Medicinal plants are rich in natural phytoncides and biologically active substances donated by nature itself.

Coltsfoot, whose photo and appearance are often confused with an ordinary dandelion, is a real salvation in the treatment of many diseases. This flower is one of the first to signal the onset of spring, blooming bright yellow flowers with the final melting of snow.

Characteristics of coltsfoot

Coltsfoot- latin nameTussilago farfara

This flower got its name due to the unusual external structure of the leaves, which are absolutely smooth, hard on top and cool when touched with the skin surface, like a stepmother, and the lower part is covered with small villi, tender and soft, the touch is warm and pleasant, like stroking a mother.

The plant loves clay, moist soils, is more common on the coasts of rivers and canals. A characteristic feature is the appearance of leaves, only after the complete flowering of the plant, which occurs in late March - early April.

For medicinal purposes, young leaves and flowers are used, both independently and as part of various collections.

Healing properties of coltsfoot

The main action of the flowers and leaves of the coltsfoot is expectorant. The plant quickly soothes coughs, enhances the effect of expectoration, thins sputum and stops inflammation in the respiratory system.

Coltsfoot has antioxidant properties, reduces the level of free radicals and fills the body with vitamins and essential trace elements, accelerating the recovery processes and overall normalization of well-being.

Indications for use

Interesting fact: A large amount of vitamin C, potassium, selenium, bromine and silver endow this plant with restorative properties.

• Antihypoxic effect contributes to the treatment of inflammatory and chronic processes in the digestive and urinary systems.

• Problems with the kidneys, bladder, stomach, esophagus and intestines can be successfully cured with decoctions based on coltsfoot leaves.

• Freshly picked leaves have a disinfectant and wound-healing effect, they are recommended to be applied to wounds, cuts and abscesses.

• Treats coltsfoot inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, toothache, reduces gum bleeding.

Advice: It is good to add a decoction of the leaves to the water when bathing babies, it heals microtraumas and eliminates diaper rash.

The fair sex actively use the leaves and flowers of coltsfoot in folk beauty recipes.

• When washing hair with a decoction of leaves, the condition of the scalp normalizes, dandruff disappears, the structure of the hair follicle and the shaft as a whole improves.
• Compresses with decoctions of medicinal inflorescences and leaves are recommended to be used in the fight against acne and acne, to reduce oily skin.
• The healing properties of coltsfoot for women are used for inflammation of the appendages, painful and heavy menstrual bleeding, to improve the general condition of the body.

Contraindications for use

Should not be taken orally with coltsfoot for children under two years of age, pregnant and lactating women, patients with liver disease. Caution should be taken decoctions and compresses for allergy sufferers.

The course of taking medicinal infusions should be carried out no more than one and a half months, after which it is imperative to take a break.

Coltsfoot is a truly unique natural remedy for many diseases, it is necessary to take into account its medicinal properties and contraindications before you start taking decoctions and tinctures.

How to prepare coltsfoot

Many herbalists know to get the most out of a product.

It is desirable to pluck inflorescences for further medicinal use at the beginning of flowering, which occurs in March-April. Carefully cut off the flower basket with your hands, trying to completely remove the stem.

The collection of leaves begins a couple of weeks after the seeding of the baskets, they do this in June-July. Tear off the leaves with your hands, you should not cut off too young, withered and turning yellow.

Dry the raw materials in a well-ventilated place, in the shade, spreading the leaves in a thin layer. In the process of drying, the leaves are periodically turned over to the other side.

It is necessary to take a responsible attitude to the place of collection of medicinal raw materials, to choose areas remote from the highways, to bypass pastures.

Dry plants are stored in an airtight container in a dark place for no more than three years.

Good day, dear readers!

In today's article, we will consider with you a wonderful medicinal plant - coltsfoot, as well as its medicinal and other useful properties, use, contraindications, composition and treatment by mother and stepmother. So…

Mother and stepmother - description

Mother and stepmother (lat. Tussilago)- a perennial herbaceous plant from the Asteraceae family, or Asteraceae.

