Coltsfoot
Tussilago farfara, L.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU DON'T PLANT COLTSFOOT IN YOUR GARDEN- IT WILL GROW EVERYWHERE!!!
This low succulent perennial has smooth green leaves with a white cottony underside that appears in March after the large daisy-type, bright yellow flower has withered. The leaves are colts foot in shape. Naturalized in the U.S. and Canada, it originates from Europe, Siberia and East Indies. Considered by local farmers as a noxious weed, it is illegal to plant Coltsfoot near cultivated fields (whoops). Coltsfood spreads readily, and like comfrey, once planted it is virtually impossible to get rid of without spraying strong chemicals...It is advisable to not plant it but look for a patch growing in the wild.

Medicinal Part: The leaves, which should be collected when they have almost reached maturity.

Solvents: Diluted alcohol, water

Uses:
- For congestion. The juice of Coltsfoot by itself is effective in troublesome coughs. The botanical name Tussilago means "Cough Dispeller" ; this includes coughs, asthma, whooping cough, in short a chest and lung expectorant.

Dose: Steep 1 teaspoonful of the leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for ½ hour; drink ½ cupful at bedtime, hot or cold, or a mouthful three times a day, or administer according to case, up to 2 cupfuls daily.