COLTSFOOT(lat. Tussilágo farfara). The literal translation is “mukonosny cough”. From the Latin words "tussis" - cough, "lago" - drive away and "farfara" - "carrying flour" (there is a powdery coating on the lower part of the leaf).
The Russian name arose due to the peculiarity of the coltsfoot leaves: the underside is fluffy and soft - "mother", and the upper smooth and cold - "stepmother". People say: "The mother loves how the summer sun warms, but the stepmother does not like - cold, like the winter sun." Symbolizes maternal care.
This plant has another rather rare feature - its flowers appear before the leaves. For this, the British call coltsfoot "son before father."
Folk names: mother-grass, king-potion, double-leafed, cold lapukha, March flower, tobacco grass (in some places its leaves “smoke” for coughing), horse hoof, near-river grass, rannik, podbel (due to the whitish color of the lower sides of the leaves), Kamchug grass (kamchug is the old name for gout), fire lettuce. The last name indicates another feature of the coltsfoot. It grows well on a fire, where there are no plants - competitors, and an excellent fertilizer - ash contributes to its rapid growth. If you dig up the soil in that place of the forest, especially spruce, where it grows, you can find coals - a trace of an old fire.
Coltsfoot blooms before all herbaceous plants and longer than other primroses - 38 days.
There are many mostly sad legends about its origin. One woman's daughter died. She spent all her days in the cemetery, stroking her palms, caressing the ground in which her beloved child rested. From maternal love, a flower appeared, which, with the felt warm side of the leaf, covered the girl's grave. But this woman also had a stepdaughter whom she did not love. And so the other side of the sheet was more rigid and cold.
Another old Russian legend tells that a long time ago, one man fell in love with another and left the family. In the former family, he left a daughter with wonderful golden hair. And so the new wife became jealous of her husband for her own daughter, was angry that he went to her, and decided to destroy her. I lured the child to the cliff and pushed it down. The mother realized that her daughter was not at home, ran to look for her, and found her dead. She then rushed to her stepmother's house and dragged her to the cliff. And then in the struggle both fell off the cliff. In this place grew small yellow flowers to match the golden-haired girl. And the leaves, on the one hand, like mother's love, were soft and tender, and on the other, hard and cold, like the hatred of a stepmother. The people called them coltsfoot.
And this legend tells about a happy family in which the mother suddenly died. The children stopped playing and singing, and the father bent over with grief, dried up. Soon a young widow, a neighbor, married the widower and became his new wife. But life never returned to the house, because the stepmother is not a mother, her voice blows cold, and her touches are evil and prickly. As soon as the sun warmed up in the spring, the youngest daughter began to run with her longing to the river and shed tears for her dead mother. Once, crying, she raised her head: and near her feet a yellow flower blossomed. And on the same day, the stepmother disappeared without a trace, and ringing laughter returned to the house again. Since then, this flower began to appear every spring to check if the children are well, and disappear again. And in summer, leaves appear in its place: with a cold top and a warm, soft inner side.
The Ukrainian legend about coltsfoot is interesting. That was a long time ago. The husband and wife lived in harmony and love, rejoiced at the children. One day my wife got caught in heavy rain, caught a bad cold and fell ill. She melted every day, like a wax candle. Feels like she can't get up already. She asks her husband: “Oh, Vasily, I will die, apparently. Don't let the kids go to waste, get married. But don't take the neighbor's widow, she won't be a mother to our children. She has enough of her own."
Vasily buried his wife, and soon betrothed - the same neighbor's widow, she managed to ingratiate herself with his confidence. She also made those rules. She divided the children into her own and her husband. Everything for their own, nothing for the orphans. Her children are dressed, fed, well-groomed, and her husbands are hungry, cold, in old clothes. As soon as the snow melted, and already the stepmother drove out other people's children to bask in the sun on the river bank. It's cold for the kids in torn clothes, they began to ask:
Sun! Sun! Warm our heads!
The sun took pity on them and put golden wreaths of its light on their heads, they warmed the children with their warmth. The stepmother saw this, ran to the river and asked:
Where did you get these wreaths?
The sun gave us, - Vasily's children answered. The stepmother turned white with envy, ran into the house and to her children:
Take blankets, and rather run to the river bank. May the sun give you golden wreaths!