Other plant names: common mother and stepmother, mother grass, butterbur, podbel, two-faced, water burdock, reptile grass, cold lapukha, near-river grass.

It prefers to grow on moist and clay soils - along the banks of rivers and lakes, in meadows, along embankments, etc. The mother and stepmother is the first to feel the beginning of spring, blooms as soon as the snow melts, with bright yellow flowers 2-2.5 cm in diameter. When ripe, the flowers turn into fluffy heads, similar to.

The rhizomes of the plant are creeping and thick. Leaves appear only after flowering, in the form of a rosette, on long and thick petioles. The size of the leaves is different, often with an open palm. From below they are covered with a layer of white hairs, and from above they are smooth, dark green in color. When touched, the leaf feels cold on top and warm on the bottom.

In folk medicine, coltsfoot treatment is used both independently and as part of fees. Flowers and young leaves are used for treatment. Flowers are harvested in early spring (during flowering), and young leaves immediately after flowering, ripening and shedding of seeds. The shelf life of raw materials is 2 years.

The chemical composition of coltsfoot

The medicinal properties of the mother and stepmother are due to the rich composition of this plant.

The composition of coltsfoot includes the following substances:

• mucus (up to 8%, is the main component), during its hydrolysis, glucose, galactose, pentoses and uronic acids are formed;
• bitter glycosides (2.63%);
• triterpene saponins;
• organic acids (gallic, malic, tartaric, ascorbic);
• sterols (sitosterol, stigmasterol, etc.);
• flavonoids (rutin, hyperoside);
• polysaccharides (inulin, dextrin);
• carotenoids;
• , iron, ;
• traces of tannins and essential oils.

Also, coltsfoot accumulates and concentrates copper, selenium, bromine and silver.

Healing properties of coltsfoot

The use of coltsfoot is advisable for the following diseases and pathological conditions:

• sore throat;
• cough ("dry" and "wet");
• bronchitis;
• increased fatigue;
• decreased immunity;
• , bladder and kidneys;
• wounds and burns;
• purulent infections;
• - , and etc.;
• nervous disorders;
• epilepsy;
• dandruff and hair loss.

In addition, the mother and stepmother has the following useful properties:

• antiseptic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• emollient and expectorant;
• enveloping;
• astringent;
• diaphoretic.

The benefits and healing properties of coltsfoot are numerous, but, unfortunately, there are a number of contraindications that you need to familiarize yourself with.

Contraindications to taking coltsfoot:

• individual intolerance;
• age under 2 years;
• pregnancy and lactation (may disrupt the development of the fetus or provoke a miscarriage);
• women in the case of a constant delay in the menstrual cycle;
• liver disease -,;
• while taking antipyretic drugs, dietary supplements and.

Side effects from taking coltsfoot:

• stomach ache;
• bowel disorders, ;

In case of side effects, you should immediately stop taking coltsfoot!

In any pharmacy, you can buy ready-made raw materials with instructions for use.

Leaf decoction. 1 teaspoon of coltsfoot leaves for 1 cup of boiling water. In an enamel bowl, brew raw materials and put on low heat or a water bath. Heat for 15 minutes, stirring constantly.

For bronchitis, inflammation of the throat and lungs, as an expectorant that helps soften and expel sputum, take 1/3 cup 3 times a day before meals for 2 days.

With inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and heart disease, you should take such a decoction of 1 tbsp. spoon 6 times a day, before meals.

Water infusion of flowers. 20 g of coltsfoot flowers pour 1 liter of boiling water and leave for 1 hour. Strain and take 100 ml 3 times a day for cough and stomach diseases. Also, it can be used for gargling and for the treatment of laryngitis in children.

Vodka tincture. Mix dry coltsfoot flowers in equal proportions with vodka in a glass container (jar or bottle). Leave to infuse for 7 days in a dark place. You need to take tincture 30-40 drops 1 time per day 15-20 minutes before meals. Coltsfoot tincture strengthens the immune system and stimulates metabolism.

