Coltsfoot Flower
Tussilago farfara
款冬花
Pinyin: Kuǎn Dōng Huā
Plant Family
Asteraceae
Part Used
Flower bud
Origin
China, Europe, North America
Safety Level
Caution
Overview
Coltsfoot is a perennial plant with yellow flowers that appear before the leaves. It has been used for centuries as a cough remedy across many traditions. The name Tussilago means "cough dispeller" in Latin.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
warm
Flavors (五味)
acrid / pungent, bitter
Meridians (归经)
lung
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Stops cough and transforms phlegm
- Moistens the lungs - for dry cough
- Treats wheezing and asthma
- Lung abscess with expectoration of pus
- Chronic bronchitis
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Decoction, syrup, honey preparation. Important: Only use flowers, NOT leaves (leaves have higher PA content). Short-term use only.
Suggested Dosage
Decoction: 5-10g. Short-term use only (4-6 weeks max).
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Late autumn or early spring, before flowers fully open
Quality Indicators
Plump, purple flower buds with strong aroma
Storage
Airtight container, cool dark place
Safety Information
Contraindications
Pregnancy and breastfeedingLiver diseaseChildrenLong-term use (due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids)Allergy to ragweed/Asteraceae
Possible Side Effects
- Liver toxicity (with long-term use or high doses - PAs)
- Allergic reaction (Asteraceae family)
Drug Interactions
- Hepatotoxic medications
- Immunosuppressants
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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