Coltsfoot
(Tussilago Farfara)
Folk Names: Ass's Foot, British Tobacco, Bull's Foot, Butterbur, Coughwort,
Pas d' ane (French), Sponnc (Irish), Flower Velure, Foal's Foot, Horse-foot,
Horsehoof, Hallfoot, Foalswort, Fieldhove, Donnhove.
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Astrological Associations:
Element: Water
Deities: Venus
Powers: Love, Vision seeking
Description: Grows abundantly in England, most of Europe, central, western,
and northern Asia. A perennial plant, 10-30 cm high. It has long-stalked, hoof-shaped
leaves, which can reach a diameter of up to 30 cm, with angular teeth on the
margins. The leaves appear after flowering. The flower stem is a scaly, round,
tomentose scape covered with lanceolate, reddish scales, which is 30 cm long
when the fruit ripens.
Medicinal Properties and Uses: Preparations of Coltsfoot are used for the treatment
and prevention of diseases and ailments of the respiratory tract, such as coughs,
hoarseness, bronchial catarrh, acute and chronic bronchitis, asthma, colds,
influenza, inflammation and irritation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa, sore
throat, tonsillitis, and swelling of the glands.
Magickal Uses: Add to love sachets and use in spells of peace and tranquillity.
The leaves, when smoked, can cause visions.
Lore: The modern herbalist may consider coltsfoot as a patron herb; during the
French apothecary, a likeness of flowering coltsfoot was painted on the sign
to denote herbal medicines.
Preparation and Dosage:
Infusion: Pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoons of dried herb - infuse
for 10 minutes and take three times a day, as hot as possible. Tincture: 2-4
mls of the tincture three times a day.
Precautions & Adverse Reactions: Unconditionally ruled out for administration
to pregnant women and nursing mothers. Administration of blossoms should be
ruled out - leaves only should be taken internally.