Fresh Juice. Pour boiling water over the young leaves of the coltsfoot and twist in a meat grinder. Squeeze out the resulting slurry and add the same amount of water (1: 1), boil for 2 minutes. Take 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day after meals. It is useful to take juice for hypovitaminosis, as well as for instilling 2-3 drops into the nose per nostril.

Powder. Pour the coltsfoot powder into a hot pan and inhale the rising smoke. This procedure helps with a choking cough.

Treatment mother and stepmother

Important! Before using coltsfoot, be sure to consult your doctor!

. Pour 5 g of coltsfoot leaves with 2 cups of hot water, boil over low heat for 5 minutes, strain. Take 1/3 cup 2-3 times a day one hour before meals.

, shortness of breath. 15 g of coltsfoot leaves pour 200 ml of boiling water. Insist 1 hour, drink 1 tbsp. spoon every 3 hours.

, . 2 tbsp. Spoons of grass pour a glass of boiling water, let stand for 30 minutes and strain. Gargle with the resulting warm infusion 3-6 times a day.

. Take 3 parts ground coltsfoot flowers, 2 parts thyme and 1 part. Mix, 1 tbsp. place a spoonful of the mixture in an enamel bowl and pour 250 ml of boiling water. Let stand for a few minutes, strain, add. Drink this tea after meals.

The healing properties and contraindications of coltsfoot were known to the ancient Greeks and Romans. This plant was mentioned by Hippocrates, Pliny and Dioscorides. The grass was famous for its expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effect. Most often it was used in two cases - for coughing inside and purulent abscesses externally. Today it is one of the first medicinal plants for coughs. Grass is often included in pharmacy expectorant fees.

Features of the medicinal plant coltsfoot

What does coltsfoot look like and where can it be collected? What useful substances does it contain? How is the herb used in traditional and folk medicine? Are there any side effects and contraindications?

area

Coltsfoot is a widespread medicinal plant of the Eurasian continent. It can be found in Europe, the Urals, Siberia, Central and Asia Minor, the Caucasus and even the Arctic zone. In addition to Eurasia, the grass grows in North America and North Africa, but it is much less common here and is considered an introduced species. Loves clay soils, but also takes root well on sandy soils, river shallows. Grass can be found near rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, along cliffs, railway and construction embankments, quarries, wet ravines and slopes.

Botanical characteristic

What is the biological description of the coltsfoot plant? This is a perennial herb. It blooms in early spring, hence the popular name - "Rannik". The flowers are bright yellow, with the smell of honey. The creeping rhizome first throws out flowering shoots with reddish scales. Later, petiolate, heart-shaped leaves appear. From above they are smooth, cool due to evaporation, dark green (“stepmother”), and below they are whitish, pubescent, soft, warm (“mother”).

Collection and preparation

Healing properties found in the leaves, flowers, roots of coltsfoot. They are prepared at different times.

Most often, the leaves of the plant are harvested.

Healing effect of the herb

Medicinal properties of coltsfoot:

• emollient;
• secretory;
• wound healing;
• anti-inflammatory;
• diuretic;
• diaphoretic;
• antispasmodic;
• expectorant;
• antiseptic;
• soothing.

What is in the chemical composition?

• Leaves coltsfoot: polysaccharides (inulin, dextrin), a lot of mucus, vitamin C and A, astringent tannin, essential oil, tannins, saponins, glycosides, plant sterols, organic acids, pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
• Flowers coltsfoot: flavonoids, phytosterols, organic compounds (faradiol, arnidiol), glycosides, tannins, vegetable slime and bitterness, yellow pigment.

List of indications

What symptoms and diagnoses would benefit from coltsfoot treatment?

