Coltsfoot

The coltsfoot is a flower that is considered a real herald of the approaching summer, because it blooms very early - with the first warm rays of the sun.

In other languages, the name of this plant sounds like this:

• German - Huflattich;
• English - coltsfoot;
• French - tussilage, pas-d'âne.

Coltsfoot is a short grass, the stems of which are covered with reddish scales. The flowers are bright yellow, fluffy, similar to dandelions, but smaller in size. The origin of the Russian name of the plant is associated with the peculiarities of its leaves: the upper side of the leaf is smooth and cold to the touch, and the lower side is fluffy and warm. Hence the comparison with his own mother and evil stepmother.

The coltsfoot is distributed almost throughout Eurasia, including the countries of Western Europe, Siberia, the Urals, Kazakhstan, Central and Asia Minor, and even the Arctic regions. In addition, the plant can be found in northern Africa and the United States of America.

The collection of coltsfoot begins closer to the middle of summer, when seed boxes appear in place of the flowers. The highest quality and most useful raw materials can be obtained from flowers growing far from human habitation, industrial enterprises and highways. The best time to harvest is around noon when the morning dew has gone. Most often, only the leaves of the plant are collected, cutting them off along with the cuttings.The collected leaves are dried on the street under a canopy or in rooms that are well ventilated. To dry the leaves on all sides, turn them over from time to time.

• has medicinal properties;
• used in medicine, cooking and cosmetology;
• has a bitter taste;
• has a faint, honey aroma.

• Essential oil;
• Tannins;
• Mucous substances;
• Acids: gallic, malic, tartaric acid, ascorbic;
• Many metals: calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, cobalt, molybdenum, chromium, aluminum, barium, selenium, vanadium, nickel, strontium, lead, silver, iodine, bromine, boron.

• has a softening and enveloping effect;
• is a good expectorant;
• relieves inflammation;
• disinfects;
• has an astringent effect;
• anesthetizes;
• calms the nervous system;
• strengthens the hair structure;
• relieves tooth and irritation;
• heals wounds;
• normalizes digestion.

It is not recommended to take medicines on a coltsfoot basis for more than a month and a half. The composition of the plant contains chemical compounds, the effect of which on the body has not yet been studied.

• pregnancy;
• lactation period;
• children's age (up to 2 years);
• severe liver disease.

Coltsfoot-based medicines are used to treat and manage the symptoms of a wide range of conditions, including:

• whooping cough;
• bronchitis;
• laryngitis;
• pneumonia;
• bronchial asthma;
• bronchiectasis;
• tracheitis;
• acute respiratory diseases;
• dropsy;
• catarrh of the esophagus;
• cystitis;
• pyelonephritis.

A particularly popular coltsfoot for treating cough ailments.

Most often, coltsfoot leaves are used for the preparation of medicines, since they contain the greatest amount of useful substances. From the leaves of the plant, infusions and tinctures, syrups and decoctions are prepared, and the juice is also squeezed out. Sometimes flowers or plant roots are added to preparations.

The coltsfoot root, like other parts of the plant, contains useful substances that help fight various ailments. So, a decoction of the roots of coltsfoot, well helps with colds. With it, you can bring down the temperature, get rid of nasal congestion, cough and sore throat.

• To get rid of the headache you need to prepare a decoction of the leaves of the coltsfoot. Take 1 tbsp. chopped leaves, pour 0.5 liters of hot water and boil for 6 minutes. Then cool and strain. Drink half a glass 3 times a day, one hour before meals.
• To cure abscesses and other purulent inflammations on the skin, it is recommended to apply fresh leaves of the coltsfoot twice a day to the affected area, fix with a bandage and keep for 1-2 hours.
• To stop hair loss and get rid of dandruff, prepare a decoction of fresh or dried coltsfoot and nettle leaves. Take one part of each plant, cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Remove the decoction from the stove, cool and strain. Decoction should be rinsed with hair every time after shampooing.

Traditional medicine recommends using the juice of fresh coltsfoot leaves for cleansing and healing wounds. To prepare the juice, you need to thoroughly rinse the leaves, rinse with boiling water, twist through a meat grinder and squeeze. To wash the wounds, the juice must be diluted in half with water and boiled a little.If you want the juice to keep for several months, dilute it with ½ part vodka.

Coltsfoot syrup is a very effective cough suppressant.

To prepare it, you will need fresh, well-washed coltsfoot leaves, sugar and honey. In a clean three-liter jar, lay out the leaves and sugar in layers until the container is full. Remove the container to a cool, dark place.

When syrup forms at the bottom of the jar, pour it into another container and add a glass of honey (preferably fresh). Mix and leave in the same place for another week.

Take 1 tbsp. 3 times a day for 2 weeks. If necessary, after a 10-day break, repeat the treatment.

In case of digestive disorders or loss of appetite, it is recommended to prepare an infusion of coltsfoot.

Rinse a few flowers and leaves of the plant, grind and pour 250 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for half an hour and strain. You should drink the infusion per day, in several doses. Take until improvement occurs. The medicine can also be used for various respiratory diseases.

Coltsfoot is an indispensable tool for maintaining youth and beauty. Masks and tonics based on this useful plant will help:

• reduce the number of wrinkles;
• defeat excessive dryness of the skin;
• remove oily sheen;
• maintain the elasticity and softness of the skin in the neck and décolleté area;
• strengthen hair roots;
• get rid of dandruff.

• fresh coltsfoot leaves add a pleasant bitterness to vegetable salads;
• finely chopped greens are added to omelettes and minced meat dishes;
• from a mixture of coltsfoot leaves, garlic, salt and pepper, a spicy dressing is prepared for the main dishes;
• with dried leaves and flowers, coltsfoot makes a very healthy, fragrant tea.

Cut the vegetables into small pieces - cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, carrot (1 each), 200 grams of cabbage. Prepare the egg pancake: beat the egg, pour it into the pan and fry on both sides. Pancake cut into strips. Cut the chicken fillet into small pieces and fry in vegetable oil until tender. Mix all ingredients. Salt and pepper to taste. Prepare the dressing: mince a clove of garlic, mix with 1 tbsp. mayonnaise, 2 tbsp. soy sauce and the juice of half a lemon. Finely chop a few fresh coltsfoot leaves and add to the dressing.

Rinse fresh coltsfoot leaves and finely chop. Put 250 grams of greens in a saucepan, add a chopped clove of garlic and pour water so that it slightly covers the contents of the saucepan. Wait until it boils and cook for 10 minutes. Drain the water and beat the leaves in a blender with 1 tsp. sesame. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice or vegetables.

Coltsfoot normalizes the work of the gastrointestinal tract, therefore, it is part of herbal preparations that promote weight loss. In addition, experts recommend taking warm baths with coltsfoot decoction. This procedure cleanses the pores, tightens the skin, and also reduces the appearance of cellulite.

• Three yellow coltsfoot flowers on a green field are the coat of arms of the Norwegian commune of Nannestad.
• Treatment with the help of a coltsfoot was recommended by the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, who lived in the 4th century BC.
• In Russia, mother-and-stepmother was also called near-river grass, king-potion, mother-grass and horse hoof.