It will take quite a bit of time, the snow will melt, and the first yellow eyes of the flowers of the forest lapushka will appear on the thawed patches. What plant do you think it is? It is also called kamchuzhnaya grass or kolorechnaya grass. Rannik, butterbur. Well? Guessed? If not, then such names as a two-faced, stepmother, mother-grass will definitely help you decide. This, of course, mother-and-stepmother.
A unique plant, there are so many names. Yes, what a variety!
The names mother-grass, stepmother and two-faced are associated with an interesting pubescence of leaves. Radical leaves, located on long petioles, are rounded heart-shaped from above - smooth, cold, like an unkind stepmother, and from below - soft, velvety, warm - like an affectionate mother.
The mother and stepmother plant has a branched creeping rhizome and thin roots. Golden-yellow flowers appear directly from the rhizome in the earliest spring, long before the leaves appear.
Properties of the plant coltsfoot
However, not flowers, namely leaves are very valuable for medicinal purposes. It is the leaves that contain a huge amount of useful substances. Macronutrients: magnesium, calcium, potassium; trace elements: selenium, silicon, copper, and many others.
And the medicinal properties of the leaves are due to the presence in them of substances such as the glycoside tussilagin; saponins; sitosterol; malic, tartaric, ascorbic and gallic acids; polysaccharides: inulin, dextrin; flavonoids (rutin, hyperoside). Carotenoids, essential oils and other substances also determine the beneficial properties of coltsfoot.
The healing properties of coltsfoot have been known for a very long time, even in ancient Rome. Pliny and Dioscorides used the coltsfoot plant in the treatment of coughs and various lung diseases in the form of aromatherapy - patients inhaled the smoke from dried leaves through a tube, and a decoction of the leaves was also used. Hippocrates used preparations of the coltsfoot plant both as an expectorant and as an external remedy, for example, in the form of poultices for abscesses.
Application of coltsfoot
Nowadays, infusion and decoction of the leaves are prescribed by doctors, mainly as an emollient and expectorant in the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract (laryngitis, bronchitis).
The mother and stepmother plant is also used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.
The leaf mother and stepmother is part of the diaphoretic teas and nursing fees, as a remedy for fever.
Another use of mother and stepmother is in the treatment of skin ailments: erysipelas, scrofula and hair loss.
When and how to harvest coltsfoot grass
The collection of leaves of the mother and stepmother is carried out in the summer sometimes, in June-July, during their maximum development. Collect unfolded (not young) leaves with part of the petiole. Dry raw materials at 50-60 ° in electric dryers or in an ajar oven. The leaves are laid out in layers of 1-2 sheets and a couple of times a day the leaves are carefully turned over.
Dried raw materials are stored for up to 3 years.
Content
Water burdock, Kamchuzhnaya grass - it's all the same plant that is used in the treatment or prevention of various diseases. It has a strange structure of leaves: the top surface is hard, cold, and the bottom is warm, tender, hence the name. Grass coltsfoot - medicinal properties and contraindications for use, how to prepare healthy infusions, decoctions from leaves and flowers at home, find out further.
What is coltsfoot
Common coltsfoot (from Latin - tussilago farfara) is a perennial herbaceous grass. Feature - yellow small flowers, similar to tongues. They are collected in baskets. Leaves scaly, large. The top of the leaf is smooth, the bottom is pubescent, white tomentose. The plant reaches up to 20 cm in height. Basal leaves from afar look like burdock. Flowering begins in early spring, sometimes it can grow between unmelted snow.
Chemical composition
The herb is used in folk medicine, has a rich chemical composition. Useful substances are found in fresh, dried leaves, flowers. With the help of medicinal raw materials of the plant, decoctions, infusions, teas and other remedies for the treatment of diseases can be prepared. Next, consider what is contained in the flowers, leaves of the coltsfoot:
- mucus-polysaccharides;
- dextrin;
- bitter glycosides;
- inulin;
- organic acids;
- ascorbic acid;
- vegetable essential oils;
- carotenoids;
- sitosterol;
- saponins;
- tannins;
- flavonoids.
Water burdock flowers contain the following beneficial substances:
- triterpene faradiol;
- tetraterpene taraxanthin;
- arnidol;
- heptacosan hydrocarbon;
- stigmasterol;
- sitosterol;
- tannins.
pharmachologic effect
Dry leaves of coltsfoot have an expectorant, anti-inflammatory effect. Mucus and acids help to thin the viscous secretion that is secreted in the upper respiratory tract, improve sputum production. Flowers with plant leaves:
- have a diaphoretic effect;
- provide a mucolytic effect;
- eliminate inflammatory processes;
- speed up recovery.