• Respiratory system . Coltsfoot for coughing is one of the most popular and effective folk medicines. Helps with bronchitis, obsessive whooping cough, tracheitis, laryngitis, inflammation, abscess, pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchial asthma. The herb has the ability to thin sputum and remove excess mucus from the bronchi, softens dry cough well, makes it productive. It is recommended to take decoctions and infusions of herbs for ARVI and influenza to lower the temperature.
• Digestive system. Useful properties of coltsfoot for digestion - choleretic, astringent, stimulating appetite, anti-inflammatory. The herb is used for diarrhea, gastritis and colitis. Medicinal enemas are made from decoctions for inflammation of the intestines.
• urinary system. Grass is taken for swelling, inflammation of the kidneys and bladder.
• Nervous system . It relieves tension and nervous excitement, helps with insomnia. Some herbalists indicate that the herb can stop epileptic seizures.
• The cardiovascular system. Glycosides have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. It is useful to drink coltsfoot in atherosclerosis, it prevents the formation of atheromatous plaques, stimulates lipid metabolism. This medicinal plant normalizes blood pressure, helps relieve headaches.
• Outdoor use. Outwardly, you can use decoctions, dry herb powder, fresh leaves and juice. They are used to gargle the throat and mouth. Grass well heals ulcers with stomatitis, relieves inflammation of the gums. It treats purulent wounds, abscesses, skin ulcers, burns, inflamed veins with varicose veins, tumors, frostbite.
• Cosmetology. Decoctions, infusions, fresh juice are used as tonics, lotions, face and hair masks. The herb has a tonic, refreshing, antiseptic effect. It is used for all skin types, it disinfects pimples and acne well. Useful for strengthening hair, restores its structure, eliminates dandruff. For hair care, it is used together with burdock root and nettle.
• For weight loss. Normalizes metabolism due to the glycosides and phytosterols contained in it. These substances are involved in the biosynthesis of hormones, enzymes, cholesterol, bile acids, vitamins.

The herb has few contraindications. Do not take it orally during pregnancy, failure of the menstrual cycle, during breastfeeding, children under 6 years of age. You can not drink coltsfoot with liver diseases, individual intolerance. A high content of alkaloids can cause poisoning of the body, adversely affect the functioning of the liver, and lead to a carcinogenic effect. Therefore, medicines from this plant can be taken no more than 6 weeks throughout the year.

Application at home

What is the use of coltsfoot herb at home? Teas, decoctions, infusions, fresh juice, powder are prepared from it. Raw materials can be prepared independently or purchased at a pharmacy. The instructions for use indicate the main pharmacological action of the raw material - expectorant, anti-inflammatory, enveloping. Recommended for coughs with sputum difficult to separate.

Decoction

How to brew coltsfoot in order to preserve its useful properties as much as possible?

Cooking

1. Pour in a glass of boiling water.
2. Boil 1 minute.
3. Insist 30 minutes.
4. Strain.

Most often, leaves are taken for decoction, but you can also mix them with flower baskets. Take 3 times a day for ½ cup before meals. When coughing in such a decoction, it is recommended to add honey or raspberry jam. In case of digestive disorders, it is advised to drink unsweetened broth.

Infusion

The method of preparing the infusion differs from the decoction - it is not boiled, but only steamed. Cooler infusions (2 tablespoons of raw materials are taken per glass of water) are used externally or internally in a smaller dosage - 2 tablespoons each. spoons 3 times a day.

Cooking

1. Take 1 tbsp. l. raw materials.
2. Pour in a glass of boiling water.
3. Insist 1-2 hours.
4. Strain.

It is taken orally in the same dosage as decoctions. Infusions are often used for rinsing in otolaryngology and dentistry. Also, lotions, compresses, baths and baths for skin diseases are made from these medicines. There are positive reviews that decoctions and infusions relieve erysipelas, itching, suppuration with thrombophlebitis.

milk infusion recipe

1. Take 1 tbsp. l. dry grass.
2. Pour in a glass of boiled milk.
3. Leave for 1 hour.
4. Strain.

A popular cough remedy. Take ¼ cup warm, you can add honey.

Fresh juice and leaves

How can the juice and leaves of the plant be used?

