OriginThe first yellow flower of the year
It blooms when nothing else is blooming: as early as February, the yellow flower heads stand on scaly stems in the bare clay - the horseshoe-shaped leaves that give it its name only appear weeks later.
Coltsfoot grows on bare soils: construction sites, embankments, gravel pits, rubble heaps, and loamy roadsides. It is a pioneer species, one of the first to colonize open areas, and it blooms very early in the year – often in February, long before dandelions, with which it is sometimes confused. A reliable distinguishing feature: the flower stalk of coltsfoot is scaly-leaved And at flowering time, there are no green leaves yet; in the dandelion, the stem is smooth, hollow and contains milky sap, and the rosette of leaves is already present.
The name says it all about its history: Tussilago from tussis agere, Coltsfoot is used to relieve coughs. There is hardly a European cough tradition in which it doesn't appear. Pliny described burning the dried leaves and inhaling the smoke – a practice that persisted into the 19th century in "herbal cigarettes" for asthma. As a tea herb, as a syrup, and as an ingredient in chest teas, coltsfoot was a staple in almost every pharmacy until the 1980s.
Then came the break. In the 1980s, coltsfoot was Pyrrolizidine alkaloids The same group of substances that causes problems with borage and comfrey has been proven to be present. In larger quantities and over extended periods, they can damage the liver, in extreme cases even blocking the hepatic veins. The Federal Health Office set strict limits in 1992, and since then, coltsfoot has only been permitted in medicinal products in preparations low in or free of PAs; specially bred varieties have been developed that produce virtually no alkaloids. Wild-harvested coltsfoot is not subject to these controls – and that is the reason for the reticence on this page.
To useWhat coltsfoot can do – and why we still advise against it
Let's start with the positive, because that's real. Coltsfoot leaves contain plenty of Mucus, These substances, when drunk, coat the irritated mucous membranes of the throat like a film. This is exactly what's needed for a dry, tickly cough: The urge to cough arises from irritated receptors in the throat, and a film of mucus noticeably soothes this irritation. In addition, it contains tannins and anti-inflammatory ingredients. As a cough herb, coltsfoot has truly earned its reputation – over centuries and for good reason.
The problem lies next to it. Coltsfoot forms Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, especially senkirkin and senecionine. These substances are converted in the liver into reactive intermediates that can damage cells and the small veins of the liver. The amount and duration are crucial: a single cup poses no risk, but regular consumption over weeks and months does. There are documented cases of severe liver damage, including in an infant whose mother drank coltsfoot tea during pregnancy. Therefore, the clear limits apply: not during pregnancy, not while breastfeeding, not for children, and even for adults only for a very limited time.
And now the honest conclusion, which we don't want to spare you: There are plants for exactly the same application that do not have this problem. Marshmallow root and Mallow leaves They provide more mucilage than coltsfoot and contain no pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Ribwort plantain It combines mucilage with an antibacterial component and is also safe. If you have a tickly cough, these are the better remedies. Coltsfoot is included here because it's part of history, because it's beautiful, and because you should know why it disappeared from chest teas—not because we recommend it.
IngredientsThis is what's in coltsfoot
The useful part is the Mucus Approximately six to ten percent of the dried leaves contain polysaccharides, which swell in cold water to form a viscous solution. Their effect on the mucous membranes is purely physical: they form a protective film over irritated areas, thus suppressing the urge to cough. Additional substances include tannins, flavonoids, inulin, zinc, and mucilage-related bitter compounds.
The critical part is the Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, The plant contains mainly senkirkin and, in smaller quantities, senecionin. Its content varies considerably depending on location, harvest time, plant part, and genetic origin. The flowers generally contain more than the leaves. Because this variation is so large, no reliable quantity can be specified for wild-harvested plants; this is precisely why pharmaceutical manufacturers today work with specially selected, virtually PA-free varieties.
A note on preparation, in case someone is using certified pharmacy products: Mucilage does not tolerate heat well., at least not for long. For mucilage-rich drugs, the cold extract The correct preparation involves steeping the herb in cold water for one to two hours, then straining and warming it only slightly. This applies equally to marshmallow and mallow, and it's one of the most common mistakes with cough teas: they are prepared too hot and for too short a time.
Enhanced combinationsWhat really helps with a tickly cough
Because we advise against using coltsfoot itself, here is what works instead - and why.
Contains more mucilage than coltsfoot, no pyrrolizidine alkaloids, listed by the EMA as a traditional use.
Gentle, harmless, also suitable for children - the classic remedy for a scratchy throat.
Mucilage plus antibacterial component - the wild herb for tickly coughs.
Mucilage drugs should be steeped in cold water for one to two hours, then gently warmed – they lose a lot of their properties when steeped in hot water.
Well-studied for nighttime tickly coughs: Honey performs better than some cough medicines in children over one year old.
A tickly cough often arises from dry mucous membranes - water vapor and humid room air directly affect the cause.
