What does a mother and stepmother flower look like? Common coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara L.). Coltsfoot in home cosmetology

Coltsfoot is a herbaceous plant that comes from the Asteraceae class. It has a creeping, branched, thick and strong root system. Active period growth and flowering of coltsfoot begins in early spring, after the arrival of the first warming. The inflorescences of this plant are yellow in color and their diameter is about 2.5 centimeters. During its maturation, the coltsfoot flower becomes fluffy and in its own way appearance it somewhat resembles a dandelion.

What diseases should the plant be used for?

Coltsfoot is an excellent remedy that is often used during the treatment of diseases associated with the respiratory system. A decoction made from this herb has high efficiency when undergoing a course of treatment for diseases such as:

• bronchitis;
• high blood pressure;
• runny nose;
• laryngitis;
• asthma.

In addition, decoctions made from coltsfoot are often actively used during the treatment of sore throat. This herb is also excellent at eliminating spasms and removing accumulated phlegm from the body. Tinctures prepared from it help eliminate strong inflammatory processes, which occur in the area of ​​the mucous membranes, reduce swelling, and also eliminate bacterial factor, which contributes to the emergence and development of various diseases.

Due to the fact that coltsfoot stands out among other herbs as having pronounced antispasmodic, as well as bactericidal properties, it is perfect during the course of treatment for various diseases that are accompanied by inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system. This plant is also often used during the normalization of kidney function. It quickly and effectively eliminates inflammatory processes and acute painful sensations.

Another feature of this plant is that it is capable of providing beneficial influence on the state of the digestive system. Thanks to the use of this herb, there is a significant increase in intestinal motility, and the digestibility of food consumed is also significantly improved. In addition, it should be noted that this plant actively stimulates the free flow of bile in the body. Thanks to its use, diseases such as colitis, increased flatulence. In addition, it should be noted that the coltsfoot acts as wonderful remedy to relieve constipation.

Tinctures and decoctions prepared from this herb are often used when a person develops high blood pressure. After all, as you know, coltsfoot is able to quickly reduce high blood pressure and actively stimulate the functioning of all organs of cardio-vascular system. Quite often this herb is actively used in for preventive purposes, as well as during the treatment of such a disease as atherosclerosis. In addition, it is able to actively remove toxins and cholesterol from the body that have accumulated in it.

Decoctions made from coltsfoot are actively used when diseases appear in the oral cavity. For example, such decoctions are often used to eliminate stomatitis, periodontal disease, or bleeding in the gums. Due to the fact that this plant has astringent properties, decoctions prepared from it can quickly stop bleeding and effectively heal the resulting wounds. In addition, it is worth noting that coltsfoot, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and strong bactericidal abilities, is able to eliminate sources of infection in the body and relieve inflammation.

Coltsfoot acts as a fairly effective remedy that helps eliminate the occurrence and spread of purulent diseases that may appear on the surface skin. For example, this herb is often used to quickly and effectively eliminate ulcers, acne, and dermatitis. It is also indispensable in treating an abscess, eliminating bedsores or treating calluses. When eliminating skin diseases They use special baths to which a tincture made from coltsfoot is added. Quite often, these tinctures are used for rubbing or preparing lotions.

It is worth noting that a plant such as coltsfoot can be actively combined with a variety of herbs that have medicinal properties. For example, if coltsfoot is additionally added to a decoction made from nettles, you can get a remedy that perfectly copes with itching, hair loss or seborrhea.

In order to eliminate small child such an ailment as diathesis or get rid of excessive sweating feet, you can use a special powder previously prepared from coltsfoot. To prepare such a powder, you need to take the dried herb and grind it thoroughly. This powder can be used to treat inflamed areas of the skin or foot.

To eliminate painful insect bites, you can use the juice squeezed from fresh leaves this grass.

In order to eliminate sudden pain in the head area or quickly cope with high fever, you need to apply green coltsfoot leaves to the forehead area.

Main therapeutic characteristics

The leaves and inflorescences of coltsfoot contain a large number of vitamin C and essential oils. In addition, they contain useful substances such as carotene and glycosides. This plant is good remedy, which is actively used to strengthen immune system body. In addition, coltsfoot has such medicinal properties How:

• Anti-inflammatory long-term effect on the body.
• Disinfectant property.
• Relieves cough.
• Eliminates and prevents hoarseness.

In addition, decoctions of this plant can be used to stimulate appetite in humans and treat inflammatory processes that appear on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. Due to the fact that this plant contains great amount mucus and polysaccharides, it can also have a softening effect on the entire body and inflamed areas of the mucous membrane.

Use in alternative medicine

1. IN alternative medicine decoctions and tinctures prepared from coltsfoot are usually used during the treatment of cough as a pathogenic expectorant. Translated from Latin language, coltsfoot means a plant that drives away coughs. Therefore, it is mainly used during the treatment of cough and organ diseases respiratory system. Coltsfoot is able to dilute mucus accumulated in the lungs and facilitate its removal from the body. In order to strengthen healing properties decoctions of this plant, which are used to treat coughs, can also be supplemented with a plant such as thyme.
2. As a strong expectorant in folk medicine Infusions prepared from the leaves of this herb are actively used. To prepare such an infusion, you need to brew coltsfoot leaves by pouring one spoon of this herb with 250 milliliters of boiling water. The resulting infusion must be left to stand for 20 minutes, and then strained thoroughly using gauze or a fine sieve. It is recommended to take this tincture no more than 4 times every 24 hours.
3. In addition, during the treatment of cough or hoarseness, decoctions prepared from coltsfoot are actively used in folk medicine. To successfully prepare such a decoction, you need to take well-chopped leaves of the plant and boil them, using the so-called water bath, no more than 5 minutes. Then the broth needs to be given time so that it can brew. Then you need to strain it properly and add a small amount of boiled water. You need to consume this decoction one tablespoon per day in a comprehensive manner, alternating two-hour breaks between doses.