It's important to know:

• juice can be treated for no more than 7 days;
• do not violate the dosage - adults do not take more than 3 tbsp. l. in a day;
• before use in children, a mandatory consultation with a doctor is necessary;
• with the appearance of side effects in the form of digestive disorders and allergies, immediately stop taking;
• the juice contains many alkaloids that can cause poisoning and adversely affect the liver;
• Before taking juice, you should consult your doctor if you have any chronic diseases.

Powder

The use of dry herb powder in folk medicine is effective in the following cases:

• the powder is mixed with honey and washed down with water for tuberculosis;
• with sinusitis and a severe runny nose, you can sniff it to cause sneezing;
• when coughing during SARS, influenza, bronchitis, pneumonia, whooping cough, take ½ teaspoon of the powder with water or warm milk;
• useful in diarrhea as an astringent;
• sprinkle wounds, ulcers, burns, skin inflammations.

Features of use in women

How can grass be useful for women?

• Most often it is used in home cosmetology - for hair and facial skin care.
• In gynecology, the grass is used externally - for douching with inflammation of the urogenital area.
• Pregnancy is a strict contraindication for internal use due to the abortive properties of the herb.
• Pregnant women can use decoctions and infusions externally - for gargling, oral cavity, skin treatment.
• During lactation, you also can’t drink grass, but compresses from its juice and decoctions help well with mastopathy.

Features of use in children

Some sources indicate that grass should not be given to children under 2 years old, in others - up to 6 years. The issue of age restrictions and safe use should be discussed with the pediatrician. Coltsfoot from coughing for children is a frequent appointment of doctors. Often, grass is included in breast fees. It is important to observe the dosage, not to exceed the course of treatment, to remember that allergies to medicinal herbs in children are much more common than in adults.

How safe is grass for babies? In rare cases, pediatricians prescribe her weak decoctions to babies up to a year old when coughing. Some mothers refuse to give medicine even as prescribed by a doctor because of the age limit indicated in the official instructions. What can be dangerous mother-and-stepmother for crumbs?

• Bitterness and mucus can affect the digestive system and cause either constipation or diarrhea.
• Alkaloids can adversely affect the liver.
• Biologically active substances can cause an allergic reaction in the form of hives and itching.

The coltsfoot plant is a valuable medicinal raw material. Its main use is coughing for colds, SARS, influenza, bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia, pleurisy, tuberculosis, whooping cough. Also, the herb has pronounced anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It is used externally in dentistry, otolaryngology, dermatology, and cosmetology.

The benefits and harms of coltsfoot are directly related to its healing properties. The potent substances in the composition of the herb can provide tangible help to the body in many diseases, but its inept or immoderate use can be harmful to health. Having studied the beneficial properties of the coltsfoot herb before independent use, it is also worth familiarizing yourself with the features of its action and contraindications.

What does coltsfoot look like and where does it grow?

Yellow, bright coltsfoot flowers are among the first to bloom in spring, often as early as April. On stems covered with brown scales, one inflorescence opens. Small, tubular petals are collected in baskets of small diameter.

After flowering, palm-sized leaves appear, with large teeth along the edges. The upper part of the plate is smooth and glossy. The lower one is covered with white fluff, velvety, warm. For this property, they called the grass - coltsfoot. The Latin name speaks more about the application, literally it translates as "coughing away".

The perennial prefers clay soils near water bodies, in wastelands, and can settle in the garden. Useful coltsfoot grass is considered a weed, often growing on uncultivated lands.

The chemical composition of coltsfoot

The benefits of coltsfoot for the human body are determined by the complex balance of a large number of components in the composition. Medicinal properties are found in flowers, seeds, roots and leaves of coltsfoot.

