It is impossible to deny the achievements of modern medicine in this direction. But, do not forget about the means that nature itself suggested to our ancestors. In many cases, they are no less effective, while not having a negative effect on the body, or with some completely minor warnings.

One of these natural unique remedies is coltsfoot - a plant known to almost everyone, even today it is used not only in folk medicinal recipes, but also in the appointment of doctors.

Most often, coltsfoot is used for coughing, with all sorts of respiratory diseases, as it has a powerful expectorant effect. But its properties are much wider.

Medicinal properties and uses of coltsfoot

It perfectly disinfects, helps fight inflammation, and even helps with asthma. But, nevertheless, it is for coughs of various etiologies that it is used in 99% of cases, since it has an enveloping and thinning effect, it has a positive effect on hoarseness, inflammatory processes in the pharynx, bronchitis and even pneumonia.

It contains a high concentration of natural biologically active substances - saponins and various organic acids.

They reduce the density of sputum, which is in the upper respiratory tract, and quickly restore the normal processes of the natural active movement of the special ciliated epithelium located in the trachea and bronchi.

The mucus contained in the plant is released from it during brewing. It has a very positive effect on the respiratory system, as it has an enveloping effect on the mucous membranes in the mouth, throat, larynx, eliminates inflammation and irritation in them.

Tannins, in combination with the above properties of the plant, quickly alleviate cough, thin and remove sputum, reduce inflammation and hyperemia.

Thanks to all this, coltsfoot is almost the first remedy for coughing of any etiology in both children and adults. It is available, easy to prepare, simple to apply, has a unique effect, can quickly alleviate the condition even in severe cases.

Another of its advantages is that even children drink coltsfoot with pleasure, since a decoction or infusion of its leaves and flowers, especially with bee honey, is not only healthy, but also tasty.

The plant contains a lot of vitamins and minerals, tannins, valuable acids, essential oils. Due to this, it also acts as a general tonic, as it nourishes the body with all this, stimulating the immune system, helping to restore the optimal ratio of intestinal microflora, having a beneficial effect on the functioning of the entire gastrointestinal tract.

Less often, but no less effectively, this plant is also used for tuberculosis, varicose veins, dermatological problems, nasal congestion, as a cosmetic remedy for hair loss and brittleness.

Cough infusion from coltsfoot leaves

There are two popular recipes that you should definitely talk about. One of them is based on vodka, the other is based on water. Both are designed to alleviate the patient's condition when coughing or completely get rid of it.

Water Based Infusion

In a glass of boiling water, take 3-3.5 teaspoons of a dry plant, pour it with water in a porcelain teapot, cover with a lid. After that - wrap with a natural cloth and leave to infuse for 20-25 minutes. Next - unravel, strain. To consume: half a glass, regardless of the meal, 2-4 times a day.

The infusion that is consumed immediately after preparation, in a warm form, helps best of all.

Ideally, if you add a teaspoon of bee honey to it, which will complement the healing effect of the mother and stepmother and speed up recovery, plus add new unique flavor notes to the infusion. With colds, viral ailments accompanied by a cough, this remedy is one of the best remedies for children and adults!

If your baby refuses to use a decoction of herbs, then try to offer him, this is my grandmother's simple and effective recipe.

Infusion on vodka

Place the crushed dry (you can also take fresh) leaves of the plant in a glass dish (a jar or bottle, for example), pour vodka so that they are completely covered with it, tightly cork with a lid or cork, rubber stopper.

Put in a dark cool (but not cold) place for 10-14 days. Take an infusion of vodka should be twenty to thirty drops three times a day before eating. Impact - similar to the effect of taking infusion on the water.

Decoction of coltsfoot leaves to treat cough

It is no more difficult to prepare it than an infusion. To do this, take 1-1.5 teaspoons of dry leaves, based on a glass of water. Pour, heat for 10 minutes in a water bath, turn off, leave for 6 minutes, and then add pre-boiled water so that the total total volume is exactly 1 cup, or 250 milliliters.