But the sun only burned the top of the blankets and went behind the cloud. A cold wind blew with frost and froze the stepmother's children. And yellow flowers and green leaves appeared on the banks of the river - the children of the mother and the children of the stepmother, and only blankets remained from the stepmother herself. (
Represents perennial Astrov family. Its only representative is the common coltsfoot. The scientific name comes from the Latin "tussis" (cough) and "aqo" (to drive away) and translates as "coughleg". In traditional and scientific medicine, the plant is used as effective remedy From cough. The popular names of the plant are the king-potion, two-leafed, reptile grass, water burdock, mother grass, butterbur. The coltsfoot is a honey plant and provides bees with pollen and nectar.
Where coltsfoot grows
The homeland of the plant is Africa and North America, as an alien plant it has also multiplied in other parts of the world. It grows on soils on which there is no turf - clay, sandy and pebbly. In large numbers, coltsfoot can be seen in fields, landfills, embankments, wastelands, in ravines, along roads, along rivers and streams.
What does mother and stepmother look like
Description - coltsfoot ordinary has a long branched rhizome. Two types of shoots come out of it - flower and vegetative. The stems are erect, reach a height of 10-15 cm, covered with ovate-lanceolate brown leaves. In early spring, flower shoots develop, on which bright yellow flowers bloom. After flowering, vegetative ones begin to grow. The fruit is an achene with a tuft.
Among the people, the name "coltsfoot" is explained by the characteristics of the leaves, one side of it is smooth and cold (like a stepmother), and the other with small villi, soft and warm (like a mother).
When coltsfoot blooms - the plant blooms in the European part of Russia at the end of April. From 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 Astrov family, but to different genera.
Similarities- bloom with yellow flowers, forming after flowering fluffy caps with seeds that have tufts and scatter in the wind for many kilometers.
Differences- the mother-and-stepmother blooms even before the leaves appear, and the dandelion first has leaves, and then flowers, its stem is hollow and contains milky juice. They differ in the shape of the leaves - in the coltsfoot they have a rounded shape and small fluffy villi are located on the underside of the leaves, while in the dandelion they are elongated, pinnate with incisions. The flowers of the dandelion are large, reaching 5 cm in diameter, those of the coltsfoot are smaller than those resembling daisies.
How to properly prepare raw materials
For medicinal purposes, flowers and leaves are used, the coltsfoot root is not subject to harvesting.
When to Collect - harvesting is carried out in dry weather in environmentally friendly places far from places of pollution - factories, highways, landfills.
flowers- harvested at the beginning of flowering, even before the leaves appear. They are cleaned of debris and laid out in a small layer to dry. The collected raw materials are dried in a well-ventilated area without direct sunlight. Dry flowers keep 2 years.
Leaves- the preparation of leaves of the coltsfoot is carried out after flowering, tearing off with their hands. 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. Keep for 3 years.
Mother and stepmother - medicinal properties and contraindications
The benefits of coltsfoot are due to its chemical composition. It contains many useful substances:
- Vitamin C;
- Trace elements (zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium);
- Essential oils;
- bitter glycoside;
- Tannins;
- Polysaccharides;
- organic acids;
- Inulin;
- Dextrin;
- Mucous substances.
What is useful coltsfoot
Grass on the human body has the following therapeutic effect:
- Anti-inflammatory;
- Antiseptic;
- Spasmolytic;
- General strengthening;
- Antipyretic;
- diaphoretic;
- expectorant;
- Diuretic.
What helps
A medicinal plant will help to heal and alleviate the condition with:
- Colds, infectious and viral diseases;
- Pulmonary and bronchial diseases;
- Inflammation of the mucous membrane;
- Problems of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach ulcer, gastritis, enterocolitis);
- kidney disease;
- Bladder catarrh;
- Tuberculosis of the lungs (in the initial stage);
- scrofula;
- Headache;
- atherosclerosis;
- Painful and irregular periods;
- Diseases of the upper respiratory tract(angina, cough, rhinitis);
- hypertension;
- High cholesterol;
- Weakened immunity.
The mucus, which is part of the plant, envelops the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract and relieves irritation. Saponins and organic acids dilute mucus, sputum and excrete from the body. Essential oils tone the body. Glycosides normalize the work of the heart. Tannins kill pathogenic microflora in case of colds and viral infections.
Contraindications
- Pregnant women;
- When breastfeeding;
- Children under 2 years old;
- People with a diseased liver (cirrhosis, hepatitis);
- With individual intolerance to the components.
How to brew coltsfoot: instructions for use
The flowers and leaves of the coltsfoot are used as a medicine. Leaves are rich in carotenoids, tartaric and malic acid, tannins, mucus, flavonoids, vitamin C. Flowers are rich in phytostyrin, 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 for the manufacture of cosmetics for skin and hair care, as well as in cooking for cooking jams and salads.
