.
3. Allergic reactions
An individual can experience allergic reactions such as hives, skin rash, swelling, wheezing, and shortness of breath. They can even get more serious symptoms like nausea and vomiting.