The decoction is taken every few hours in a tablespoon. This is in the first few days, during the onset of the disease. Further - three to four times a day for the same spoon before the meal (half an hour before it). The course of taking a decoction, as well as infusion on water or vodka, for coughing is no more than 1 week!

Cough coltsfoot - how to take and how to drink

There are pharmaceutical preparations, syrups and even tablets prepared on the basis of this plant. All of them help cough very well and are prescribed by doctors for children and adults. But no less popular are the products prepared according to the recipes of alternative medicine.

The greatest demand continues to be infusions and decoctions. Their effect is very similar to each other, as well as the method of preparation, as well as the application. But, nevertheless, there are differences in the latter, and they should be remembered.

So, for adults for coughing:

✔ Infusion on water: drink half a glass, regardless of food intake, 2-4 times a day.

✔ Infusion on vodka: take 20-30 drops 3 times a day before meals for 30-35 minutes.

✔ Decoction: the first 1-2 days of illness - drink every 2-3 hours, 1 tablespoon. Then, another 4-5 days - 3 to 4 times a day, 1 tablespoon 30 minutes before a meal.

The course of taking any of these funds should not last more than 7 days.

Mother and stepmother for children

For little "patients" this plant will also bring a lot of benefits. It can help to completely get rid of a cough, and this will prevent the use of chemical pharmaceutical preparations, which is also important for a still fragile child's body.

When using products prepared for children from this plant, one should be extremely careful, considering all its effects: disinfectant, tonic, diaphoretic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing. How the child's body will behave, how it will react to one or another component of the plant is not 100% known.

Therefore, children should be given coltsfoot only if there is evidence for this, and also under close supervision by adults. It is best to consult a pediatrician before starting treatment.

It is best to use a decoction or infusion, but not on vodka, but on clean drinking water. You can give it starting from the age of 5, but, again, only if there are no contraindications (they will be discussed separately below). They help, first of all, with coughing.

But they can also be used for chronic inflammation of the tonsils, nasal congestion, fever, as a tonic and tonic, for diathesis and even for scrofula.

Children should take an infusion of about 50 grams, and a decoction - a teaspoon. Multiplicity of reception - 2-3 times a day. In the absence of an allergy to honey, it is recommended to add it to the funds!

In the vast majority of cases, this dosage is not respected. That is, parents simply brew coltsfoot leaves with flowers, like tea, and give them to their children with honey several times a day, about half a glass. This method, on the one hand, is justified, as it allows you to enhance the effect of the reception. But, on the other hand, it is more risky, since, after all, the minimum dosage recommended above, although it reduces the effectiveness of the funds, but at the same time, reduces the possible risks from taking them.

Collection of herbs for the treatment of cough with coltsfoot

This plant is far from the only one, although one of the most famous, among those that can be used in the treatment of coughs and colds, viral diseases.

Rosehip, anise, elderberry, oregano, plantain, currant, raspberry, licorice root. All these natural ingredients themselves have unique healing properties. And they are able to perfectly complement the action of the coltsfoot!

Rosehip recipe

Dried rose hips - two and a half tablespoons. Mother and stepmother - a tablespoon. Bee honey - two and a half tablespoons. Clean drinking water - five glasses. Mix dry and chopped grass with fruits, pour boiling water over it, cover with a lid and leave for about 25-30 minutes. Strain.

Pour the cake again with 2 cups of boiling water, insist again and strain. Combine both infusions and add honey. You need to use half a faceted glass three times a day. Very good for colds, coughs and strengthens the immune system.

With anise, rosehip and elderberry blossoms

Proportions of ingredients: 3:2:1. They should be mixed and poured with 1 glass of drinking cold water. Infusion time - 3 hours. Next - boil and simmer over low heat for no more than 5 minutes. Take for cough, with general weakness and malaise, with gastritis - 3 times a day for 1/3 cup.