Attention! To improve the removal of accumulated phlegm from the body, it is recommended to additionally use complex chest massages along with the use of decoctions and tinctures. Also for more effective treatment cough or diseases of the respiratory system can be combined with the use of medications medicines and tinctures prepared from coltsfoot.

For more effective separation of phlegm (in the event of bronchitis) from the body, decoctions made from coltsfoot should be used. To prepare such a decoction, you need to thoroughly mix in one container, for example in a saucepan, one spoon of coltsfoot inflorescence, anise, linden and raspberries. The resulting mixture should be poured with one liter of water and boiled well for no more than 5 minutes. This decoction must be boiled over low heat, after which it needs to be given a little time so that it can infuse properly. Then the resulting decoction should be filtered and consumed 80-100 grams several times every 24 hours.

It should also be noted that the juice made from the coltsfoot leaf is actively used in alternative medicine during the treatment of the common cold. Many doctors are confident that this juice is quite capable of replacing any nasal drops that are sold in pharmacies. When treating a runny nose, you can use a few drops of the plant's juice, which should be instilled into the nostrils.

When you have a cold or viral disease it is necessary to consume large amounts of fluid. It is known that coltsfoot has a restorative and stimulating effect on the body. Therefore, when the first signs of ARVI appear, you can drink teas and decoctions made from this herb. Also during treatment colds You can combine the use of coltsfoot with honey, raspberries or cranberries.

Contraindications

The use of this plant is strictly not recommended for pregnant women to treat diseases. Also, coltsfoot infusion should not be used during breastfeeding. You should also refuse to take decoctions prepared from this herb if you experience intolerance or an allergic reaction to this plant.

In no case should decoctions made from coltsfoot be used for a long time in the treatment of diseases in large doses. Otherwise, due to prolonged use of these decoctions, the liver may suffer.

You should not use coltsfoot to treat children under two years of age. When the first symptoms of overdose occur, namely: vomiting, rash, allergic reactions, redness, nausea, you should immediately stop using products made from this plant.

Video: healing properties of mother and stepmother

Preface

Mother and stepmother is a plant quite widely used in medicine, the medicinal properties of which people have known for many hundreds of years. Popularly, this flower is also called mother grass, water burdock and two-faced burdock.

This plant can always be found in chest teas, which are used to treat asthma, laryngitis and bronchiectasis. An infusion of mother and stepmother leaves is simply necessary for bronchitis, as a means of expectoration of sputum, and for sick kidneys and problems with genitourinary system

it is used as a diuretic. The medicinal properties of a decoction of mother and stepmother herbs relieve severe toothache, swelling, and improve the functioning of the stomach and intestines. They will also help with bronchopulmonary diseases.

Mother and stepmother can be seen in some cosmetic ointments and creams used to treat pustular inflammation, dermatitis, burns and ulcers. Shampoos containing an extract of this plant perfectly fight dandruff and strengthen the hair follicles. Masks based on this herb help rejuvenate the skin of the face, neck and décolleté, smooth out small wrinkles, tone, relieve irritation and peeling.

Mother and stepmother are perennials that grow as weeds throughout Russia. It has straight stems of about 10–25 cm, with reddish scaly leaves. Its small bright yellow flowers, about 2.5 cm in diameter, are very reminiscent of fluffy dandelions when they mature and fade. It begins to bloom very early, as soon as the snow melts, around the end of March or beginning of April. Mother and stepmother grow in small groups on moist soil, on clay banks of streams and rivers, on embankments or in ditches.

The collection of mother and stepmother can begin no earlier than July, after all its flowers have ripened, when the leaves become strong enough and large enough. It is better to put the leaves torn or cut with a knife into a basket, while trying not to crush or compact them too much. Then collected material laid out on clean paper in one layer, after which it is dried in a dry, well-ventilated area. In order for the leaves to dry better and not rot, they need to be gently tossed and mixed from time to time. Medicinal raw materials are stored in clean fabric bags for about three years, since after this period beneficial features

mother and stepmother herbs are lost. To prepare an infusion for removing phlegm from the lungs during pneumonia, take 1 tablespoon of mother and stepmother collection, a spoonful of raspberries, a spoonful of anise fruits, a spoonful linden color and willow bark. Medicinal collection poured hot boiled water , boil for several minutes, cool and infuse for at least an hour. Drinking medicinal drink

For skin diseases, ulcerative abscesses and bedsores, compresses from coltsfoot leaves are very helpful, as they have an antimicrobial and wound-healing effect. To do this, fresh leaves of the plant are taken and the juice is squeezed out. Then a clean gauze swab is soaked in the resulting juice and applied to unhealthy areas of the skin. The compress needs to be changed every 3-4 hours until complete cure.

Who should not be treated by mother and stepmother?