Recipes for cooking at home:
Decoction mother and stepmother - 5 gr. place the crushed leaf in a container with a glass of boiling water, keep on 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 bronchial glands, and improve digestion. Facilitate expectoration, remove phlegm, mucus and soothe cough.
The crushed flowers are used to make medicinal drinks.
Tea - crushed raw materials (leaves and flowers) in the amount of 15 gr. put in a pot with boiling water. Wrap and hold for 30 minutes. Strain and drink 100 ml. twice a day. It will help stop coughing attacks, restore the function of the gastrointestinal tract and liver, purify the blood, lower cholesterol levels, and relieve pain in the joints.
Infusion - you need to take 15 gr. coltsfoot leaves (in dried form), place in a container with 250 ml. boiling water, hold in a water bath for 40 minutes, strain. Take 50 ml. 3 times a day. The infusion normalizes the acidity of gastric juice, envelops and heals the mucous membrane.
Tincture - for its preparation, dry crushed flowers are placed in a liter jar (half) and poured with vodka or alcohol. Cleaned in a dark place for 10 days. At the end of the infusion period, filter and take 30 drops, diluted with water, once a day. Coltsfoot tincture activates metabolic processes, cleanses the blood and blood vessels from cholesterol, and strengthens the body.
Juice - obtained by grinding fresh leaves in a meat grinder or juicer. Filter and drink after eating a tablespoon three times a day.
Crushed leaves, for making juice, must be squeezed through cheesecloth
Fresh juice is recommended to be used to enrich the body with vitamins and boost immunity. Externally used for purulent inflammation of the skin - apply compresses to sore spots, change every three hours until completely cured. The gruel left 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 (half) and poured with hot vegetable oil to the top. Close and place in a dark place for ten days to infuse. Then strain and store in the refrigerator. Used externally for cosmetic purposes, for face and hand skin care.
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 the layers to the top. Cover and clean in a cold place for 20 days for infusion. Then the liquid is drained and drunk 20 ml. 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: fresh flowers (500 gr.) Chop, 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 put one and a half kilograms of sugar, cook for another 15 minutes. Store in the refrigerator for a month.
Lemon jam - during the first cooking, add a lemon (2 pieces), cut into pieces. It is not necessary to remove the zest, with it the jam acquires a weak specific bitterness. You can use jam in a small amount several times a day. It will help restore the body after suffering colds and infectious diseases, strengthen the immune system, cleanse the bronchi and lungs, and alleviate the condition with diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
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, in consultation with your doctor. It should be remembered that non-compliance with doses of administration can provoke the appearance of side effects - diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever.
coltsfoot for women
The plant has female body beneficial action. It has an antioxidant effect, reduces the number of free radicals, accelerates recovery processes, replenishes the body with vitamins and minerals. Used to treat gynecological diseases(inflammation of the appendages, painful menstruation, severe uterine bleeding). Helps a woman in hair and skin care (nourishes, moisturizes, removes rashes, reduces fat content).
For face - the plant tones, cleanses, refreshes and activates the microcirculation of blood vessels. For these purposes, you need to wipe the face with a decoction of coltsfoot 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 to the skin. Wash off with warm water after half an hour.
By doing daily procedures using coltsfoot, you can make the skin healthy and beautiful
Softening mask- crushed to a mushy state, fresh coltsfoot and chamomile flowers (a tablespoon each) are mixed with cream (a tablespoon) and applied to the skin. Wash off with warm water after half an hour. It is recommended to use to relieve peeling and redness of the skin during chapping - to nourish and moisturize it.
Hair coltsfoot - the amino acids contained in the plant contribute to the restoration and maintenance of the beauty and health of the hair. Cystine - strengthens and stimulates growth, silicon - removes dandruff, restores structure and gives hair shine.
Hair Mask- for its preparation, components are needed: dried nettle leaves and coltsfoot (a tablespoon), rye bread (100 gr.). Herbs are placed in a container with 250 ml. boiled water, kept in a water bath for half an hour and filtered. The crushed bread is added to the decoction and the mixture is rubbed into the hair roots. Hold for half an hour and rinse with warm water. The procedure strengthens the hair, prevents hair loss and dandruff formation.
Coltsfoot for rinsing hair- prepare a decoction of the leaves and flowers of the plant: 50 gr. raw materials are placed in a container with two liters of water, insist on a water bath for half an hour, filter and rinse the hair after washing.
For weight loss - tea with coltsfoot cleanses the body of toxins and toxins, activates metabolic processes, 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 provoke a miscarriage. Can be used externally to treat varicose veins and skin ailments.