Fresh leaves are used like plantain - they are applied to festering ulcers, festering wounds and abscesses. Plant effects include:
- antihypoxic;
- multivitamin;
- antioxidant;
- cleansing.
Healing properties
The medicinal properties of the plant have a beneficial effect on the skin and the human body. Fresh leaves are applied to sore spots, and infusions, decoctions, teas, and ointments are made from dry raw materials. Fresh juice is taken for inflammatory diseases. The herb has a medicinal effect on the adult and children's body:
- improves the immune system;
- strengthens the body;
- stimulates the functions of the endocrine glands;
- provides diaphoretic, wound-healing effect;
- expectorant effect;
- stimulates the healing of wounds on the skin.
Indications for use
Useful properties of coltsfoot help to cope with many diseases. In the following list, you will find out what diseases the plant copes with. The above list is not complete, because many traditional healers hide coltsfoot recipes that help get rid of many diseases. Indications for the use of water burdock are as follows.
Respiratory diseases and viral infections
A person and a child can get sick with various respiratory infections throughout the year, and sometimes several times. These are acute infectious diseases that occur after the penetration of viruses into the human respiratory system. Inside, pathogenic organisms multiply, causing an inflammatory process. Coltsfoot - its medicinal properties and contraindications, will help cure diseases such as:
- laryngitis;
- bronchitis / pharyngitis;
- Chronical bronchitis;
- tracheitis;
- bronchopneumonia;
- pneumonia;
- whooping cough;
- bronchiectasis;
- lung abscess;
- SARS.
Diseases of the gallbladder and urinary tract
The kidneys are essential for the normal functioning of the human body systems. Organs perform excretory, metabolic, osmoregulatory and other functions. If a person has diseases of the urinary tract or gallbladder, this negatively affects the functions of the whole organism. Coltsfoot helps to cope with many problems of these organs and systems:
- chronic prostatitis;
- atherosclerosis;
- prostatic hyperplasia;
- thrombosis;
- embolism;
- aneurysms;
- prostate adenoma;
- hemorrhoids;
- urolithiasis;
- kidney cyst;
- arthritis;
- cystitis.
Medicinal properties in cardiovascular diseases
Thanks to the systemic circulation, the functions of the heart are performed, vascular tone is maintained, blood circulation throughout the body. In diseases of the cardiovascular system in folk medicine, water burdock is used to treat. If the functions of the heart, vascular tone are impaired, this can lead to the fact that the organs and tissues will not receive the necessary amount of blood and oxygen, there will be:
- ischemia;
- myocardial infarction;
- stroke;
- angina;
- arrhythmia;
- peripheral vascular disease;
- hypertension;
- disorders of the nervous system.
Damage to the skin
The skin is an integral part of our body: it shows the “consequences” of nutrition, a person’s lifestyle. The skin is also vulnerable, like our other organs, to various pathogenic microbes. Subsequently, the skin may suffer from psoriasis, dermatosis, dermatitis. In folk medicine, coltsfoot copes with various diseases of the skin:
- psoriasis;
- dermatitis;
- dermatosis;
- dandruff;
- hair loss;
- abscesses.
For weight loss
A medicinal plant can be not only a panacea for all diseases, but also a means for losing weight. You can use coltsfoot to eliminate excess fat - it has a good effect on the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract). But this effect can be obtained only in combination with sports and proper nutrition. The plant is used as a stimulant, aid to the stomach and intestines.
Features of use for children
For children under two years of age, it is forbidden to use preparations based on water burdock without consulting a pediatrician. Sometimes mothers simply add decoctions of the plant to baths while bathing. Dry leaves and flowers of water burdock should not be brewed for children during a prolonged cough, diathesis or high body temperature, it is better to consult a doctor. Fresh leaves can be applied like psyllium for minor injuries.
For women
Water burdock can treat various problems that are associated with gynecology. The plant and its composition are able to have anti-inflammatory effects on the female reproductive system. During pregnancy, you can do enemas for douching or wash with decoction. In oncology, an ammonia solution based on elecampane root is used. Coltsfoot does not apply during lactation.