Decoctions from this unique medicinal plant However, it must be taken with caution. Treatment with them should not last more than a month and a half for one year, since they accumulate in the human body harmful substances, alkaloids that have a negative effect on the liver. Therefore, these infusions are recommended to be added as an additional component of treatment, and not as the basis of a course. Before you start using this herb, you should definitely consult with your doctor and find out the contraindications to its use.

Mar-2-2017

What is coltsfoot, the medicinal properties and contraindications of coltsfoot, what are the beneficial properties of this plant, all this is of great interest to those who healthy image life, monitors his health, and is interested in traditional methods treatment, including with the help of medicinal herbs. So we will try to answer these questions in the following article.

Coltsfoot belongs to the Asteraceae family, perennial herbs. From a biological point of view, this is herbaceous plant family Asteraceae up to 25 cm high. The rhizome is creeping, branched, with a bunch of adventitious thread-like roots. Interesting feature This plant is that it blooms in early spring, before the leaves appear - in April - May. In early spring, cobwebby-fluffy stems 10–25 cm high, covered with oblong pink-purple scale-like leaves with baskets, grow. yellow flowers. Their baskets, from one to a little more than two centimeters in diameter, consist of reed and tubular flowers. Reed flowers with narrow long petals are arranged in several rows.

Coltsfoot grows in families in which some flowers are in full bloom, others are fading, and others are barely forming buds. Each flower does not live long, but since they do not bloom at the same time, the total flowering lasts two to three weeks. When flowering, like a dandelion, the coltsfoot scatters the seeds in the wind on fluffy fibers.

After flowering, the baskets droop. Only after this the basal leaves appear. When the plant fades, dense, rounded, heart-shaped basal leaves appear on a long, succulent petiole. They are green above, white-tomentose below due to the abundance of long tangled hairs. The underside of the leaf is soft and warm, the top is hard and cold.

At the end of spring, in May, the plant gradually fades - and in place of the flower, fruits form, and new leaves develop, which are collected in a rosette. The fruit is a slightly curved achene with a tuft, capable of germinating a few hours after it enters the soil. The fruits of coltsfoot ripen in May–June and are carried by the wind.

Flowering shoots are erect, covered with brownish scaly leaves, unbranched. The marginal flowers are ligulate, the middle ones are tubular, pistillate. They are golden yellow in color and collected in a small basket. When you touch the leaves, they seem warm, the upper surface is bare and cold.

Inflorescences and leaves serve as medicinal raw materials. The leaves are collected in June - July, when they are small and almost bare on the upper side. There is no need to take very young leaves, pubescent on both sides and with brown spots. The raw materials are loosely placed in baskets and quickly dried, laid out in a thin layer, in the attic or open air, often turning over so that both sides dry evenly. The leaves are dried on a fishing line or strong thread. After drying, they sort through, removing browned and moldy ones. Flowers with stems are dried in a dryer at a temperature of 50–60 °C. Store in a dry place in a closed container for 3 years.

The leaves of the plant contain up to 2.63% of the bitter glycoside tussilyagin and other glycosides, up to 160 mg% of flavonoids, including rutin and hyperoside, essential oil, tannins, mucous substances, sitosterol, gallic, malic, tartaric and ascorbic acids, saponins, polysaccharides , carbohydrates. They also contain a sufficient amount of potassium.

Many substances useful to humans were found in the flowers: triterpene alcohols faradiol and arnidiol, amorphous yellow pigment, tetraterpene taraxanthin, stigmasterol and sitosterol, heptacosane hydrocarbon and tannins, organic acids, mineral salts. By the way, even steroids were found in the flowers of this plant, which seems surprising.

The leaves contain: ash – 10.20%; macroelements: K (potassium) – 37.70, Ca (calcium) – 10.90, Mn (manganese) – 4.30, Fe (iron) – 0.20; trace elements (CBN): Mg (magnesium) – 0.14, Cu (copper) – 0.78, Zn (zinc) – 0.60, Co (cobalt) – 0.27, Mo (molybdenum) – 0.40, Cr (chromium) – 0.03, Al (aluminum) – 0.07, Ba (barium) – 0.05, V (vanadium) – 0.02, Se (selenium) – 25.00, Ni (nickel) – 0.21, Sr (strontium) – 0.01, Pb (lead) – 0.24, Ag (silver) – 8.00.1 (iodine) – 0.09, Br (bromine) – 107.10, V (boron) – 40.00 µg/g.

Coltsfoot concentrates (accumulates) copper, selenium, bromine and silver.

Medicinal properties of coltsfoot:

Also in Ancient Greece And Ancient Rome Coltsfoot was known as a medicinal herb with a fairly wide range of uses. To summarize, we can highlight several of its main medicinal (pharmacological) properties:

– enveloping;

– antispasmodic;

– softening;

– expectorant;

– anti-inflammatory;

– antiseptic.

Diseases for which coltsfoot is used:

– bronchitis and tonsillitis;

– laryngitis;

- runny nose;

- pneumonia;

– toothache, inflammation of the oral cavity;

– catarrh of the upper respiratory tract;

- bronchial asthma;

– Qatar digestive tract;

– peptic ulcers stomach;

– atherosclerosis;

– hypertonic disease;

– inflammation of the kidneys and Bladder;

– dropsy;

– furunculosis;

– abscess;

– hair loss and dandruff;

– some diseases and skin lesions (shingles, dry eczema, furunculosis, burns, wounds, inflammation of the veins, irritation from insect bites);

– mastitis;

– sweating feet;

– diathesis in children.