Raspberry, oregano, currant

Raspberry leaves, oregano and currant leaves. All this is mixed in equal proportions. The ratio of water to the mixture: a spoonful of the mixture, a glass of water. Pour boiled water, leave for about 10 minutes.

Take half a glass before bedtime, always hot. The tool will add strength, help to establish normal nasal breathing, normalize sleep, thin out sputum and eliminate a coughing fit.

With licorice root

These are two powerful ingredients. Even a dry cough will not resist their joint onslaught. He will be defeated in 5-7 days. Crushed licorice root should be mixed with dry leaves of coltsfoot, in proportions one to one. Put them in a porcelain teapot (1-1.5 teaspoons) and pour 1.5 cups of boiling water, insisting under the lid for 5 minutes. Drink half a glass 3 times a day before meals.

Also, in addition, you can try another popular cough recipe - this. This is a simple and effective cough remedy for children and adults.

Herb contraindications:

1. Age up to 5 years.

2. Pregnancy and lactation.

3. Severe damage to the kidneys and liver.

4. Individual intolerance.

5. Application period - no more than 10-14 days.

When and how to prepare coltsfoot leaves

It is the leaves that have a special healing power, because more than 85% of the active substances are concentrated in them.

But you can also harvest flowers, then mixing them with leaves in the preparation of funds. They will give a decoction or infusion a pleasant color, taste and aroma.

In different regions, coltsfoot "ripens" at different times. Flowers are harvested during its flowering period, after 2-3 days from its beginning. It's about April.

Leaves - during their greatest freshness and rampage: in late May - early June. Raw materials are cut or torn off, folding into a convenient container.

At home - lay it out in one layer on sheets of paper and dry naturally for 3-5 days. Further, dry raw materials are folded into jars or bags for storage. The ideal place for this is an attic or pantry.

Harvest the leaves, coltsfoot when coughing has a really positive effect. But before using, read the contraindications. Be healthy!

The medicinal plant coltsfoot is a perennial, reaching a height of up to 25 cm, creeping rhizome, scaly leaves, numerous yellow color, belongs to the Compositae family. The coltsfoot grows along the banks of rivers and streams, in ditches and forest ravines. Most often, it can be found on the European territory of most of Russia, in Belarus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, as well as in parts of Asia, North America and northern regions of Africa.

In the people, coltsfoot is often called a double-leafed, mother-grass, reed grass, white butterbur, kolorechnaya grass, cold lapuha. The coltsfoot is considered the most valuable spring honey plant, giving bees pollen and nectar, which are part of polyfloral varieties of honey (meadow, field, forest, spring polyherbs).

The curative properties of coltsfoot were valued in the folk medicine of ancient Greece. Translated from Latin, its generic name is read as "coughing away". Indeed, the most popular recipes at all times have won recipes using the plant for the treatment of all types of coughs, ranging from chronic bronchitis smoker and ending with a cold.

Traditional medicine does not particularly favor coltsfoot with its attention. But in traditional medicine doctors can offer many recipes based on this healing herb. The mother-and-stepmother found a special distribution in nursing collections.

Preparation of medicinal raw materials

Both color and leaves are suitable for use. Flowers are harvested in early spring (it is more convenient to cut flower baskets with scissors at the very base), and young shoots and leaves are cut off after the fruits ripen and the seeds completely shed (June-July). The harvested parts of the plant are dried, laid out on trays or matting, in the air under sheds, periodically mixing the raw materials, or in dryers at a temperature not exceeding 45-50°C. The dried material should be stored for no more than 2 years, packaged in thick canvas bags or cardboard (plywood) boxes.

Useful substances in coltsfoot

The leaves of the plant contain organic acids, saponins, polysaccharides, carotenoids, volatile compounds, inulin, tannin, dextrin, mucous and tannic compounds, bitter glycosides. The color contains phytosterols, essential oil, faradiol, ascorbic acid, tannins, mucus, arnidiol.

Medicinal properties of coltsfoot:

• anti-inflammatory;
• expectorant;
• emollient;
• tonic;
• enveloping;
• diaphoretic;
• antipyretic;
• wound healing;
• restorative;
• antiseptic;
• antimicrobial.