The main active substances in the composition of the herb and their beneficial properties:

• essential oils have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties against viruses, fungi, protozoa;
• mucus envelops the inner surface of the oropharynx, larynx, esophagus, stomach, intestines, contributing to their healing, reducing swelling;
• phytosterones help build muscle mass, tone up, strengthen the body's defenses, are antioxidants, normalize cholesterol;
• glycosides exhibit the property of thinning bronchial secretions, help to remove sputum from the respiratory system, improve digestion;
• organic acids prevent cell wear, accelerate regeneration, treat purulent processes, strengthen immunity;
• tannins disinfect, relieve inflammation, constrict and strengthen blood vessels, reduce bleeding;
• flavonoids, carotenes, saponins, sterols, inulin, rutin, vitamin C, and many other valuable compounds.

Important! The whole complex of substances that enhance and complement each other's healing properties has a beneficial effect. Therefore, the range of applications of simple grass is simply huge.

What is useful coltsfoot

The actual property of coltsfoot is the treatment of cough of any origin. Any part of the herb is able to enhance the production and withdrawal of sputum, which is successfully used for dry cough, bronchitis, pneumonia, rhinitis.

The benefits of coltsfoot flowers are determined by the presence of essential oils, tannins, phenolic acids, phytosterol. Substances destroy many pathogens, speed up metabolism.

The leaves of the coltsfoot accumulate more plant mucus, carotenes, vitamins, and microelements. Their benefits are more noticeable in the treatment of anemia, beriberi, asthenia. The enveloping, antiseptic, healing properties of the herb are used externally and to help internal organs with affected mucous membranes.

What does coltsfoot treat?

Ordinary weed grass has outstanding qualities, it can help in the treatment of several dozen diseases, strengthens a weakened body and even increases muscle performance.

Home remedies from coltsfoot provide benefits but do not cure diseases on their own. Herbal formulations are used as auxiliary in the main therapy, which is prescribed by the doctor. Unauthorized combination of medicinal substances can be harmful.

Grass coltsfoot is prescribed for such diseases:

• any inflammation of the respiratory tract with cough, swelling of the mucous membranes;
• tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema;
• dermatitis, erysipelas, varicose veins, trophic ulcers, abscesses, wounds;
• stomatitis, periodontal disease, gingivitis, inflammation in the oral cavity;
• gastritis, enterocolitis, diseases of the stomach, intestines, hemorrhoids;
• inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system.

The restorative effect of coltsfoot products on the body can be useful for cardiovascular disorders, diseases of the nervous system. Immunostimulating, antihypoxic, antioxidant properties of the herb are used in recovery from illnesses.

Is coltsfoot good for pregnancy

The herb seems to be a harmless substitute for pills during pregnancy. But during the period of bearing a child, the medicine is not entirely harmless. The benefits and harms of coltsfoot grass must be carefully correlated for the mother and for the fetus.

During pregnancy, the property of alkaloids to penetrate the placental barrier is especially dangerous. This can harm the fetus, lead to spontaneous abortion or cause premature birth. During lactation, alkaloids enter breast milk, so taking the herb inside is prohibited.

As part of the coltsfoot for pregnant women, there are not only useful compounds. Alkaloids are harmful to a woman's body. With prolonged use, they accumulate in the liver, destroying it. Harm is caused by herbal treatment for longer than 6 weeks.

It is permissible to use coltsfoot during pregnancy to correct skin problems (acne, dermatitis) or hair care.

Mother and stepmother to children

Reviews of coltsfoot grass regarding the benefits and harms for children are quite contradictory. Some parents advise her from the first days of a child's life. Doctors are more categorical. Due to the strong composition and the presence of poorly studied components, official medicine prohibits treatment until the age of 2 years, when the treatment will do more harm.

It is useful to give a decoction or water infusion of grass to children under 7 years of age with colds, coughs, fever, infectious diseases of the ear, throat and nose: 1 tbsp. l. up to 6 times a day. Only on condition that the main treatment is selected by the pediatrician, a useful remedy from coltsfoot shortens the recovery time, copes with a protracted, unproductive cough.

Important! A useful amount of funds for school-age children is up to 250 ml per day. It is advisable to divide it into several receptions.