Remedies from coltsfoot are used to treat such serious illnesses, such as tuberculosis, bronchial asthma, pleurisy, pneumonia. In addition, coltsfoot can treat arthritis, myositis, allergies, epilepsy, malaria, edema, and shortness of breath. This herb also strengthens hair well and helps in treating excessive dandruff. Tea from the plant is useful for general weakness, diathesis.

Coltsfoot is very popular in folk medicine; decoctions, infusions are prepared from it, and juice is also made. However, when using preparations based on coltsfoot, you should remember that its leaves contain glycosides. And this is always fraught with poisoning. Therefore the most important conditions When self-medicating with this herb, it is necessary to comply with the recommended dosage of raw materials when preparing infusions and decoctions, as well as the norms and duration of their oral administration.

Infusions and decoctions from coltsfoot should not be taken for a long time, more than 6 weeks a year, because harmful substances accumulate in the body.

For any diseases, even as an expectorant, coltsfoot should not be used by nursing or pregnant women. Coltsfoot is also contraindicated for patients with individual intolerance to the plant. Coltsfoot should not be taken if menstruation is late.

Treatment of children under two years of age by any means plant origin poses a potential danger. Self-medication is contraindicated.

Long-term use of coltsfoot can cause nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever, so the recommended course of treatment is no more than two or three weeks. Follow the dosage to avoid vomiting and nausea. The plant is contraindicated for exudative eczema, since its effect aggravates this disease.

Infusions and decoctions from coltsfoot should not be taken for a long time, since harmful substances accumulating in the body can lead to serious consequences. With long-term use of coltsfoot drugs, carcinogenic effects are also possible.

Coltsfoot drugs should not be given to people suffering from liver disease. Recent studies have found that with long-term regular use coltsfoot has a negative effect on the liver. For this reason, coltsfoot is contraindicated for those suffering from alcohol addiction.

Toxic hepatitis (liver edema) is a typical disease caused by poisoning with pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These alkaloids - senecophiline and senkirkine - are found in coltsfoot. These are known to be quite strong liver poisons. Senkirkin, moreover, according to the results of experiments conducted on rodents, is capable of causing different shapes tumors, including cancerous ones.

Recently, in American official medical publications, coltsfoot was given the status of “plant of unknown safety.” But in the domestic literature on medicinal plants, alkaloids in coltsfoot are still not mentioned at all; accordingly, there are no norms or restrictions on its use.

In 1988, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a list of plants containing alkaloid poisons that damage the liver and causing cancer in people predisposed to it. Add to list dangerous plants included coltsfoot, borage, medicinal comfrey, marsh marigold, black root and a number of others. The harmful effect of the poisons inherent in the named plants does not appear immediately; their danger is not noticeable. But it exists.

In some countries, they tried to ban coltsfoot as a freely distributed plant (and even banned it in Australia and New Zealand) due to the fact that the leaves contain alkaloids that negatively affect the liver. And in Germany in 1990, a legislative act adopted: coltsfoot and comfrey cannot be used as medicine for more than 4-6 weeks a year. And pharmaceutical preparations of these plants, which contain especially many harmful substances, are discarded. We must always remember that any medicine can become deadly poison, if you do not monitor its dosage.

You should consult your doctor:

– if you have taken herbal infusions for more than two weeks and without visible effect,

– in addition to coltsfoot, you also accept others medications, it is quite possible that they simply do not combine: dietary supplements, aspirin, vitamins, expectorants, minerals, etc.,

– about the dosage of the herb that is right for you,

- planning a pregnancy.

In addition, it should be remembered that treatment medicinal herbs requires compliance:

Mother and stepmother cough:

♦ Coltsfoot cleanses the lungs of soot and dust; it does not absorb nitrates and other harmful substances. An infusion of 5 g (1 tbsp) leaf per 200 ml of water is used. Take 1/2-1/3 cup warm 1 hour before meals as an expectorant.

To prepare an infusion from coltsfoot leaves, you need 5 g of raw materials, that is, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dried leaves, which are poured into an enamel bowl. After the leaves you need to pour 200 ml of boiled hot water, close the lid and heat in a water bath for 15 minutes, stirring frequently, then cool the infusion at room temperature for 45 minutes and strain thoroughly. After the infusion is ready, the remaining raw herbs must be thoroughly squeezed out. The amount of infusion obtained must be brought to 200 ml with boiled water. The finished infusion can be stored in a cool place for two days, but no more. The infusion should be consumed warm, 2-3 times a day, 1/2 cup, approximately 1 hour before eating; the infusion acts as an expectorant.

♦ Infusion for expectoration: 5 g of leaves are poured into 200 ml of boiling water, then boil for 10 minutes, leave at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes, then strain the infusion. Use 1 tbsp. spoon 3-4 times a day.

♦ Powder from the leaves, 1/3 teaspoon 3 times a day (a teaspoon with the top of the powder is divided into 3 servings). Drink with water.

♦ For cough 1 tbsp. pour a spoonful of dried and crushed leaves into a glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes and strain. Take 1 tbsp. spoon 4-6 times a day.

♦ Prepare the infusion: 1 tbsp. A spoonful of coltsfoot leaves and calendula flowers is poured with 200 ml of hot boiled water, heated in a water bath for 15 minutes, filtered after 45 minutes. The infusion is usable for another two days. Take coltsfoot for cough in this form as a means of facilitating the removal of sputum, 0.5 tbsp. 2-3 times a day 1 hour before meals.