For nursing mothers - it is also forbidden to use the plant, since the reaction is unknown child's body on a plant.
The use of coltsfoot in folk medicine
With pneumonia - a decoction of coltsfoot helps well. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, has a detrimental effect on bacterial infections. You need to drink a decoction of 30 ml. 4-5 times a day.
Decoction of coltsfoot is an effective remedy for the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract
With pancreatitis - it is necessary to take the infusion of coltsfoot. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties help to alleviate the condition in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, normalize the production of enzymes. To achieve the desired effect, you need to take long time(up to two months).
With angina - gargle with a decoction of coltsfoot every 2 hours until the symptoms disappear. It is useful to do inhalations - wrap yourself in a towel and breathe in the vapors of the decoction.
From a cold - instill 3 drops of juice from fresh leaves of the plant into the nose. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic action. Relieves congestion and releases breath.
From cough - it is good to drink a decoction of coltsfoot in 100 ml. before meals three times a day. The drink softens, dilutes sputum, facilitates expectoration, cleanses the bronchi and lungs.
Medicinal syrup is sweet in taste and children take it with pleasure
Cough for children - you need to give the child plantain syrup and coltsfoot for a dessert spoon three times a day. It can be prepared at home, or you can buy it ready-made in a pharmacy.
From a cold - use a decoction and tea from the leaves of the coltsfoot. The tannins that make up the leaves prevent the growth of bacteria and are very effective for colds and viral infections.
With bronchitis - crushed leaves and flowers (in the amount of 20 gr.), Pour boiling water (300 ml.), 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, quickly and effectively cures bronchitis.
Medicinal fees
coltsfoot, nettle - for the preparation of a decoction, the leaves of plants in crushed form are used. 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 sore throat, for the treatment of the disease, inhalations with these herbs are effective.
Chamomile, coltsfoot - are part of the herbal collection for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections in children. They take narrow-leaved sucker (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, insisted on a water bath for half an hour and used for inhalation. All herbs are anti-inflammatory, contain essential oils and soothe the airways. Used as a remedy for cough, chronic rhinitis, tonsillitis.
Lungwort, coltsfoot - are part of the lung collection, thyme, echinacea and licorice roots, linden flowers are also added there (all in equal quantities). Stir and 15 gr. the mixture is steamed with a glass of boiling water, infused for 5-10 minutes. Filter and take 100 ml. three times a day before meals.
Chernobylnik (wormwood), coltsfoot - used in herbal preparations for the treatment of coughs. Herbs are added - oregano, calendula, comfrey, pine buds, needles, fir cones, chamomile and sage. Stir and 20 gr. the mixture is poured with boiling water (200 ml.), insisted, taken 1/4 cup three times a day. The collection eliminates congestion, facilitates breathing and expectoration, improves well-being.
coltsfoot, plantain, pine buds - prepare a decoction of herbs taken in equal amounts. 30 gr. the mixture is poured with boiling water (200 ml.) and kept on low heat for 5-10 minutes. Insist and drink 50 ml. three times a day. The drink is used to treat respiratory organs - cough, tonsillitis, bronchitis, especially effective for whooping cough.
Burdock, coltsfoot, nettle - are included in the herbal collection for hair care. Prepare a decoction with chopped nettle leaves and coltsfoot and burdock roots - all in equal amounts. Mix and 50 gr. the mixture is poured with two liters of boiling water, insisted in a warm place for 15 minutes. Strain and wash your hair twice a week. The procedure removes dandruff, revitalizes the hair and gives it shine.
Plantain, coltsfoot, thyme are used to treat bronchitis. Herbs are mixed in proportions 1:3:2 and 20 gr. mixtures are placed in a container with 250 ml. boiling water, they insist. Strain and take with honey after meals.
A beautiful plant with an original name and unique medicinal properties! People learned about its existence many years ago, back in ancient greece and Rome. widely used for effective treatment colds, viral diseases, despite contraindications. Warriors before the campaign, on the road applied to wounds and cuts, removing inflammation at the cellular level.
It is a perennial plant, with thick stems and rhizome. The flowers are yellow and lush when ripe, similar to dandelions. The coltsfoot grows in swampy areas, near rivers and lakes. She is the first to break out from under the snow and pleases the world with wonderful heads of solar inflorescences.
A photo
The medicinal properties of the plant
For its chemical composition, coltsfoot is considered the strongest herbal remedy that helps fight various diseases, has antispasmodic, antipyretic, antibacterial effects. Since ancient times, the plant has been used to treat the respiratory tract, eliminate mucus and sputum from the lungs.