Grass coltsfoot– application
Water burdock is used to treat various diseases, but not everyone knows when, in what form and what dosage is needed for various ailments. Coltsfoot - medicinal properties and contraindications are described earlier in the article, below are recipes for the preparation of infusions, decoctions, fresh juice and other uses of a botanical plant, dosage for various diseases.
leaf infusion
With poor digestion, cholecystitis, inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, it is necessary to prepare the following infusion:
- 20 g of the plant must be crushed, pour a glass of boiling water, leave for half an hour, strain through a cloth.
- Reception - 1-2 tablespoons 4 times a day.
For cough, acute or chronic bronchitis, pharyngitis, bronchial asthma, hoarse voice, gastrointestinal diseases, an infusion of the leaves of the plant is prepared:
- 4 tsp leaves are crushed, brewed in a glass of boiling water, insisted for half an hour.
- Then the infusion is filtered, they drink a quarter cup three times a day.
Decoction coltsfoot
With bronchitis, a decoction is prepared in milk. To do this, take a tablespoon of chopped herbs, pour 500 ml of milk, add fresh lard (on the tip of a knife), cook in a sealed container for about 10 minutes. Then the remedy is filtered and taken at night, 50 ml each. With shortness of breath, take 15 grams of crushed dry leaves, they need to be brewed with boiling water (0.2 l), insist until cool, filter. Take a tablespoon every 3 hours.
For pneumonia, you need to take 3 tablespoons of chopped herbs, pour a liter of boiling water in an enamel pan. Then the infusion should be boiled in a water bath in a sealed container for about 15 minutes, leave to cool. After - the mixture is squeezed and filtered. Boiled water is added to the infusion, a tablespoon of honey is added, and half a glass is taken three times a day.
In case of bronchial asthma, a glass of dry leaves is poured with a glass of boiling water, insisted for half an hour and filtered. You need to take ¼ cup four times a day. With colpitis, you need to prepare everything for douching. To do this, take a tablespoon of crushed leaves, pour a glass of boiling water, insist for half an hour, strain, add boiled water again. Douching is carried out with a warm decoction twice a day.
Fresh Juice
Fresh juice is squeezed from the fresh leaves of the plant. They can cure a runny nose. To do this, you need to drip into the nose 2-3 drops in each nostril throughout the day. Effective juice during seasonal diseases. To increase the immunity of the body, you need to drink fresh juice from the leaves of the grass. For a day you need to drink 1-2 tablespoons of juice 4-5 times. The course of treatment is 1 week in a row for several seasons.
Tea
Tea can be bought in cloth or paper bags, or you can pick leaves from the garden. The botanical appearance of the plant, without any impurities that may be in tea packages, will have a beneficial effect on your body. Tea is taken for dropsy, suffocation, chest diseases, cough. For brewing, take a teaspoon of chopped herbs, pour boiling water (a glass), cover with a lid and leave for up to 10 minutes. The tea needs to be filtered. Use three times a day for a cup in hot form.
Alcohol infusion
Alcohol tincture is prepared from the flowers of the plant and vodka. It can help with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. For cooking, it is recommended to collect flower baskets immediately after they appear. The ratio of flowers and vodka is 1:1. The mixture is insisted for a week in the shade. Take 35-40 drops before meals. If there are remains of flowers in the blanks, you can make tea or a new alcohol tincture. Store in a thermos.
Powder
The powder is taken for colds, in the form of compresses for thrombophlebitis, for gargling. For colds, it is necessary to take a third of a teaspoon of the powder three times a day with plain boiled water. To rinse, take two tablespoons of plant powder, pour a glass of boiling water, insist for half an hour, filter. Then gargle with warm infusion 5-6 times a day.
Methods of application at home
Water burdock is used at home in various forms: baths, applications, compresses or inhalations for various respiratory diseases. To do this, it is not always necessary to boil the mixture. It is necessary to collect the leaves of the plant during flowering, when the grass contains a large amount of nutrients. The following are home remedies.
Applications
Applications from the plant are used for polyarthritis, rheumatism, furunculosis, ulcerative lesions, infected wounds, scrofulous ulcers, calluses. To use coltsfoot, you need to collect fresh leaves of the plant, knead, squeeze. The mixture is spread on the affected area, wrapped with parchment paper, secured with a bandage. Sometimes you can boil dry leaves with boiling water, cool, apply to sore spots.
