05/06/2026
This weeks focus herb is:
Coltsfoot: A Traditional Herb of Early Spring
This week I was lucky enough to be gifted the opportunity to harvest a small amount of Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) — a plant that has long captured the curiosity of herbalists for its early arrival and its long history of use in respiratory support.
Coltsfoot is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family, often found in places where the earth has been disturbed: roadsides, ditches, gravelly banks, and turned-over soil. It’s one of the first bright splashes of yellow to appear in early spring, and at a quick glance it’s easy to mistake it for a dandelion. But a closer look reveals its own unmistakable identity.
How to Identify Coltsfoot
Although its flowers resemble dandelions, Coltsfoot has several features that set it apart:
Scaly flower stalks — Unlike the smooth, hollow stem of a dandelion, Coltsfoot’s stalk is thick and covered in small, scale-like bracts.
Flowers before leaves — One of its most charming traits: the sunny yellow blooms appear first, long before the leaves unfurl.
Hoof-shaped leaves — Once they emerge, the leaves are broad and shaped like a colt’s hoof, giving the plant its common name.
These details make Coltsfoot easy to recognize once you know what to look for.
A Name Rooted in Tradition
The Latin name Tussilago farfara offers a clue to its long-standing use.
Tussis means cough
Ago means to drive away
For centuries, Coltsfoot has been regarded as a soothing herb for the respiratory system. Traditionally, it has been used as both a demulcent (to moisten and soothe irritated tissues) and an expectorant (to help the body move stuck or dry mucus).
Traditional Ways Coltsfoot Has Been Used
Herbalists have worked with Coltsfoot in a variety of preparations, depending on the need and the season:
Tea or infusion — A gentle way to draw out its soothing qualities.
Tincture — A concentrated extract used in small amounts.
Honey syrup — A classic preparation for dry, tickling coughs.
Poultice — Fresh or dried leaves applied to the chest to ease wheezing or tightness.
These methods reflect the plant’s long history in folk herbalism, especially in early spring when respiratory complaints are common.
Important Safety Considerations
Coltsfoot is a plant that requires respect and caution. While it has a long tradition of use, modern research has raised concerns about potential liver toxicity when consumed in large amounts or over long periods of time. Because of this:
It should not be used by pregnant or nursing women.
It should not be used by anyone with known liver issues.
It should only be used under the guidance of a trained herbalist who understands proper sourcing, preparation, and duration of use.
This is one of those herbs where knowledgeable supervision is essential.
A Note of Care
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional or trained herbalist before working with herbs in a medicinal way.
Have you noticed this herb on the side of the road and wondered what it is? Let me know your thoughts on this beautiful, sunshiney herb that only comes out in early spring!
I did not gather this from the roadside- it was growing deep in their yard- always use caution when gathering herbs, avoiding roadsides