♦ To separate sputum from a dry cough: mix 10 parts of wild rosemary, 20 parts of marshmallow roots and 20 parts of coltsfoot herb. Brew 2 teaspoons of the mixture with 1 cup of boiling water, keep on low heat for 5 minutes and leave for 30 minutes. Drink 1/2 glass 5-6 times a day for 20 minutes. before meals.

♦ Brew like regular tea and drink when coughing or choking, since this drink acts as a bronchial cleanser, anti-inflammatory and blood purifier.

♦ When cold cough The herbal infusion helps a lot. To do this, pour a full tablespoon of dry crushed leaves into a glass of boiling water, leave the infusion for half an hour, then filter, cool and drink 2 teaspoons up to six times a day.

Coltsfoot for bronchitis:

Coltsfoot leaves - ancient Russian remedy"for cough and against choking." The leaves of this plant are component many "chest" and sweatshop collections. In folk medicine, coltsfoot baskets are also used along with the leaves.

♦ This medicine can be used in the treatment of bronchitis, laryngitis, pneumonia and other colds. Take 3 tbsp. spoons of coltsfoot leaves, pour 2 glasses of water and boil until half of the liquid has evaporated, then strain. Take 1 tbsp. spoon every 2 hours.

♦ When advanced bronchitis(and in children even with bronchial asthma), pneumonia, pleurisy, along with taking herbal medicines, it is necessary to carry out a massage. To get rid of the disease, it is necessary to normalize metabolism. If you massage it well chest, to a lesser extent – ​​the stomach and back, then this has a beneficial effect on work excretory systems and organs (kidneys, skin, lungs, also liver and intestines), cells quickly release toxic metabolic products and metabolites; the action of cellular enzymes improves, cell viability is restored.

♦ For bronchial diseases: coltsfoot, leaves – 5 g; black elderberry, flowers – 5 g; knotweed, grass - 5 g. Brew the mixture with 1 glass of boiling water. Leave covered for 1 hour, strain. Drink 3 times a day for pneumonia, bronchitis, pleurisy.

♦ Spring primrose (flowers) – 50 g, coltsfoot (leaves) -10 g, horsetail (grass) – 25 g, plantain (leaves) – 20 g. Take 4 times a day, 1/4 cup per 30 minutes before meals.

♦ Collection for the treatment of bronchitis, pleurisy and pneumonia: coltsfoot, leaves – 2 parts; oregano, herb – 1 part; chamomile - 2 parts. 2 tablespoons of crushed mixture per 500 g of boiling water. Let it steep for 5-6 hours and strain. Take 1/2 cup three times a day before meals, warm.

However, we should not forget that only a doctor can accurately diagnose the disease, assess its development and course, and prescribe necessary medications. That's why medicinal plants should be used only after consultation with your doctor or on his advice.

Based on the book by Yuri Konstantinov “Coltsfoot from a Hundred Diseases.”

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

Among the people, coltsfoot is often called two-leaf grass, mother grass, camouflage grass, podbelom, butterbur, flowering grass, icy bastweed. 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 multi-grass).

The healing properties of coltsfoot were valued in folk medicine of Ancient Greece. Translated from Latin, its generic name reads as “dispelling cough.” Indeed, recipes using the plant for the treatment of all types of coughs, ranging from chronic bronchitis smoker and ending with a cold.

Traditional medicine He doesn’t particularly favor his mother-and-stepmother with his attention. But traditional medicine doctors can offer many recipes based on this healing herb. Coltsfoot found particular distribution in breast training.

Preparation of medicinal raw materials

Both the color and the leaves are suitable for use. Flowers are collected in early spring (it is more convenient to cut flower baskets with scissors at the very base), and young shoots and leaves are picked after the fruits ripen and the achenes completely fall off (June-July). The harvested parts of the plant are dried, spread out on trays or matting, in the air under canopies, periodically stirring 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.

Nutrients in coltsfoot

The leaves of the plant contain organic acids, saponins, polysaccharides, carotenoids, volatile compounds, inulin, tannin, dextrin, mucous and tannin compounds, and 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 calm coughs, reduce and remove inflammation, stimulate the production of secretions from various glands, increase appetite, heal wounds and get rid of skin diseases.

Coltsfoot in folk medicine

Decoction and infusion of coltsfoot – excellent remedy with pleurisy, acute and chronic bronchitis, whooping cough, cough, sore throat. Taking water extracts orally is advisable for the treatment of catarrh of the stomach, intestines, bladder, as well as for relieving inflammatory processes in the kidneys. Herbal preparations help against suffocation, scrofula and dropsy. A decoction of coltsfoot is also useful for fever.

Freshly prepared juice from rhizomes and leaves has proven itself in healing from tuberculosis, it is taken as a diaphoretic and cholagogue. Fresh Juice from the leaves helps get rid of runny nose.

Fresh leaves crushed into pulp Coltsfoot is applied to boils, abscesses, carbuncles and tumors. The leaves of the plant are applied to areas of the skin with erysipelas, also the affected areas are sprinkled with crushed powder from dry raw materials.

There are known cases of healing from migraine, to do this, apply a fresh leaf (smooth side) to the location of the pain on the head. For healing from toothache The dry coltsfoot leaf is set on fire, and the smoke released is drawn into the mouth.