Important! For therapy, often, less often - the rhizomes and flowers of the plant, they also squeeze the juice to wash the nose, open wounds, etc. Read and what helps
For digestion
The plant increases intestinal motility, improves food processing. Normalizes metabolic processes in the body, promotes the free discharge of urine. Already after 3-4 times of taking a decoction from the mother and stepmother, the patient passes flatulence, spastic colic. The stool returns to normal, the digestibility of food improves.
For vessels
Infusions and decoctions based on mother herbs help to reduce. The plant is used to prevent the treatment of atherosclerosis, helps to cleanse the body of excess cholesterol.
For diseases of the oral cavity
This remedy is popular for periodontal disease, stomatitis, tonsillitis. The astringent properties of the plant will help heal minor wounds, relieve inflammation, remove pus and clear abscesses. In therapy, it is first of all important to eliminate the source of the disease and heal the organ.
Recipe for seborrhea
Rubbing lotions, which include coltsfoot, into the skin, you can get rid of itching and flaking with seborrhea, eczema, various dermatitis, as well as restore the skin at the cellular level in damaged areas of the body.
For cosmetic purposes
The tool is used to cleanse the pores, eliminate acne in adolescence. It penetrates deep into the scalp and improves the growth of hair follicles. Helps to strengthen the structure of the nail platinum. After just a few applications, the herbal preparation is highly effective in combating dandruff and other skin disorders. Coltsfoot is a wonderful substance for the treatment of venous congestion in the legs, decoctions and lotions reduce the "blueness" and have a beneficial effect on the joints.
Contraindications
Attention! As in the treatment of any medicinal plant, before taking the remedy, all possible contraindications and side effects must be considered.
- pregnant and lactating women so that the components do not affect the development of the child;
- children under 12;
- with severe diseases of the liver and kidneys;
- with individual intolerance.
It should be used only after consulting a doctor and in compliance with all dosages.
Indications for the use of coltsfoot
- With violations in the work of the respiratory system, with pneumonia, tonsillitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis.
- If a person is regularly worried about problems with stools, with frequent constipation, flatulence, peptic ulcer, problems in the functioning of the kidneys and gallbladder.
- With an infectious lesion of the genitourinary system.
- To eliminate the symptoms of allergic manifestations, improve the overall well-being of the body.
- With dental diseases, to reduce toothache, stop the inflammatory process, disinfection.
- Decoctions help with fluctuations in blood pressure, normalize blood circulation, and have a beneficial effect on cholesterol metabolism. Recommended for atherosclerosis, other diseases of the cardiovascular system.
- Lotions help with mastitis, but in this case it is important not to rely only on a folk remedy, to consult a doctor in a timely manner.
- Coltsfoot is effectively used to improve hair structure and get rid of dandruff.
- As a tonic and tonic after illness and for prevention.
How to use the plant
Popular recipes for using the plant.
Decoction for solving dermatological problems
To prepare it, you need to take 2 tablespoons of chopped leaves, pour boiling water over it, soak in a water bath for 15 minutes. Leave for one hour and then take 50 ml every day as an expectorant.
With bronchitis
One tablespoon of crushed rhizome pour 200 ml of boiling water, insist in a thermos for how many hours. Course of treatment: 2 tbsp. l. 5 times a day. Consume within a week along with medications before full recovery.
With lichen
For these purposes, you need to make compresses from the leaves of the plant, you should take 5 tablespoons of herbs and brew in a glass of hot water. Moisten gauze and apply a compress overnight and once more during the day, until the bandage is completely dry. After 10-12 days, the first results will be visible: the skin will clear up, and will gradually decrease.
For colds
At the first signs of a seasonal illness, you need to take an infusion based on coltsfoot. 15 g of grass pour 2 tbsp. boiling water and insist in a thermos for 1 hour. Store in the refrigerator, warm to room temperature before use.
Attention! Such a mixture will be useful for children, but only under the supervision of the attending physician and parents. The dose for adults is 2 tablespoons, and for children - half as much.
For the genitourinary system
It is useful to drink decoctions of the plant instead of tea, preferably before meals. The intestines and urinary tract will be cleansed. After a short time, the work of the bladder normalizes, and problems with the stool disappear.
With hemorrhoids
Coltsfoot is the perfect solution for treating such a delicate problem as. You can do baths and douching. Procedures should be done every day for a complete recovery of the body.
Important! The agent must be at room temperature so as not to harm the patient.