Recipes with coltsfoot in folk medicine

If you need a softening, healing, enveloping effect, a decoction of grass is useful. When it is more important to preserve essential oils, glycosides, micro and macro elements and their beneficial properties, it is better to make an infusion.

Decoction of coltsfoot for cough and bronchitis

As an expectorant, emollient in acute and chronic bronchitis, tracheitis, laryngitis, a decoction of coltsfoot herbs is effective.

Recipe for cough:

1. Mashed or crushed leaves (1 tbsp.) Pour 0.5 liters of hot water.
2. Warm up no longer than 5 minutes.
3. Leave covered until cool, strain.

Take the medicine in two doses - in the morning and in the evening, 250 ml before meals.

A stronger composition will benefit from problems in the gastrointestinal tract, to maintain the work of the heart and vascular tone: 2 tbsp. l. herbs pour 1 tbsp. boiling water and boil for up to 15 minutes. The resulting remedy should be drunk in small portions per day.

With diathesis, a decoction of grass is prescribed for children over 2 years old: inside, 1 tsp. three times a day; externally - for wiping inflamed areas.

Infusion of coltsfoot

For rinsing the mouth, throat, washing the nasal passages, an infusion of coltsfoot is useful. The recipe is very simple: 1 tbsp. l. crushed raw materials are poured with boiling water (250 ml) and infused for 20 minutes.

Strained composition is useful to take 1 tbsp. l. up to 10 times a day for respiratory infections. You can repeatedly rinse your mouth with dental inflammations or your throat with a cold with an infusion of herbs and flowers.

Vodka coltsfoot tincture

For alcohol infusion, you will need fresh coltsfoot flowers.

Preparing the tincture:

1. Raw materials are mixed with high-quality vodka as 1:1 or with alcohol - 2:1.
2. The mixture is poured into a glass dish, sealed tightly.
3. Leave for a week without access to light, otherwise the grass will lose its properties.
4. The precipitate is filtered off and the alcohol solution is stored in a dark place.

Dermatologists note the benefits of tincture for acne. Treating the face several times a day, you can reduce the number of rashes in a few days. If it is noticed that alcohol irritates the skin, it is permissible to dilute the product with water. The benefits as an antiseptic will decrease slightly, but the harm will be minimal.

Tincture coltsfoot is taken orally: 20 to 30 drops before meals. Alcoholic compounds of any herb can harm a sick stomach and are contraindicated in alcoholism.

Tea from coltsfoot

The benefits of coltsfoot tea are invaluable during the cold season. For the prevention of influenza, with a dry, prolonged cough, chills, brew 1 tbsp. l. flowers 1 tbsp. boiling water. Useful grass is used separately or as part of a collection, not longer than 3 weeks.

Fresh coltsfoot juice

Vitamin and health-improving properties are distinguished by fresh juice from young leaves, if you collect grass in June.

Application and useful properties:

• 1 tsp up to 4 times a day with a course of at least 1 week with beriberi, loss of strength;
• 10 drops of juice in each nasal passage, up to 3 times a day with a severe cold;
• externally - with lichen, burns, abscesses on the skin, boils.

To prepare the product, the washed herb is crushed with a blender or passed through a meat grinder, the mixture is diluted with filtered water (50/50), the useful liquid is squeezed through gauze.

Applications

Mashed fresh coltsfoot disinfects and heals when applied to damaged skin. Apply the herbal mass directly to the wound, burn, inflamed veins and cover with a clean cloth.

leaf compress

A coltsfoot compress is prepared as follows: 5 tbsp. l. leaves with flowers are steamed 1 tbsp. boiling water. After half an hour of infusion, the steamed grass is ground. Gauze is placed on the skin, then the mass is evenly applied and covered with a cloth on top. It is useful to fix such a compress and leave it overnight. The course of treatment for significant damage is about 10 days.

Foot baths with coltsfoot

The antifungal, anti-inflammatory, tonic property of the herb is beneficial for foot skin infections, calluses, wounds, and swelling.