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

The most effective recipes based on coltsfoot

Therapeutic bath. The procedure is prescribed in complex treatment skin diseases (allergies, hives, juvenile acne, baldness, tendency to furunculosis). Pour 200 grams of dry raw materials (take equal parts leaves and baskets) with boiling water (3 liters) and leave for at least 4 hours, after covering the container with a lid and wrapping it in 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 of coltsfoot. Helps with renal colic, gastrointestinal diseases, bladder inflammation. Pour a glass of boiling water over the flowers and leaves (2 tablespoons), cover with a lid and leave for about half an hour. Take 15 ml 4-5 times a day on an empty stomach.

Plant juice. For 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 for scratches, abrasions, ulcers, as well as trophic ulcers, secure with a gauze bandage.

Smoking coltsfoot. The ancient Greek healer Dioscorides recommended smoking grass for coughs and bronchial asthma. Currently it is included in the formulation of cigarettes from medicinal herbs.

Leaf powder. Interpret dried leaves plants into fine powder, mix it with sugar in a 1:1 ratio and take a teaspoon of the mixture three times a day, washed down with hot milk with honey (forest, mountain) and soda or hot water with honey. This remedy helps relieve coughing attacks and promotes the removal of phlegm.

It is a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family. Its only representative is the common coltsfoot. Scientific name came from the Latin “tussis” (cough) and “aqo” (to drive away) and is translated as “cough”. In traditional and scientific medicine the plant is used as effective remedy From cough. Folk names plants - king potion, two-leafed grass, camouflage grass, water burdock, mother grass, butterbur. Coltsfoot is a honey plant that provides pollen and nectar to bees.

Where does coltsfoot grow up?

The plant is native to Africa and North America, how the alien plant multiplied in other parts of the World. Grows on soils that lack turf - clay, sand and pebbles. IN large quantities Coltsfoot can be seen in fields, landfills, embankments, wastelands, in ravines, near roads, along the banks of rivers and streams.

What does coltsfoot look like?

Description - Common coltsfoot has a long, branched rhizome. Two types of shoots emerge from it - floral and vegetative. The stems are erect, reaching a height of 10-15 cm, covered with ovate-lanceolate brown leaves. In early spring, flower shoots develop and bear bright yellow flowers. After flowering, vegetative flowers begin to grow. The fruit is an achene with a tuft.

Popularly, the name “coltsfoot” is explained by the characteristics of the leaves: one side is smooth and cold (like a stepmother), and the other with small fibers, soft and warm (like a mother).

When the coltsfoot blooms – the plant blooms in the European part of Russia at the end of April. From the flower shoots, flowering heads are formed, reaching a diameter of 2-3 cm. Then, fluffy caps with seeds are formed from them, which are blown by the wind over long distances.

Are coltsfoot and dandelion the same thing?

Both plants are medicinal and belong to the Asteraceae family, but to different genera.

Similarities- bloom yellow flowers, forming after flowering fluffy caps with seeds that have tufts and scatter in the wind for many kilometers.

Differences- the coltsfoot blooms even before the leaves appear, and the dandelion first appears with leaves and then flowers; its stem is hollow and contains milky juice. They differ in the shape of the leaves - in coltsfoot they have a rounded shape and on bottom side The leaves have small fluffy fibers, while those of the dandelion are elongated, feathery with cuts. Dandelion flowers are large, reaching 5 cm in diameter, while coltsfoot flowers are smaller, somewhat reminiscent of daisies.

How to properly prepare raw materials

Flowers and leaves are used for medicinal purposes; coltsfoot root cannot be harvested.

When to collect – harvesting is carried out in dry weather in an environmentally friendly manner clean places away from places of pollution - factories, highways, landfills.

Flowers– collected at the beginning of flowering, even before the leaves appear. They are cleared of debris and laid out in a small layer to dry. The collected raw materials are dried in a well-ventilated area without direct sun rays. Dried flowers are stored for 2 years.

Leaves– harvesting of coltsfoot leaves is carried out after flowering, plucking them by hand. After collection, they are dried in a darkened and well-ventilated room so that they dry evenly, they are laid out in a small layer and periodically turned over. Store for 3 years.

Coltsfoot - medicinal properties and contraindications

The benefits of coltsfoot are due to its chemical composition. It contains many useful substances:

• Vitamin C;
• Microelements (zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium);
• Essential oils;
• Bitter glycoside;
• Tannins;
• Polysaccharides;
• Organic acids;
• Inulin;
• Dextrin;
• Mucous substances.

Why coltsfoot is useful

The herb has the following therapeutic effects on the human body:

• Anti-inflammatory;
• Antiseptic;
• Antispasmodic;
• General strengthening;
• Antipyretic;
• Sweatshop;
• Expectorant;
• Diuretic.

What does it help with?

The medicinal plant will help heal and alleviate the condition of:

• Colds, infectious and viral diseases;
• Pulmonary and bronchial diseases;
• Inflammation of the mucous membrane;
• Gastrointestinal problems (stomach ulcer, gastritis, enterocolitis);
• Kidney diseases;
• Bladder catarrh;
• Pulmonary tuberculosis (in the initial stage);
• Scrofula;
• Headache;
• Atherosclerosis;
• Painful and irregular periods;
• Diseases of the upper respiratory tract (sore throat, cough, rhinitis);
• Hypertension;
• Increased cholesterol levels;
• Weakened immunity.