With inflammatory processes
Pour 20 g of flowers with a liter of boiling water and leave for one hour. Apply the composition for superficial wounds, trophic ulcers, and other inflammatory disorders.
Plant juice and leaves
Prepared as follows:
- fresh young leaves are taken at the time of grass flowering, thoroughly washed and doused with boiling water;
- finely crushed and placed on gauze;
- juice is squeezed out.
Before use, you need to dilute it with boiling water at the rate of 1: 1, boil it well. The resulting drink drink one spoon 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 7 days.
Herbal preparations with coltsfoot
For immunity
To improve, you need to take a tablespoon of herbs, add plantain, sage, pour a glass of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. It can be taken during the period of colds, as well as for prevention.
For the same purpose, a decoction based on coltsfoot leaves, oregano, fresh raspberries is suitable. Brew in the same way. Dilute with boiling water before drinking and drink instead of tea after the main meal.
For colds and coughs
Another popular recipe: mix 2 tablespoons of marshmallow root with a tablespoon of coltsfoot and add another teaspoon. Mix everything thoroughly and pour into a glass cold water for 2 hours. Then boil in a water bath, strain and drink in a sip for colds.
To prepare an expectorant, a composition based on coltsfoot leaves is taken, everything is mixed and boiled for 20 minutes. The decoction is ready to use!
Harvesting grass
Attention! In order for decoctions and tinctures from coltsfoot to give a positive result, you need to know how to properly harvest raw materials.
It is important to do this during their growing season, in late May-early June. During this period, the stems are juicy, root system not so dry, and the leaves have not yet turned black and have not been saturated with various toxins.
Inflorescences and leaves are torn off carefully so as not to pull out the plant by the root. They are laid out on a grate and dried on the balcony, so that direct sunlight does not fall on the raw materials. If some of them begin to stain, you need to immediately throw them away so that other leaves do not become infected. After that, thoroughly grind all the ingredients and put them in a linen bag or glass jar with tight lid.
The root system should be collected after full flowering - dig out the roots, clean from the ground and dry thoroughly. After cut into small slices and put in a paper box. Watch over time so that the roots do not become moldy and begin to rot.
Attention! Wash them immediately before use!
Let these recipes help you to always be healthy and in a great mood!
Coltsfoot is a perennial plant whose golden flowers are easy to confuse with dandelions. They bloom and wither before the leaves appear. The leaves themselves are wide, shaped like hooves. The seeds of the plant are soft, hair-like tufts so dearly loved by birds that use them when building nests. If we talk about medicinal value, then it is concentrated in the leaves and inflorescences.
Chemical composition
Chemical composition coltsfoot is notable for its diversity. Combinations of organic elements inside the plant have anti-inflammatory, enveloping and analgesic effects.
The most important constituents of coltsfoot leaves are:
- Saponins - have a stimulating effect;
- Sitosterol - an ethyl group in the composition of the substance helps to normalize the level of cholesterol in the blood;
- Tannins - give the plant an astringent taste and suppress the negative effects of microorganisms;
- Mucus - has a softening effect;
- Bitter glycosides - improve appetite and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- Acids - ascorbic, gallic, tartaric and malic;
- Carotenoids are indispensable assistants in the prevention of cancer;
- Inulin is a dietary fiber consumed by beneficial bifidobacteria;
- Dextrans - regulate the process of blood circulation;
- Essential oil - a huge amount of ether is squeezed out of young plants.
Among the unique medicinal ingredients coltsfoot inflorescences includes flavonoids, tannins and steroid compounds.
Beneficial features
The mucus in coltsfoot is the source of the plant's most significant properties - anti-inflammatory and emollient. Once inside the lining of the respiratory tract, medicinal leaves form a special mucous layer that protects against the negative effects of bacteria, viruses and cold.
Women use coltsfoot herb to create cosmetics. Poultices and compresses based on inflorescences and leaves of the plant help to get rid of and eliminate skin defects. The addition of dry raw materials inside shampoos contributes. Medicinal tinctures from the herb coltsfoot help regulate the menstrual cycle with profuse bleeding.
Application in traditional medicine
The coltsfoot has been used in traditional Chinese and Russian medicine for centuries. The plant helps in the treatment of bronchitis, rheumatism, tuberculosis, relieves swelling and inflammation, and is also an effective means of preventing cancer.
The healing properties of coltsfoot are concentrated in the leaves and inflorescences. It is these parts of the plant that are dried to create medicinal preparations and extracts that are sold in pharmacies.
Before using funds traditional medicine on a coltsfoot basis, it is very important to consult with your doctor. Pregnant women and nursing mothers, as well as people with serious liver diseases, should be extremely careful.