What contradicts itselfIt's best to avoid these combinations.
The PA content varies greatly and cannot be estimated - wild-coltsfoot does not belong in the teapot.
Even products with low PA content must be used for a strictly limited time – from a few days to a maximum of four weeks per year.
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids pass to the child; there is a documented case of severe liver damage in an infant.
The immature liver is more sensitive - avoid it completely and opt for marshmallow or mallow instead.
Coltsfoot is contraindicated in cases of existing liver problems or when taking medications that put a strain on the liver.
The historical use as a smoking agent is obsolete - smoke irritates the respiratory tract, regardless of the plant.
ApplicationHow to deal with this
- Marshmallow cold infusionThe recommended alternative: two teaspoons of marshmallow root, cold for two hours, then gently warmed.
- Mallow teaSteep two teaspoons of mallow leaves in cold water - gentle and also suitable for children.
- Plantain tea or syrupMucilage and antibacterial effect in one, harmless.
- Pure honeyA spoonful in the evening for nighttime tickly coughs - well-studied for children from one year of age.
- Tested finished goodsIf you use coltsfoot at all, then only as a PA-approved medicine from a pharmacy.
- Time limitEven inspected goods are only available for a few days, a maximum of four to six weeks per year.
- Do not collect in the wildThe PA content of wild-growing plants cannot be calculated.
- Steam inhalationIt acts directly on the dry mucous membrane, completely without herbs.
- Early bloomers in the gardenValuable as one of the first nectar sources in February for wild bees and bumblebees.
- Identification exerciseColtsfoot has a scaly stem and flowers before the leaves emerge - dandelions do not.
As a home remedyThe safe alternative
Marshmallow cold infusion for dry cough
- Place one teaspoon each of sliced marshmallow root and mallow leaves into a cup and pour over 250 ml of cold water.
- Leave to stand at room temperature for one to two hours, stirring occasionally - the liquid will become noticeably thicker.
- Strain and warm to lukewarm at most; do not boil, otherwise some of the mucilage will break down.
- Drink slowly in small sips, up to three cups throughout the day. For nighttime coughs, add a teaspoon of honey before bed.
For dry, irritating coughs, scratchy throats, and the feeling that every breath tickles. The mucilage physically coats the irritated mucous membranes and soothes the urge to cough – this is easily understood and listed as a traditional use for marshmallow root with the EMA. There are even substantial studies on the use of honey for nighttime coughs in children.
Up to three cups daily for a few days. No honey for infants under twelve months. Mucus can delay the absorption of other medications – leave at least one hour between doses. Coughs lasting longer than two weeks, accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, blood in sputum, or severe fatigue, should be evaluated by a doctor.
Ayurveda & TCMWhat the old systems say
Ayurveda
Coltsfoot is not classically represented in Ayurveda. Based on its properties, it would be classified as sweet, mucilaginous, and cooling – calming Vata and Pitta, increasing Kapha. This would fit the dry, irritating cough, which in Ayurvedic thought is a Vata imbalance; however, it doesn't fit the productive, wet cough. This is a general interpretation, not a traditional one.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
There is a real equivalent here: Coltsfoot flower is listed in the Chinese Materia Medica as Kuan Dong Hua Firmly rooted – sharp and warm, associated with the lung meridian, classically used for coughs and wheezing, especially chesty coughs caused by cold. It is traditionally used honey-roasted to enhance its effect on the lungs. However, the pyrrolizidine alkaloid question remains – even in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), time limits are now recommended.
Warning noticesWhen you should be careful
Please note
- Pyrrolizidine alkaloids: Coltsfoot contains senkirkin and senecionine, which can damage the liver depending on the amount and duration of exposure.
- No wild harvesting: The content varies greatly and cannot be estimated for self-collected goods.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children: Avoid completely - there is a documented case of severe liver damage in an infant.
- Liver diseases: Contraindicated in cases of existing liver problems or medication that puts a strain on the liver.
- Duration of use: Even PA-tested finished goods are only available for a few days and at most four to six weeks per year.
- Better options: Marshmallow, mallow and ribwort plantain achieve the same results without this risk.
This page provides information and does not replace medical advice. If symptoms persist, please consult a doctor.
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SourcesWhat is this based on?
- EMA/HMPC: Assessment report on Tussilago farfara L., folium - Evaluation of pyrrolizidine alkaloids and limitations of their use.
- Federal Health Office: Staged plan decision on pyrrolizidine alkaloids in medicinal products, 1992 - limit values and restrictions on use.
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR): Pyrrolizidine alkaloids in food - updated risk assessment, 2020.
- Roulet M et al. Hepatic veno-occlusive disease in a newborn infant of a woman drinking herbal tea. Journal of Pediatrics 1988; 112(3): 433–436.
- Blaschek W (ed.): Wichtl - Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. 6th edition 2016, monograph Farfarae folium.