The mucus contained in the plant envelops the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract and relieves irritation. Saponins and organic acids dilute mucus and phlegm and remove them from the body. Essential oils tone the body. Glycosides normalize heart function. Tannins kill pathogenic microflora during colds and viral infections.

Contraindications

• Pregnant women;
• When breastfeeding;
• Children under 2 years old;
• People with liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis);
• In case of individual intolerance to the components.

How to brew coltsfoot: instructions for use

How medicine coltsfoot flowers and leaves are used. The leaves are rich in carotenoids, tartaric and malic acid, tannins, mucus, flavonoids, vitamin C. Flowers are rich in phytostyrene, carbohydrates, rutin, sitosterol, tannins. Leaves and flowers are used as raw materials for the preparation of medicines - decoctions, infusions, alcohol tinctures, teas, juice, oil extracts. They are used to make cosmetics for skin and hair care, as well as in cooking for making jam and preparing salads.

Homemade recipes:

Decoction mother and stepmother – 5 gr. Place the crushed leaf in a container with a glass of boiling water, simmer over low heat for 1/4 hour, strain. Drink 100 ml. warm three times a day. Decoctions have an enveloping and antispasmodic effect, enhance the secretion of the bronchial glands, and improve digestion. They facilitate coughing, remove phlegm, mucus and soothe cough.

Crushed flowers are used to make medicinal drinks

Tea – crushed raw materials (leaves and flowers) in the amount of 15 g. put in a teapot with boiling water. Wrap and hold for 30 minutes. Strain and drink 100 ml. twice a day. It will help stop coughing attacks, restore gastrointestinal and liver function, cleanse the blood, lower cholesterol levels, and relieve pain in the joints.

Infusion – you need to take 15 grams. coltsfoot leaves (dried), place in a container with 250 ml. boiling water, keep in a water bath for 40 minutes, strain. Take 50 ml. 3 times a day. The infusion normalizes acidity gastric juice, envelops and heals the mucous membrane.

Tincture – to prepare it, dry crushed flowers are placed in a liter jar (half full) and filled with vodka or alcohol. Place in a dark place for 10 days. After the infusion period has expired, filter and take 30 drops diluted with water once a day. Coltsfoot tincture activates metabolic processes, cleanses the blood and blood vessels from cholesterol, strengthens the body.

Juice – obtained by grinding fresh leaves in a meat grinder or juicer. Strain and drink after meals, a tablespoon three times a day.

Crushed leaves, to prepare juice, must be squeezed through cheesecloth

It is recommended to consume fresh juice to enrich the body with vitamins and boost immunity. Externally used for purulent inflammation of the skin - compresses are applied to the sore spots, changed every three hours until complete healing. The pulp remaining after squeezing the juice is used to treat mastitis, diathesis and boils.

Coltsfoot oil – crushed raw materials (fresh leaves and flowers) are placed in a jar (halfway) and poured hot vegetable oil to the top. Close and place in a dark place for ten days to infuse. Then filter and store in the refrigerator. Used externally for cosmetic purposes, to care for the skin of the face and hands.

Coltsfoot syrup – fresh leaves are crushed and placed on the bottom of the container (2 cm layer), sprinkled with sugar (in the same amount) and repeat layers to the top. Cover and put in a cool place for 20 days to infuse. Then the liquid is drained and 20 ml is drunk. before meals three times a day. It is effective to take cough syrup to stimulate metabolic processes and the body's immune forces.

Coltsfoot jam – cooking recipe: chop fresh flowers (500 g), place in a container with 2/3 liters of water and keep on low heat for about half an hour. Remove from heat and leave for another hour, then strain and add one and a half kilograms of sugar, cook for another 15 minutes. Store in the refrigerator for a month.

Jam with lemon – during the first cooking, add lemon (2 pieces), cut into pieces. It is not necessary to remove the zest; it gives the jam a slight, specific bitterness. You can use jam in small quantity several times a day. Helps restore the body after suffering from colds and infectious diseases, strengthen the immune system, cleanse the bronchi and lungs, alleviate the condition of heart and vascular diseases.

How to use:

Treatment with coltsfoot for more than 2 months is not recommended, since the glycosides contained in the plant can accumulate and poison the body. Use the plant with caution, after consulting with your doctor. It should be remembered that non-compliance with dosage may cause the appearance of side effects– diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, increased body temperature.

Coltsfoot for women

The plant has an effect on female body beneficial effect. It has an antioxidant effect, reduces the amount free radicals, accelerates recovery processes, replenishes the body with vitamins and minerals. Used for treatment gynecological diseases(inflammation of the appendages, painful menstruation, strong uterine bleeding). Helps a woman take care of her hair and skin (nourishes, moisturizes, removes rashes, reduces oiliness).

For face – the plant tones, cleanses, refreshes and activates vascular microcirculation. For these purposes, you need to wipe your face with coltsfoot broth in the morning and evening.

Honey mask– take half a glass of coltsfoot broth, add honey (a tablespoon), moisten a cotton pad in this solution and apply it to the skin. After half an hour, wash off warm water.

By doing daily procedures using coltsfoot, you can make your skin healthy and beautiful

Softening mask– fresh coltsfoot and chamomile flowers crushed to a mushy state (a tablespoon each) are mixed with cream (a tablespoon) and applied to the skin. After half an hour, wash off with warm water. It is recommended to use to relieve peeling and redness of the skin due to chapping - to nourish and moisturize it.