Coltsfoot helps to calm coughs, reduce and remove inflammation, stimulate the secretion of various glands, increase appetite, heal wounds and get rid of skin diseases.

Mother and stepmother in folk medicine

Decoction and infusion coltsfoot - an excellent remedy for pleurisy, acute and chronic bronchitis, whooping cough, cough, tonsillitis. Taking water extracts inside is advisable for the treatment of catarrh of the stomach, intestines, bladder, as well as for the removal of inflammatory processes in the kidneys. Herbal preparations help with suffocation, scrofula and dropsy. Useful decoction coltsfoot and fever.

Freshly made juice from rhizomes and leaves well proven in the treatment of tuberculosis, it is taken as a diaphoretic and choleretic agent. Fresh juice from the leaves helps to get rid of the common cold.

Chopped fresh leaves coltsfoot apply to boils, abscesses, carbuncles and tumors. The leaves of the plant are applied to areas of the skin with erysipelas, and the affected areas are also sprinkled with crushed powder from dry raw materials.

Known cases of healing from migraine, for this, a fresh sheet (smooth side) should be applied to the place of localization of pain on the head. For healing from toothache a dry leaf of the coltsfoot is set on fire, and the smoke released in this case is drawn into the mouth.

Strong decoction plants stops hair loss and helps fight seborrhea. The coltsfoot gives the best effect in combination with stinging nettle leaves. 4 tbsp. spoons of a mixture of herbs, taken in a ratio of 1: 1, pour 300 boiling water and keep on low heat for about a quarter of an hour. Strain the resulting broth and use as a head wash.

The most effective coltsfoot recipes

Therapeutic bath. The procedure is prescribed in the complex treatment of skin diseases (allergy, hives, acne vulgaris, baldness, tendency to furunculosis). Pour 200 g of dry raw materials (take equal parts leaves and baskets) with boiling water (3 l) and leave for at least 4 hours, after covering the container with a lid and wrapping it with a blanket. Strain the infusion and pour into a filled bath (water temperature 36-37°C). Baths should be taken in courses of 8-10 procedures every other day.

Infusion mother-and-stepmother. Helps with renal colic, gastrointestinal diseases, inflammation of the bladder. Flowers and leaves (2 tablespoons) pour a glass of boiling water, cover and leave for about half an hour. Reception 15 ml 4-5 times a day on an empty stomach.

plant juice. With sinusitis and runny nose, 4-5 drops should be instilled into each nostril several times a day.

Juice with honey. Fresh juice should be diluted in half with honey and take 60-90 ml of the drug for the treatment of tuberculosis.

Compresses from fresh leaves. Grind the plant into a pulp and apply to damaged areas of the skin with scratches, abrasions, abscesses, as well as trophic ulcers, fix with a gauze bandage.

Smoking coltsfoot. Even the ancient Greek healer Dioscorides recommended smoking grass for coughs and bronchial asthma. Currently, it is included in the formulation of herbal cigarettes.

Leaf powder. Pound the dried leaves of the plant into fine powder, mix it with sugar in a ratio of 1: 1 and take a teaspoon of the mixture three times a day, drinking hot milk with honey (forest, alpine) and soda or hot water with honey. This remedy helps to relieve coughing fits and promotes the excretion of sputum.

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.

Appearance

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.

Where does it grow

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.

Coltsfoot is an unpretentious plant, it grows in the harsh climate of Siberia and Baikal

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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.

Characteristics

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

Chemical composition

• 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.

Beneficial features

• 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.

Coltsfoot is effective in treating coughs, sinusitis and colds

Harm

Contraindications

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

Application

In medicine

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.

Decoctions and tea from coltsfoot are effective in the treatment of lung diseases

Leaves

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.

Root

The coltsfoot root, like other parts of the plant, contains beneficial 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.

Folk recipes

• 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 coltsfoot leaves 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.