Decoction for external use:

1. Fresh or dried coltsfoot (2 tablespoons) is poured with boiling water (2 liters).
2. With a slight heating, languish for 45 minutes.
3. Filtered and cooled to a comfortable temperature.

Foot baths with a decoction of herbs are done for 15–20 minutes before bedtime. With the expansion of the veins of the lower extremities, the fragility of the vessels with the same decoction is recommended to regularly treat the surface of the legs.

dried leaf powder

It is convenient to treat wounds with finely ground grass when other types of disinfection are not available. Coltsfoot powder, as a dry concentrate, can also be taken orally.

Comment! When drying and grinding raw materials, medicinal herbs quickly lose their useful properties, sunlight is harmful to collections. Powders should be kept in tightly closed containers or prepared as needed.

coltsfoot syrup

The medicine in the form of a syrup is well stored in the cold, does not lose its properties for a long time, children like it. In June, when the benefits of grass are most pronounced, they make a harvest from coltsfoot for the whole year.

A simple cooking option: the juice from young leaves is mixed with powdered sugar. For 2 parts liquid - 1 part sugar or honey. Healthy herbal syrup is stored in the refrigerator.

Apply 1 tbsp. l. up to 4 times a day for tuberculosis, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis. Children are given 1 hour or st. l. sweet medicine a day. The dose depends on the age and recommendations of the pediatrician.

Coltsfoot in home cosmetology

The coltsfoot herb, its decoctions and infusions are added to masks with a rejuvenating and lifting effect, to enrich creams, tonics, lotions, and hair products.

For facial skin

Coltsfoot preparations gradually but deeply cleanse the pores, eliminate inflammation of small vessels, and treat acne. Alcohol tincture of the herb has the ability to whiten age spots, lighten freckles.

Cosmetic ice:

To 50 ml of decoction add 2-3 drops of rosewood essential oil and 10 ml of linseed oil. Enhances the beneficial properties of the addition of 10 ml of fresh coltsfoot juice. The components are mixed and frozen in special forms.

Massage with ice cubes in the morning quickly relieves swelling and puffiness. Regular use restores facial contours, rejuvenates and refreshes the skin. But cryotherapy, instead of benefit, can be harmful in case of rosacea, increasing spider veins.

Anti-wrinkle mask with seaweed: 50 ml of warm coltsfoot broth will require 30 g of crushed kelp. Cooking:

1. Algae powder is mixed with liquid, left for 15 minutes for complete swelling.
2. 10 g of oil is added to the mixture, mixed.
3. The finished mass is distributed on the face and left for 30-40 minutes.

The mask has the ability to improve microcirculation in the vessels, regenerate cells, enhance nutrition and oxygenation of the skin.

For hair beauty

An infusion of coltsfoot with nettle will help against severe dandruff and hair loss. Herbs taken in 2 tbsp. l. each, pour a liter of boiling water, leave for half an hour, filter. Rinse hair after every wash.

Contraindications and side effects

Coltsfoot is a plant with powerful properties that can benefit or harm. You need to drink it with caution, without increasing the dosages in the recipes.

Contraindications to taking herbs:

• coltsfoot intolerance;
• renal failure, liver dysfunction;
• allergic diseases;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• age up to 2 years.

Between courses take a break of 4 months. Long-term use without medical supervision does not bring benefits, but harm, disrupting liver function, poisoning the body.

Collecting and drying coltsfoot

Grass accumulates toxins, resins, salts of heavy metals. Harvesting of leaves and flowers should be carried out away from roads, enterprises, polluted places. Toxic raw materials harm, not help health.

Flowers are harvested fully open, without stems. The leaves are cut off with a small petiole. Drying of grass is carried out in the air, under shelter from sunlight. If stored in tight packaging, without access to light and moisture, the beneficial properties of coltsfoot remain for about 2 years.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of coltsfoot have been well studied over the centuries of its use. A simple herb can relieve the symptoms of the disease, improve the appearance, help to lose weight. But without harm to health, only proven recipes can be used.

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!