Inhalations for respiratory diseases
During colds, inhalations are made based on chamomile and water burdock. Take a teaspoon of herb and 2 teaspoons of chamomile. Then pour 0.5 ml of boiling water, boil over medium heat, cool to a warm state. Next, they bend over the pan, cover their heads with a towel, inhale the steam for 7-10 minutes. At the same time, not only the symptoms of a cold disappear, but also acne with acne.
Foot baths
Foot baths not only help to cope with fatigue and "buzz" of the legs. The plant can help with varicose veins in the legs. Baths can be taken several times a week. The duration of the procedure is about 25 minutes. To prepare a bath, pour two full handfuls of leaves with boiling water, insist a little. Then the infusion is poured into a bowl of hot water.
Leaf compress for lactation
During lactation, the woman's body itself decides when breast milk collection is required, in what quantities. In order to reduce the appearance of milk, to facilitate this process, to prevent the appearance of hardening and other pathologies of the breast, it is necessary to apply compresses directly to the chest. To do this, take the washed leaves of water burdock, apply them with a shiny side to the chest. Coltsfoot - its medicinal properties and contraindications, is used very often for these problems or possible diseases.
Contraindications and side effects
Despite the usefulness of coltsfoot, its medicinal properties and contraindications also exist. This also applies to side effects. The use of this plant may not always bring the desired effect from the course of treatment. The instructions say that herbal products should not be taken:
- with increased sensitivity to the components of the drug;
- during pregnancy, lactation;
- children under 12;
- liver disease;
- delayed menstruation;
- eczema.
In case of an overdose, symptoms of side effects can be observed: fever (fever), pain, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, nausea. At the first sign, you should contact your doctor. At home, you need to wash the stomach with warm milk or activated charcoal in order to eliminate the symptoms of side effects.
As part of phytopreparations
Due to its qualities, coltsfoot - medicinal properties and contraindications, is used in various herbal remedies. Means contain vegetable raw materials. Coltsfoot drugs can treat various diseases of the respiratory system. Treatments include Broncholit, which contains sage, coltsfoot, Crimean rose, linden, mullein, elecampane root and other tinctures.
Discuss
Medicinal properties and contraindications of coltsfoot herbs
Foreword
Mother and stepmother is a 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 expectoration of sputum, and for diseased kidneys and problems with the 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, since after this period the beneficial properties of the herb 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.
Belongs to perennial herbs of the Compositae family. In medicine, the leaves of the coltsfoot are used in diaphoretic and nursing collections, and this herb can also be used as an excellent expectorant.
The color of the flowers is golden yellow, the marginal flowers are reed, the middle ones are tubular, pistillate. Coltsfoot flowers are bisexual. The leaves are basal and appear after the plant has faded, they are round-heart-shaped, slightly angular, rather dense, there are uneven denticles on the edge, from below and above the leaves are white tomentose. When you touch the leaves, they seem warm, the upper surface is bare, cold. Achenes in coltsfoot with tuft.
Coltsfoot usually grows on clay slopes, hills, over river bluffs, all sorts of embankments, in wastelands, and, like any weed plant, can grow in fields.
coltsfoot cooking
To prepare an infusion from the leaves of the coltsfoot, you will need 5 grams of raw materials, that is, a tablespoon of dried leaves, which are poured into an enamel bowl. After the leaves, pour 200 ml of boiled hot water, close the lid and heat in a water bath for 15 minutes, while stirring the composition often. After the infusion should be cooled at room temperature for 45 minutes and carefully strain. After the infusion is ready, the remaining raw herbs must be carefully squeezed out. The amount of the resulting infusion should be brought with boiled water to 200 ml. Ready infusion can be stored in a cool place for two days, but no more. It is necessary to use the remedy in a warm form 2-3 times a day for 1/3-1/2 cup, about 1 hour before eating, the infusion is used as an expectorant.
Another method of preparing coltsfoot is done as follows: 5 g of leaves are poured into 200 ml of boiling water, after which the composition must be boiled for 10 minutes, left at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes, after which the broth must be filtered. It is recommended to use the medicine 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day.
To prepare juice from the leaves of the coltsfoot, you need to take fresh raw materials, collected in June. The leaves are thoroughly washed with water, after which they must be doused with boiling water, passed through a meat grinder and the resulting mass is carefully squeezed out. Freshly prepared juice should be diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 1, after which it should be boiled for 2-3 minutes. Take juice 3 times a day after meals, 1 tablespoon. The course of treatment with coltsfoot juice lasts from 7 to 10 days.