Juice

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.

Cough syrup

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.

Coltsfoot and psyllium syrup will quickly relieve a cough

Infusion

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.

In cosmetology

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.

In cooking

• 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.

A fresh vegetable salad

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.

Sauce for garnish

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.

For weight loss

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.

Everyone who loves walks in the forest observes the colorful and unforgettable flowering of the coltsfoot in early spring. After the snow melts, thawed patches, clearings, secluded open corners of thickets and forest edges are covered with islands of bright yellow pointed, reed flowers that delight the eye and create a joyful spring mood after long cold weather.

Did you know that this flower compound culture, belonging to the Aster family, is a natural healer? Medicinal plant mother and stepmother, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which are determined by the biologically active phytonutrients present in it, has a complex effect on the foci of inflammation and the entire body as a whole.

Aqueous infusions of herbs make bronchial mucus more liquid, facilitating the processes of sputum discharge, strengthen the female body, help in the treatment of diseases of the urogenital area, lotions with infusion improve the condition of patients with dermatological diseases and skin lesions, and mouth rinses soften the manifestation of dental problems.

How is grass harvested, dried and stored?

By the way, the plant belongs to one of the very first and especially valuable spring honey plants, providing bees with nectar and pollen. Harvesting of coltsfoot leaves is done in early spring. The collected raw materials are dried under a canopy, in an attic, in a barn or in electric dryers at a temperature not exceeding 50°C.

Store coltsfoot, like other medicinal herbs, in paper, cardboard or linen packages, as well as in glass jars in a dark place with good ventilation. The healing properties of raw materials remain unchanged for 2 years. Mother and stepmother is sold in the pharmacy chain, in the markets, in eco- and phyto-shops.

Medicinal properties mother and stepmother

The composition of fresh and dried leaves of the mother and stepmother contains mucus, tannin, bitter glycosides, tannins, essential oil, phytoncides, sterols, organic acids (malic, gallic and tartaric) polysaccharides, alkaloids, vitamins (carotenoids, C, group B), mineral salts.

The internal intake of extracts, due to the high concentration of mucus, has a pronounced enveloping effect on the walls of the oral cavity, larynx, throat, esophagus, stomach and intestinal mucosa.

The main properties of the medicinal plant include: diaphoretic, sanitizing, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, regenerating, enveloping, bronchodilator, immunomodulatory and antioxidant.

To purify the blood, eliminate mastitis, heal burn surfaces in a short time, alleviate the course of peptic ulcer and cholecystitis and get rid of erysipelas - this is not a complete list of diseases that coltsfoot helps from.

This flowering perennial has been widely known in folk medicine for a long time. It is used for many diseases, including the human respiratory system. Traditionally, dried herb is part of chest and emollient collections, helps to get rid of all types of cough, thinning sputum, especially with whooping cough, pneumonia, laryngitis, asthma, tuberculosis and bronchitis.

Local baths from the infusion and decoction of coltsfoot are prescribed in complex therapy for hemorrhoids and cystitis. Procedures lasting 15 minutes are performed by sitting in a basin with warm liquid 1-2 times a day. With bleeding in the colon, microclysters with a decoction are additionally used.

Cosmetologists, trichologists and dermatologists advise paying close attention to the unique coltsfoot plant. The therapeutic properties for women lie in the ability of water extracts to stop hair loss, improve the condition of curls, cleanse the skin of rashes and acne, rejuvenate the face and smooth out wrinkles. And poultices with dried powder of the plant heal mastitis.

Recipes for medicinal purposes

For a cold accompanied by a cough, protracted bronchitis, whooping cough, tracheitis, a mother and stepmother herb decoction is used, prepared by steaming a tablespoon of dried raw materials with a glass of hot water and simmering the liquid for ten minutes in a steam bath. After cooling, the decoction is filtered and taken 15 ml three times a day before meals.

