Coltsfoot - medicinal properties and contraindications

Coltsfoot is a herbaceous plant that originates from the class Asteraceae. It has a creeping, branched, thick and strong root system. The active period of growth and flowering of coltsfoot begins in early spring, after the arrival of the first warming. The inflorescences of this plant are yellow in color, and their diameter is about 2.5 centimeters. During its ripening, the coltsfoot flower becomes fluffy and in its appearance it somewhat resembles a dandelion.

What diseases should be used when a plant occurs

Coltsfoot is an excellent tool that is often used during the treatment of diseases associated with 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 tonsillitis. 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 area of ​​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 as well as bactericidal properties, it is perfectly suitable 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 inflammatory processes and acute pain in the body.

Another feature of this plant is that it is able to 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 the food consumed is also significantly improved. In addition, it should be noted that this plant actively stimulates free passage in the body of bile. 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 means to eliminate constipation.

Tinctures and decoctions prepared from this herb are quite often used when a person develops high blood pressure. After all, as you know, coltsfoot is able to quickly relieve 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 from the body accumulated in it the formation of toxins and cholesterol.

Decoctions made from coltsfoot are actively used when there are diseases in the oral cavity. For example, such decoctions are often used to eliminate stomatitis, periodontal disease or bleeding 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 the resulting wounds.In addition, it is worth noting that coltsfoot, thanks 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 means that helps to eliminate the onset 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 abscess, the elimination of pressure sores 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 to wipe or prepare 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 of nettles, you can get a tool that copes with itching, hair loss or seborrhea.

In order to eliminate a small illness such 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, it is necessary to take dried grass and chop it thoroughly. Such a powder can treat inflamed areas of the surface of the skin or foot.

To eliminate painful insect bites, you can use juice squeezed from the fresh leaves of this herb.

In order to eliminate the sharply appeared pain in the head area or quickly cope with a strong fever, it is necessary to apply green leaves of coltsfoot to the forehead.

The main healing characteristics

The leaves and inflorescences of 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:

• Long-term anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
• Disinfecting property.
• Relieves cough.
• Eliminates and prevents hoarseness.

In addition, decoctions of this plant can be used to stimulate human appetite and treat inflammatory processes that 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 is also able to exert a softening effect on the entire body and inflamed areas of the mucous membrane.

Use in alternative medicine

1. In alternative medicine, decoctions and tinctures made from coltsfoot are usually used during the treatment of cough as a pathogenic, expectorant. Translated from Latin, coltsfoot means a plant that repels cough. Therefore, it is mainly used during the treatment of cough and diseases of the respiratory system. Coltsfoot is able to dilute the accumulated sputum in the lungs and facilitate its removal from the body. In order to enhance the healing properties of the decoctions of this plant, which are used to treat cough, a plant such as thyme can also be added to them.
2. As a strong expectorant in folk medicine, infusions made from the leaves of this herb are actively used. To prepare such an infusion, you need to brew the leaves of coltsfoot, pouring one tablespoon of this herb with 250 milliliters of boiling water.The resulting infusion must be defended for 20 minutes, and then carefully strain, using gauze or a fine sieve for this. It is recommended to take such tincture no more than 4 times in 24 hours.
3. In addition, during the treatment of cough or hoarseness, in folk medicine, decoctions made from coltsfoot are actively used. For the successful preparation of such a decoction, it is necessary to take the well-crushed 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 be infused. Then it is necessary to strain it properly and add a small amount of boiled water to it. To use such a decoction is necessary for one tablespoon per day in a complex manner, alternating between meals two hour breaks.

Attention! To improve the withdrawal of accumulated sputum from the body, it is recommended to use complex chest massages along with the use of decoctions and tinctures. Also, for the more effective treatment of coughs or diseases of the respiratory system, the use of medications and tinctures made from coltsfoot can be combined.

For 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 thoroughly mix in one container, for example, in a saucepan, one spoon of the inflorescence of coltsfoot, anise, linden and raspberries. The resulting mixture must be poured with one liter of water and boiled well for no more than 5 minutes. It is necessary to boil the decoction on a gentle fire, after which it needs to be given a little time so that it can be properly infused. Then the resulting broth should be filtered and consumed in 80-100 grams several times in 24 hours.

It should also be noted that juice made from a leaf of coltsfoot is actively used in alternative medicine during the treatment of the common cold. Many doctors are confident that this juice is quite capable of replacing any drops for the nose that are sold in the pharmacy. When treating a cold, you can use a few drops of plant juice, which should be instilled into the nostrils.

When a cold or viral disease appears, it is necessary to use a large amount of liquid. 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.

Contraindications

Use of this plant is categorically not recommended for the treatment of diseases for pregnant women. Also, infusion of coltsfoot can not be used during lactation. Refuse to take decoctions that were prepared from this herb should also be in case of intolerance or the appearance of an allergic reaction to this plant.

In no case should be used for a long time in the treatment of diseases, decoctions made from coltsfoot, in large doses. Otherwise, due to prolonged use of these decoctions, the liver may suffer.

Do not use coltsfoot to treat children who have not reached the age of two. If the first symptoms of an overdose occur, namely: vomiting, rashes, allergic reactions, redness, nausea, you should immediately stop using drugs made from this plant.

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