Treatment of a runny nose with fresh coltsfoot juice is done as follows: you need to instill 2-3 drops of juice into each nostril.
If there are problems with hair loss and profuse dandruff, a decoction of coltsfoot in half will help well. Collect flowers of coltsfoot grass in early spring, around noon, and it must be a good, sunny day.
To prepare an alcohol infusion of coltsfoot, you need to take flowers and alcohol in equal proportions, and then insist everything in a dark place for 7 days, but not less than this period. You need to take such an infusion in drops, from 30 to 40 drops, shortly before meals.
Useful properties of coltsfoot
Coltsfoot contains a large amount of mucus, which has an enveloping effect on the mucous membrane of the human mouth, as well as the throat and larynx, and helps protect against irritation. In addition to mucus, this plant contains saponins, as well as organic acids, which help soften, thin the dry discharge in the upper respiratory tract, contribute to the recovery process of the natural movement of the ciliated epithelium in the trachea and bronchi. Thus, thanks to these properties of coltsfoot, the process of evacuation of the products of the inflammatory process is accelerated, and this herb also contributes to expectoration of sputum due to the content of tannins, carotenoids and sterols, which have a clearly directed effect on the elimination of inflammatory processes, reduce hyperemia of the mucous membranes.
Traditional medicine advises an infusion of coltsfoot leaves as an expectorant, disinfectant and, of course, anti-inflammatory agent for almost all diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Also, an infusion of coltsfoot leaves is used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract as a remedy with astringent properties.
In folk medicine, they love coltsfoot very much, prepare decoctions, infusions from it, and also make juice, all these remedies are used for bronchial asthma, bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, flu, runny nose.
In addition, coltsfoot is able to treat toothache, inflammation of the oral cavity, arthritis, myositis, allergies, epilepsy, malaria, edema, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal diseases, stomach ulcers, gastric catarrh, heart, bladder and kidney diseases. . Coltsfoot can also be used externally - for boils, erysipelas, ulcers, burns, and this herb also strengthens hair well and helps in the fight against profuse dandruff. Traditional medicine advises taking an infusion of leaves and flowers of the coltsfoot for tracheitis, laryngitis, gastritis, enteritis, cystitis, nephritis, hypertension, and also for disorders of the nervous system. Tea made from coltsfoot is drunk with exudative diathesis, with general weakness of the body.
Collecting and drying coltsfoot
As you know, in coltsfoot, the medicinal raw materials are leaves, which are harvested in the first half of summer, about 2-3 weeks after the baskets are seeded, this usually happens in June-July. It is necessary to cut off the baskets with your hands, capturing about 5 cm of the petiole, this is done immediately after the dew has come down. When collecting leaves, you should not pluck very young leaves that have pubescence on both sides, and you should not collect leaves affected by rust, and those that begin to turn yellow. Collect the leaves of the coltsfoot for harvesting should be away from places where animals graze and dogs walk.
You can dry the collected raw materials in the attic, or in any other way, as well as in the open air, laying out the leaves in a thin layer. When the leaves are drying, they must be carefully turned over once or twice so that both sides of the leaves dry evenly. Raw materials can also be dried in dryers, where there is artificial heating that maintains a temperature of 50-60 ° C. Raw materials can be stored for three years.
It is necessary to collect flower baskets of the coltsfoot at the beginning of the flowering of grass, this occurs around March-April, it is necessary to pluck the baskets in the same way as the leaves, with your hands, while removing the remnants of the stem that may remain on the basket. It is necessary to dry the coltsfoot baskets in the shade, spreading them out in one thin row. Such raw materials can be stored for two years.
Most harvesting of this grass is done in Ukraine, as well as in Lithuania, Belarus, in the regions of Russia - Voronezh and Volgograd.
Contraindications to the use of coltsfoot
Coltsfoot is contraindicated for children under two years of age. You should not drink it also for pregnant women and women who are in the lactation period. You should not use medicines from this plant for those people who have liver problems, this also includes people who are ill with alcoholism. The general course of coltsfoot treatment should not exceed one and a half months per year.
Expert editor:
Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna| PhytotherapistEducation: A diploma in the specialty "Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the University named after N. I. Pirogov (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Moscow University of Peoples' Friendship (2008).