For respiratory diseases
In the case of a dry persistent cough, coltsfoot has a softening effect. The mucous part of the plant creates a special film inside the throat that suppresses irritation.
To prepare an expectorant for dry cough, pour one tablespoon of dried coltsfoot herb with half a liter of boiled water. Put the mixture on fire and leave covered for five minutes, then strain and let cool. Decoction taken twice a day, a glass and preferably before meals.
The following recipe is suitable if a small child is worried about a dry cough during an exacerbated bronchitis. Prepare a large number of medicine is not worth it. The process does not take much time, so it is better to make frequent small portions.
For cooking decoction to treat bronchitis you will need the following herbs (proportions are equal):
- Coltsfoot;
- Melissa officinalis;
- Peppermint.
Infuse the ingredients poured with boiling water for three hours, then strain. Add natural honey to improve the taste. Ready medicinal decoction take a few tablespoons three times a day before meals.
For cardiovascular diseases
With mild heart ailments, decoctions based on coltsfoot help. For cooking tincture that lowers blood pressure, take two tablespoons of dry coltsfoot and one glass of boiled water. Pour boiling water over the collection and leave to infuse for half an hour. Strain and take one glass twice a day, preferably before meals.
At pain in the heart and nervous excitement recommend an infusion of coltsfoot leaves. To prepare the medicine, take one spoonful of dried leaves and pour boiling water over them. Leave the decoction for half an hour. Drink a quarter cup three times a day, preferably before meals.
For diseases of the urinary tract
In pharmacies, there are often curative fees based on coltsfoot, intended for the prevention of urinary tract diseases. With edema and diseased kidneys, herbal decoctions have a diuretic effect. Folk remedies also help to get rid of hepatic colic.
For prevention of bladder diseases you can mix dry leaves of coltsfoot, lingonberry and bearberry (a tablespoon of each herb). The resulting mixture is brewed for half an hour, and then drunk like regular tea.
To prepare decoction to relieve swelling that accompany diseases of the urinary tract, you should pour one tablespoon of the coltsfoot collection with a glass of water, boil the solution for a minute, leave for about an hour, and then strain. Take half a glass of medicinal decoction three times a day, preferably before meals.
For skin diseases
In addition to drinking medicinal herbs internally, coltsfoot can be used to create external remedies for skin diseases and blemishes.
Options outdoor use coltsfoot:
- burns;
- Erysipelas;
- boils;
- Furuncles;
- chronic ulcer;
- Mastitis;
- Mastitis;
- Dandruff and hair strengthening.
For the manufacture of remedies for mild burns from coltsfoot you will need to prepare a special medicinal decoction. Take a teaspoon of dry herb plants, pour two glasses of water and boil the resulting solution for half an hour. Let the tincture cool, and then soak a piece of soft cloth in it. Put the finished compress on the damaged area for about five minutes. Do compresses several times a day until the burns go away.
To cook at home ointment for the prevention of inflammation of the skin, take the following ingredients (in equal parts):
- Linden flowers;
- Coltsfoot;
- Pharmacy chamomile.
Mix all the ingredients, pour them with hot water and leave for five minutes. Then add some sunflower oil and knead the mixture. Lubricate the problem area of the skin with the resulting ointment and leave for twenty minutes, then rinse with warm water.
For hair loss
Coltsfoot is not in vain added to shampoos and hair conditioners. Vegetable proteins, acids, essential oils and mucus, working together, help restore the structure of the roots, normalize the natural growth of damaged hair, add shine and elasticity to it.
To prepare natural hair rinse, you will need dry collections of burdock and coltsfoot. Mix the herbs in equal amounts, cover with water and boil in a water bath for half an hour. Use the resulting medicinal decoction as a rinse after regular shampooing your hair.
Baldness mask can be prepared from nettle leaves, coltsfoot and milk. Take two tablespoons of each plant, pour a glass of hot milk and leave to infuse for about half an hour. Treat dry hair with the resulting product, hold the mixture on your head for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.
Application for weight loss
There are many products and herbal preparations for weight loss on sale, but not all of them meet the individual requirements of each organism. The choice of the optimal means is sometimes very difficult. The surest way to lose weight is to create your own daily routine, play sports and choose natural aids.
To prepare a means of reducing excess weight and normalizing metabolism, you will need:
- 10 grams of coltsfoot;
- 80 grams of blackberry leaves;
- 10 grams of birch leaves.