Experts advise using the technique of washing the head with a concentrated decoction of the plant. 15 tablespoons of raw materials are poured into 1 liter of hot water and boiled over the smallest fire for about 10 minutes. The filtered liquid is washed with curls without shampoo, massaging the skin with fingertips, rinsing is carried out with the same agent.

Instead of a decoction for oral administration and topical application, an infusion can be used. It is prepared by steaming a tablespoon of dry grass in 0.25 liters of boiling water in a thermos for 2-3 hours. Reception is carried out up to 5 times a day, 30 ml before meals. The infusion is useful for gargling with laryngitis and sore throat and for rinsing the mouth with gingivitis, stomatitis, toothache, halitosis.

Tea from the mother and stepmother for cough (wet and dry) is prepared like regular black tea, in a teapot, at the rate of 1 teaspoon of the plant per cup of boiling water. Infuse for 5-8 minutes, add natural bee honey, for example, linden, alpine, raspberry or forest honey, to enhance the healing properties, drink warm.

The fresh juice of the aerial part of the plant is a unique remedy against rhinitis. It is instilled 1-2 drops into each nasal passage up to 6 times a day. The only drawback of the product is that it can only be consumed in spring and early summer, when the plant is at the beginning of the growing season. A runny nose disappears after 1-2 days, but treatment is continued up to 5 days.

Coltsfoot: combination with other plants

According to the recommendations of experienced herbalists, a mixture of coltsfoot and thyme works great against cough. 1 teaspoon of each plant is poured into 0.3 liters of boiling water, infused for 45 minutes, filtered and given to the patient 1-2 sips every 30 minutes during the day. Babies can be given a medicinal mixture from 2 years of age.

The composition of coltsfoot and stinging nettle works well for strengthening hair. A tablespoon of each herb is poured with ½ liter of boiling water, boiled for 5 minutes under the lid, insisted for 1 hour and filtered. The healing elixir is rubbed into the scalp every evening and the curls are rinsed with it after each wash.

expectorant collection

A mixture of mother and stepmother, lime blossom, blood (elecampane), comfrey roots, couch grass rhizomes in a ratio (1: 1: 1: 1: 1) is poured with boiling water at the rate of 1 tsp. for 0.3 liters of water. The broth is boiled for 5 minutes, cooled and filtered through a calico cloth. Take 30-40 ml 3-4 times a day for complications of respiratory diseases and to speed up the rehabilitation process after injuries.

Recipe for mastitis

For a poultice on a diseased area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe mammary gland, a dough is prepared on sour milk, to which 1-2 tablespoons of the collection of chopped coltsfoot grass, mistletoe leaves and celandine (2: 2: 1) are added.

Contraindications and precautions

The coltsfoot herb contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids and glycosides, the toxicity of which has not been fully studied. Therefore, experts do not advise continuing the internal use of plant-based preparations for longer than a month and a half.

Infusion and tea from the leaves of the mother and stepmother can be given to a child from 2-3 years. Extracts are contraindicated in pregnant and lactating mothers, patients with renal insufficiency.

With caution and only in agreement with the attending physician, plant-based preparations are used for the following pathologies: delayed menstruation (possible pregnancy must be excluded), eczema, alcoholism.

If any side effects occur, be it allergies, skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, stool disorders, pain in the epigastric region, an increase in body temperature, the intake of funds from the mother and stepmother should be immediately stopped and consult a medical institution for advice.

Good health to you with time-tested herbal medicine recipes!

Coltsfoot is a perennial plant whose golden flowers are easy to confuse with dandelions. They bloom and wither before the leaves appear. The leaves themselves are wide, shaped like hooves. The seeds of the plant are soft, hair-like tufts so dearly loved by birds that use them when building nests. If we talk about medicinal value, then it is concentrated in the leaves and inflorescences.

Chemical composition

The chemical composition of coltsfoot is notable for its diversity. Combinations of organic elements inside the plant have anti-inflammatory, enveloping and analgesic effects.