It is unlikely that there will be at least one person in the world who has never heard of such a medicinal plant as coltsfoot. Moreover, for sure, many of you have already managed to resort to the help of this herb. Mother and stepmother is a truly miraculous plant that was known to mankind many centuries ago.
plant description
Growing coltsfoot everywhere. Most often, this plant can be seen on hills, slopes, in ravines, wastelands, along river cliffs. It is also worth noting that almost all parts of this plant are used both in folk and traditional medicine. Especially popular are the leaves of coltsfoot.
Medicinal herbs and leaves are known for their anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antiseptic effects, it is thanks to these qualities that they are so often used in folk medicine.
The use of decoctions in the old days was the main type of treatment. The common coltsfoot owes its beneficial properties to its rich chemical composition; the composition of the leaves and inflorescences is slightly different.
The chemical composition of inflorescences includes:
- sterols;
- routine;
- heptocosan;
- phytosterols;
- arnidol;
- firadiol;
- triterpene alcohols;
- complex carbohydrates.
And the leaves:
- carotenoids;
- tannins;
- essential oils;
- ascorbic acid;
- slime;
- organic acids;
- useful glycosides;
- tannin.
Useful substances have a complex effect, increase the outflow of sputum, soften the load on the vocal cords, suppress coughing, and stimulate the bronchial glands.
Thanks to this action, coltsfoot is used in folk medicine for the treatment of pulmonary and bronchial diseases.
Main medicinal characteristics
The leaves and inflorescences of the coltsfoot contain a large amount of vitamin C and essential oils. In addition, they contain such useful substances as carotene and glycosides.
This plant is a good tool that is actively used to strengthen the body's immune system. In addition, coltsfoot has such medicinal properties as:
- Anti-inflammatory long-term effect on the body.
- disinfectant property.
- Relieves cough.
- Eliminates and prevents hoarseness.
In addition, decoctions of this plant can be used to stimulate appetite in humans and treat inflammatory processes that have appeared on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.
Due to the fact that this plant contains a huge amount of mucus and polysaccharides, it can also have a softening effect on the entire body and inflamed areas of the mucous membrane.
Coltsfoot is an excellent remedy, which is quite often used during the treatment of diseases related to the respiratory system. A decoction made on the basis of this herb is highly effective in the course of treatment of such diseases as:
- bronchitis;
- high blood pressure;
- runny nose;
- laryngitis;
- asthma.
In addition, often decoctions made from coltsfoot are actively used during the treatment of angina. Also, this herb is able to perfectly eliminate spasms and remove accumulated sputum from the body.
Tinctures prepared from it help to eliminate strong inflammatory processes that occur in the mucous membranes, reduce swelling, and also eliminate the bacterial factor that contributes to the emergence and development of various diseases.
Due to the fact that coltsfoot stands out among other herbs with pronounced antispasmodic and bactericidal properties, it is perfect during the course of treatment of various diseases that are accompanied by inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system.
Also, this plant is often used during the normalization of kidney function. It quickly and effectively eliminates inflammation and acute pain in the body.
Another feature of this plant is that it can have a beneficial effect on the state of the digestive system.
Thanks to the use of this herb, there is a significant increase in intestinal motility, and the digestibility of food consumed is also significantly improved. In addition, it should be noted that this plant actively stimulates the free flow of bile in the body.
Thanks to its use, diseases such as colitis, increased flatulence can be eliminated. In addition, it should be noted that coltsfoot acts as an excellent remedy for constipation.
Tinctures and decoctions prepared from this herb are often used when a person has high blood pressure. After all, as you know, coltsfoot is able to quickly bring down high blood pressure and actively stimulate the work of all organs of the cardiovascular system.
Quite often, this herb is actively used for preventive purposes, as well as during the treatment of such an ailment as atherosclerosis. In addition, it is able to actively remove accumulated toxins and cholesterol from the body.
Decoctions made from coltsfoot are actively used when diseases appear in the oral cavity.
For example, such decoctions are often used to eliminate stomatitis, periodontal disease, or bleeding that has appeared in the gums. Due to the fact that this plant has astringent properties, decoctions prepared from it are able to quickly stop bleeding and effectively heal wounds.
In addition, it is worth noting that coltsfoot, due to its anti-inflammatory and strong bactericidal abilities, is able to eliminate the sources of infection in the body and relieve inflammation.