Mix all the above ingredients, pour a liter of water and boil the resulting mixture for ten minutes. Take a glass of decoction twice a day before meals. Tincture helps to reduce appetite and normalize metabolism. However, remember that this is an additional weight loss aid, in addition to using it, you must monitor your diet and exercise regularly. exercise.
Features of use during pregnancy
Unfortunately, coltsfoot-based internal remedies are not recommended for pregnant women and nursing mothers. The plant contains alkaloids. These substances change the composition of mother's milk and adversely affect the health of the child. Also, alkaloids can terminate a pregnancy. They penetrate the placenta and destroy the fetus.
Do not take decoctions based on this plant during pregnancy. Use of coltsfoot herb during pregnancy causes miscarriage or premature birth with a stillborn baby.
Due to serious harm during pregnancy, coltsfoot herb is banned for free sale in some countries, such as Germany and Australia. Only in rare cases and under the supervision of a doctor is it possible to use the plant externally. These points include the treatment of skin defects, burns and acne. Also, pregnant women can use the herb to strengthen hair and eliminate dandruff.
Contraindications and harm
The healing properties of the plant are praised by many, but about side effects mother-and-stepmothers do not know everything. The most dangerous component of flowers is alkaloids. They are especially worth avoiding for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Do not use decoctions based on coltsfoot in the following cases:
- Serious liver disease;
- Pregnancy;
- Lactation;
- The age of the child is up to two years;
- Any problems with the gallbladder;
- Sick kidneys;
- Allergic reaction;
- Special cases of individual intolerance.
You also need to be careful about the dosage of medicinal drugs. It depends on several factors, such as age, health status and the presence of chronic diseases. To date, there are no scientifically proven data that would establish the maximum effective amount of coltsfoot in each case.
Foreword
mother and stepmother - very popular medicinal plant in our country. Decoctions from this flower treat colds, liver and kidney diseases, cleanse and tone the skin, make hair healthy and strong.
This plant can always be found in the composition of breast fees, which are used to treat asthma, laryngitis and bronchiectasis. An infusion of the leaves of the mother and stepmother is simply necessary for bronchitis, as a means for expectorating 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 a sharp toothache, swelling, improve the functioning of the stomach and intestines. It will also help with broncho-pulmonary diseases.
Mother and stepmother can be seen in the composition of some cosmetic ointments and creams used to treat pustular inflammation, dermatitis, burns and ulcers. Shampoos containing an extract from this plant perfectly fight dandruff and strengthen hair follicles. Masks based on this herb help to rejuvenate the skin of the face, neck and décolleté, smooth out small wrinkles, tone up, relieve irritation and peeling.
Mother and stepmother refers to perennials that grow as weeds throughout Russia. It has straight stems about 10–25 cm, with reddish scaly leaves. Its small, bright yellow flowers, about 2.5 cm in diameter, when ripe and fade, are very reminiscent of fluffy dandelions. It begins to bloom very early, as soon as the snow melts, from about the end of March or the beginning of April. The mother and stepmother grows in small groups on moist soil, on the clay banks of streams and rivers, on embankments or in ditches.
Harvesting mother and stepmother can begin no earlier than July, after the ripening of all her flowers, when the leaves become strong and large enough.
It is better to put leaflets plucked or cut with a knife into a basket, while trying not to crush or tamp them too hard. Then the collected material is 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 stirred and mixed from time to time. Medicinal raw materials are stored in clean fabric bags for about three years, because after this period beneficial features herbs mother and stepmother are lost.
To prepare an infusion for removing sputum from the lungs with pneumonia, 1 tablespoon of the collection of mother and stepmother, a spoonful of raspberries, a spoonful of anise fruits, a spoonful of linden blossom and willow bark is taken. The medicinal collection is poured with hot boiled water, boiled for several minutes, cooled and infused for at least an hour. Drink a medicinal drink, like tea, several times a day before meals.
With skin diseases, ulcerative abscesses and bedsores, compresses from the leaves of the mother and stepmother help well, since they have an antimicrobial and wound healing effect. For this, fresh leaves of the plant are taken, from which the juice is squeezed. Then a clean gauze swab is soaked in the resulting juice and applied to unhealthy skin areas. You need to change the compress every 3-4 hours until a complete cure.
Who should not be treated by mother and stepmother?
Decoctions from this unique medicinal plant still need to be taken quite carefully. Treatment with them should not last more than one and a half months within one year, since harmful substances, alkaloids that adversely affect the liver accumulate in the human body. Therefore, these infusions are recommended to be added as an additional component of treatment, and not as the basis of the course. Before you start using this herb, you should definitely consult with your doctor and find out contraindications to its use.