The most important constituents of coltsfoot leaves are:

• Saponins - have a stimulating effect;
• Sitosterol - an ethyl group in the composition of the substance helps to normalize the level of cholesterol in the blood;
• Tannins - give the plant an astringent taste and suppress the negative effects of microorganisms;
• Mucus - has a softening effect;
• Bitter glycosides - improve appetite and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Acids - ascorbic, gallic, tartaric and malic;
• Carotenoids are indispensable assistants in the prevention of cancer;
• Inulin is a dietary fiber consumed by beneficial bifidobacteria;
• Dextrans - regulate the process of blood circulation;
• Essential oil - a huge amount of ether is squeezed out of young plants.

Among the unique medicinal ingredients coltsfoot inflorescences includes flavonoids, tannins and steroid compounds.

Beneficial features

The mucus in coltsfoot is the source of the plant's most significant properties - anti-inflammatory and emollient. Once inside the shell of the respiratory tract, medicinal leaves form a special mucous layer that protects against the negative effects of bacteria, viruses and cold.

Women use coltsfoot herb to create cosmetics. Poultices and compresses based on inflorescences and leaves of the plant help to get rid of and eliminate skin defects. The addition of dry raw materials inside shampoos contributes. Medicinal tinctures from the herb coltsfoot help regulate the menstrual cycle with profuse bleeding.

Application in traditional medicine

The coltsfoot has been used in traditional Chinese and Russian medicine for centuries. The plant helps in the treatment of bronchitis, rheumatism, tuberculosis, relieves swelling and inflammation, and is also an effective means of preventing cancer.

The healing properties of coltsfoot are concentrated in the leaves and inflorescences. It is these parts of the plant that are dried to create medicinal preparations and extracts that are sold in pharmacies.

Before using traditional medicine based on coltsfoot, it is very important to consult with your doctor. Pregnant women and nursing mothers, as well as people with serious liver diseases, should be extremely careful.

For respiratory diseases

In the case of a dry persistent cough, coltsfoot has a softening effect. The mucous part of the plant creates a special film inside the throat that suppresses irritation.

To prepare an expectorant for dry cough, pour one tablespoon of dried coltsfoot herb with half a liter of boiled water. Put the mixture on fire and leave covered for five minutes, then strain and let cool. Decoction taken twice a day, a glass and preferably before meals.

The following recipe is suitable if a small child is worried about a dry cough during an exacerbated bronchitis. It is not worth preparing a large amount of medicine at once. The process does not take much time, so it is better to make frequent small portions.

For cooking decoction to treat bronchitis you will need the following herbs (proportions are equal):

• Mother and stepmother;
• Melissa officinalis;
• Peppermint.

Infuse the ingredients poured with boiling water for three hours, then strain. Add natural honey to improve the taste. Ready medicinal decoction take a few tablespoons three times a day before meals.

For cardiovascular diseases

With mild heart ailments, decoctions based on coltsfoot help. For cooking tincture that lowers blood pressure, take two tablespoons of dry coltsfoot and one glass of boiled water. Pour boiling water over the collection and leave to infuse for half an hour. Strain and take one glass twice a day, preferably before meals.

At pain in the heart and nervous excitement recommend an infusion of coltsfoot leaves. To prepare the medicine, take one spoonful of dried leaves and pour boiling water over them. Leave the decoction for half an hour. Drink a quarter cup three times a day, preferably before meals.

For diseases of the urinary tract

In pharmacies, there are often curative fees based on coltsfoot, intended for the prevention of urinary tract diseases. With edema and diseased kidneys, herbal decoctions have a diuretic effect. Folk remedies also help get rid of hepatic colic.

For prevention of bladder diseases you can mix dry leaves of coltsfoot, lingonberry and bearberry (a tablespoon of each herb). The resulting mixture is brewed for half an hour, and then drunk like regular tea.

To prepare decoction to relieve swelling that accompany diseases of the urinary tract, you should pour one tablespoon of the coltsfoot collection with a glass of water, boil the solution for a minute, leave for about an hour, and then strain. Take half a glass of medicinal decoction three times a day, preferably before meals.