Coltsfoot acts as a fairly effective tool that helps eliminate the occurrence and spread of purulent diseases that may appear on the surface of the skin.
For example, this herb is often used to quickly and effectively eliminate ulcers, acne, and dermatitis. It is also indispensable in the treatment of abscesses, the elimination of bedsores or the treatment of corns.
When eliminating skin diseases, special baths are used, in which tincture made from coltsfoot is added. Quite often, these tinctures are used for rubbing or making lotions.
It is worth noting that such a plant as coltsfoot can be actively combined with a variety of herbs that have medicinal properties. For example, if you add coltsfoot to a decoction made from nettle, you can get a remedy that perfectly copes with itching, hair loss or seborrhea.
In order to eliminate such an ailment as diathesis in a small child or get rid of excessive sweating of the legs, you can use a special powder previously prepared from coltsfoot. To prepare such a powder, you need to take the dried grass and grind it thoroughly. This powder can be used to treat inflamed areas of the surface of the skin or foot.
To eliminate painful insect bites, you can use the juice squeezed from the fresh leaves of this herb.
In order to eliminate a sharp pain in the head area or quickly cope with a strong fever, it is necessary to apply green leaves of the coltsfoot to the forehead area.
- In alternative medicine, decoctions and tinctures prepared from coltsfoot are usually used during the treatment of cough as a pathogenic expectorant. Translated from Latin, coltsfoot means a plant that drives away coughs. Therefore, it is mainly used during the treatment of coughs and diseases of the respiratory system. Coltsfoot is able to thin the sputum accumulated in the lungs and facilitate its removal from the body. In order to enhance the healing properties of decoctions of this plant, which are used to treat cough, you can also add a plant such as thyme to them.
- As a strong expectorant in folk medicine, infusions prepared from the leaves of this herb are actively used. To prepare such an infusion, you need to brew the leaves of the coltsfoot by pouring one spoonful of this herb with 250 milliliters of boiling water. The resulting infusion must be defended for 20 minutes, and then carefully filtered using cheesecloth or a fine sieve. It is recommended to take this tincture no more than 4 times in 24 hours.
- In addition, during the treatment of cough or hoarseness, decoctions prepared from coltsfoot are actively used in folk medicine. For the successful preparation of such a decoction, it is necessary to take well-chopped leaves of the plant and boil them, using the so-called water bath during the boiling procedure, for no more than 5 minutes. Then the broth needs to be given time so that it can brew. Then it must be properly filtered and a small amount of boiled water added to it. It is necessary to use such a decoction one tablespoon per day in a complex, alternating two-hour breaks between doses.
Attention! To improve the removal of accumulated sputum from the body, it is recommended to use complex chest massages along with the use of decoctions and tinctures.
Also, for a more effective treatment of cough or diseases of the respiratory system, you can combine the use of medications and tinctures prepared from coltsfoot.
For a more effective separation of sputum (in the event of bronchitis) from the body, decoctions made from coltsfoot should be used. To prepare such a decoction, it is necessary to mix thoroughly in one container, for example in a saucepan, one spoonful of coltsfoot inflorescence, anise, linden and raspberry.
The resulting mixture must be poured with one liter of water and boil well for no more than 5 minutes. It is necessary to boil the decoction data over low heat, after which it needs to be given a little time so that it can properly infuse. Then the resulting broth should be filtered and consumed 80-100 grams several times in 24 hours.
It should also be noted that the juice made from the coltsfoot leaf is actively used in alternative medicine during the treatment of the common cold.
Many doctors are sure that this juice is quite capable of replacing any nasal drops that are sold in pharmacies. In the treatment of a runny nose, you can use a few drops of plant juice, which should be instilled into the nostrils.
With the appearance of a cold or viral disease, it is necessary to consume a large amount of fluid. It is known that coltsfoot has a restorative and stimulating effect on the body.
Therefore, when the first signs of SARS appear, you can use teas and decoctions made from this herb. Also, in the treatment of colds, you can combine the use of coltsfoot with honey, raspberries or cranberries.
Natural origin, the absence of harmful toxins and substances does not guarantee asymptomatic treatment. Contraindications are present even in healing herbs. In case of misuse, overdose, as well as combinations with drugs incompatible with coltsfoot, treatment can cause a negative reaction or harm the body.
Useful glycosides contained in medicinal leaves in case of overdose can cause intoxication and severe poisoning.