Hair coltsfoot – the amino acids contained in the plant help restore and maintain the beauty and health of hair. Cystine strengthens and stimulates growth, silicon removes dandruff, restores structure and gives shine to hair.

Hair Mask– for its preparation you need the following ingredients: dried nettle and coltsfoot leaves (a tablespoon each), Rye bread(100 gr.). Herbs are placed in a container with 250 ml. boiled water, keep in a water bath for half an hour and filter. Crushed bread is added to the broth and the mixture is rubbed into the roots of the hair. Leave for half an hour and rinse with warm water. The procedure strengthens hair, prevents hair loss and dandruff.

Coltsfoot hair rinse– prepare a decoction from the leaves and flowers of the plant: 50 g. The raw materials are placed in a container with two liters of water, left in a water bath for half an hour, filtered and rinsed after washing.

For weight loss – tea with coltsfoot cleanses the body of impurities and toxins, activates metabolic processes, and strengthens the immune system. Weight loss occurs due to the diuretic property of the plant - it removes excess fluid from the body.

During pregnancy – ingestion of drugs with coltsfoot is not recommended; the plant can cause uterine contractions and cause miscarriage. Can be used externally to treat varicose veins and skin ailments.

Nursing mothers – consuming the plant is also prohibited, since the reaction is unknown child's body per plant.

Use of coltsfoot in folk medicine

For pneumonia - Coltsfoot decoction helps a lot. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, has a detrimental effect on bacterial infections. You need to drink 30 ml of the decoction. 4-5 times a day.

Coltsfoot decoction is an effective remedy for the treatment of upper respiratory tract diseases

For pancreatitis – it is necessary to take the infusion of coltsfoot. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties help alleviate the condition of gastrointestinal diseases and normalize the production of enzymes. To achieve the desired effect you need to take long time(up to two months).

For sore throat - gargle with coltsfoot decoction every 2 hours until symptoms disappear. It is useful to do inhalations - wrap yourself in a towel and breathe in the vapors of the decoction.

For a runny nose – put 3 drops of juice from fresh leaves of the plant into the nose. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. Relieves congestion and frees breathing.

Against cough – It’s good to drink 100 ml of coltsfoot decoction. before meals three times a day. The drink softens, thins mucus, facilitates expectoration, and cleanses the bronchi and lungs.

The medicinal syrup tastes sweet and children take it with pleasure.

Cough for children – you need to give the child plantain and coltsfoot syrup according to dessert spoon three times a day. It can be prepared at home, or can be purchased at the pharmacy in ready-made form.

For colds – use decoction and tea from coltsfoot leaves. The tannins contained in the leaves prevent the growth of bacteria and are very effective against colds and viral infections.

For bronchitis – pour boiling water (300 ml) over crushed leaves and flowers (in an amount of 20 grams), leave on low heat for about half an hour. Strain and drink a tablespoon several times a day. The decoction has an antitussive effect, promotes expectoration, removes mucus and phlegm, and quickly and effectively cures bronchitis.

Medicinal fees

Coltsfoot, nettle – crushed plant leaves are used to prepare a decoction. The collection is steamed, filtered and rinsed with hair.

The plant is used in combination with other medicinal herbs

Sage, coltsfoot – a decoction of these plants is used to gargle with a sore throat; inhalations with these herbs are effective for treating the disease.

Chamomile, coltsfoot – are part of a herbal collection for the treatment of ARVI in children. Take angustifolia (3 parts), coltsfoot (2 parts), calendula, chamomile, linden, mint (1 part each), mix everything. 50 gr. the mixture is placed in a container with 1.5 liters of water, infused in a water bath for half an hour and used for inhalation. All herbs have an anti-inflammatory effect and contain essential oils and soften Airways. Used as a cough suppressant, chronic rhinitis, sore throat.

Lungwort, coltsfoot – are part of the pulmonary collection; thyme, echinacea and licorice roots, linden flowers are also added there (all in equal quantities). Stir and 15 g. The mixture is steamed with a glass of boiling water and left for 5-10 minutes. Filter and take 100 ml. three times a day before meals.

Chernobyl (wormwood), coltsfoot – used in herbal mixtures to treat coughs. Add herbs - oregano, calendula, comfrey, pine buds, pine needles, fir cones, chamomile and sage. Stir and 20 gr. The mixture is poured with boiling water (200 ml), infused, and taken 1/4 cup three times a day. The collection eliminates congestion, facilitates breathing and expectoration, and improves well-being.

Coltsfoot, plantain, pine buds – prepare a decoction of herbs taken in equal quantities. 30 gr. The mixture is poured with boiling water (200 ml) and kept on low heat for 5-10 minutes. Infuse and drink 50 ml. three times a day. The drink is used to treat respiratory organs - cough, sore throat, bronchitis, and is especially effective for whooping cough.

Burdock, coltsfoot, nettle – included in herbal collection for hair care. Prepare a decoction with crushed nettle and coltsfoot leaves and burdock roots - all in equal quantities. Stir and 50 gr. The mixture is poured with two liters of boiling water and left in a warm place for 15 minutes. Strain and wash your hair twice a week. The procedure removes dandruff, revitalizes hair and gives it shine.

Plantain, coltsfoot, thyme – used to treat bronchitis. Herbs are mixed in proportions 1: 3: 2 and 20 g. the mixture is placed in a container with 250 ml. boiling water, they insist. Strain and take with honey after meals.