For skin diseases

In addition to using medicinal herbs internally, coltsfoot can be used to create external remedies for skin diseases and blemishes.

Options outdoor use coltsfoot:

• burns;
• Erysipelas;
• boils;
• Furuncles;
• chronic ulcer;
• Mastitis;
• Mastitis;
• Dandruff and hair strengthening.

For the manufacture of remedies for mild burns from coltsfoot you will need to prepare a special medicinal decoction. Take a teaspoon of dry herb plants, pour two glasses of water and boil the resulting solution for half an hour. Let the tincture cool, and then soak a piece of soft cloth in it. Put the finished compress on the damaged area for about five minutes. Do compresses several times a day until the burns go away.

To cook at home ointment for the prevention of inflammation of the skin, take the following ingredients (in equal parts):

• Linden flowers;
• Mother and stepmother;
• Pharmacy chamomile.

Mix all the ingredients, pour them with hot water and leave for five minutes. Then add some sunflower oil and knead the mixture. Lubricate the problem area of ​​​​the skin with the resulting ointment and leave for twenty minutes, then rinse with warm water.

For hair loss

Coltsfoot is not in vain added to shampoos and hair conditioners. Vegetable proteins, acids, essential oils and mucus, working together, help restore the structure of the roots, normalize the natural growth of damaged hair, add shine and elasticity to them.

To prepare natural hair rinse, you will need dry collections of burdock and coltsfoot. Mix the herbs in equal amounts, cover with water and boil in a water bath for half an hour. Use the resulting medicinal decoction as a rinse after regular shampooing your hair.

Baldness mask can be prepared from nettle leaves, coltsfoot and milk. Take two tablespoons of each plant, pour a glass of hot milk and leave to infuse for about half an hour. Treat dry hair with the resulting product, hold the mixture on your head for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.

Application for weight loss

There are many products and herbal preparations for weight loss on sale, but not all of them meet the individual requirements of each organism. The choice of the optimal means is sometimes very difficult. The surest way to lose weight is to create your own daily routine, play sports and choose natural aids.

To prepare weight loss aid and normalizing metabolism, you will need:

• 10 grams of coltsfoot;
• 80 grams of blackberry leaves;
• 10 grams of birch leaves.

Mix all the above ingredients, pour a liter of water and boil the resulting mixture for ten minutes. Take a glass of decoction twice a day before meals. Tincture helps to reduce appetite and normalize metabolism. However, remember that this is an additional aid to weight loss, in addition to using it, you must monitor your diet and exercise regularly.

Features of use during pregnancy

Unfortunately, coltsfoot-based internal remedies are not recommended for pregnant women and nursing mothers. The plant contains alkaloids. These substances change the composition of mother's milk and adversely affect the health of the child. Also, alkaloids can terminate a pregnancy. They penetrate the placenta and destroy the fetus.

Do not take decoctions based on this plant during pregnancy. Use of coltsfoot herb during pregnancy causes miscarriage or premature birth with a stillborn baby.

Due to serious harm during pregnancy, coltsfoot herb is banned for free sale in some countries, such as Germany and Australia. Only in rare cases and under the supervision of a doctor is it possible to use the plant externally. These points include the treatment of skin defects, burns and acne. Also, pregnant women can use the herb to strengthen hair and eliminate dandruff.

Contraindications and harm

The healing properties of the plant are praised by many, but not everyone knows about the side effects of coltsfoot. The most dangerous component of flowers is alkaloids. They are especially worth avoiding for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Do not use decoctions based on coltsfoot in the following cases:

• Serious liver disease;
• Pregnancy;
• Lactation;
• The age of the child is up to two years;
• Any problems with the gallbladder;
• Sick kidneys;
• Allergic reaction;
• Special cases of individual intolerance.

You also need to be careful about the dosage of medicinal drugs. It depends on several factors, such as age, health status and the presence of chronic diseases. To date, there are no scientifically proven data that would establish the maximum effective amount of coltsfoot in each case.