It is recommended to take decoctions or tinctures based on herbs for no longer than six weeks in a row, possibly addiction and a cumulative effect.
The grass is included in the list of the most dangerous plants because of the content of alkaloids in it with high hepatotoxicity and carcinogenic activity. These contraindications are considered significant for appointment only on the recommendation of a doctor.
In order to avoid misunderstanding, you need to thoroughly study contraindications.
It is strictly forbidden to use coltsfoot for children under two years old, pregnant women and nursing mothers. Contraindications are associated with a strong impact, which is difficult to withstand a weakened or childish body.
The risk group includes alcoholics and people with chronic liver disease. Women with a delay in the menstrual cycle are strictly prohibited from taking infusions.
Contraindication to use is individual intolerance to the drug.
In case of an overdose, side effects occur:
- vomit;
- nausea;
- stomach ache;
- bowel disorder;
- temperature increase.
Mother and stepmother in cosmetology
Despite the fact that there were no expensive cosmetics for skin and hair care before, our great-grandmothers found ways to take care of themselves. In this they were helped by nature, numerous herbs that act on the skin and hair no worse than modern personal care products.
Coltsfoot is a plant that is very beneficial to health. A huge number of health recipes with the use of coltsfoot have long been known. However, this herb is also an excellent cosmetic product. Applying decoctions and infusions from coltsfoot for face and hair, we will give them beauty and health.
- A coltsfoot mask with a refreshing and toning effect. Pour the crushed coltsfoot (fresh, in the amount of one handful) with boiling water and let it brew for half an hour, after which we decant the infusion and add honey (2 tsp) to it. The ingredients must be thoroughly mixed. To apply a coltsfoot face mask, soak a towel with the resulting infusion and put it on your face. Keep the mask for 20 minutes, then wash it off with warm water;
- Masks from coltsfoot. This mask is good for dry skin. Using a meat grinder, grind a handful of plant leaves and pour it with cream (they should be warm). The consistency should be like a slurry. Olive oil (1 tsp) must also be added to the mixture. The mask is applied to the face for 20 minutes, after which it is washed off with warm water;
- A coltsfoot mask for oily skin types. Pour crushed dry leaves of coltsfoot (2 tablespoons) with hot water, the amount of which is determined by the consistency (it should be mushy). The mixture must be allowed to cool, during which time the consistency will become a little thicker, due to the fact that the leaves of the coltsfoot will swell. After that, add egg white, lemon juice (10 drops) to the mixture. We apply the product on the face with a brush, there should be several layers. Keep the mask for 10 minutes, rinse with water, water temperature - room temperature;
- The coltsfoot for the face is very helpful, but it's also good for the skin in general. You can simply wipe the skin with coltsfoot juice - face, décolleté. This will give the skin elasticity, youth, healthy, beautiful color;
- Anti-wrinkle coltsfoot mask. Pour the crushed leaves of the coltsfoot (one handful is enough) with sour milk (or sour cream). The mask is applied for 15 minutes. You need to wash off the product with a swab or a napkin dipped in green tea, and after treatment with tea (after 10 minutes), you need to wash yourself with water at room temperature.
Coltsfoot for hair is also very useful - decoctions and infusions are prepared from it to strengthen the hair roots, and it is also known as an excellent assistant in the fight against dandruff.
Coltsfoot - hair beauty recipes
- A firming mask will help to grow length, make faded strands alive and strong. Also suitable for the advanced stage of seborrhea. Grind the same amount of coltsfoot and nettle in a blender, pour 250 ml of boiling water over the gruel. While infused, separate the pulp of rye bread from the crust. It should turn out 100-150 g.
- After 30 minutes, the cooled broth is filtered and the bread crumb is soaked in it. To make the mixture homogeneous, use the blender again, so you will be sure that the crumbs do not get stuck in the strands. Apply the mixture, massage, wrap with cling film and leave for an hour. Such a mask does not contain fats (there are only 1% of them in bread), which means that it will be easily washed off with warm water. Read more:
- For oily hair, an infusion on flowers is prepared for a week. Fresh buds can be filled with vodka or cognac 1:1. Sometimes, when used, a spoonful of olive oil is added to several tablespoons of the infusion. The mixture is intended only for the roots. When drying mask recipes are used that cover the entire length, coconut oil is pre-applied to the tips to protect this part of the hair from overdrying and splitting. The standard scheme for using the mask is once every 7 days for 40 minutes.