Nature is essentially rational - everything that lives and grows on Earth has its own benefits. Man (also part of nature) has learned to use the flora for his own good. Among herbal plants, coltsfoot stands out with its healing properties, which can be called a paradoxical culture.

It grows everywhere, and some summer residents do not know how to finally get rid of it. But the more experienced ones understand how useful coltsfoot is not only for human health, but also for vegetable beds, so they actively cultivate flower grass in their plots.

It is difficult to confuse coltsfoot with another plant due to the characteristic shape of the leaves - rounded heart-shaped, framed at the edges with a serrated-notch border. Basal leaves (which are just used in traditional medicine) are leathery on top and have a dark green color, covered with white felt from below.

Above, on flowering stems reaching a height of 25 cm, the leaves are smaller, scaly, reddish in color. Tubular-reed flowers of yellow color appear at the top of the stem in early spring. By the beginning of June, the plant produces a fruit - an oblong ribbed achene.

The medicinal value of basal leaves is determined, first of all, by bitter glycosides - they are in the composition of about 2.6%. rich coltsfoot organic acids- ascorbic, wine, apple, gallic. The herb is widely demanded in folk medicine and thanks to polysaccharides - dextrin and inulin.

Vitamins, mineral compounds, carotenoids, saponins, tannins, mucus, coumarin derivatives and traces of essential oil contained in the leaves of the coltsfoot are also irreplaceable components that endow the plant with beneficial properties. Sometimes flowers are also used for treatment due to the high content of routine in them.

Coltsfoot has good expectorant properties. The herb is also used as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent. IN medicinal purposes grass can be used not only for adults, but also for children.

For children

• Coltsfoot is included in herbal preparations for the treatment of bronchitis and the removal of inflammation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, as an expectorant (in the form of a drink).
• Protracted sore throat can be cured by using leaf decoctions for gargling (or inhaling its vapors in the form of inhalations).
• With difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, it is recommended to inhale the smoke coming from the set fire to the dry leaves of the coltsfoot.
• Sometimes herbal tea is prescribed for intestinal disorders accompanied by diarrhea.
• In external use, bruises, burns and abscesses are treated with this herb (using compresses).

For women

• Women also use coltsfoot for colds, throat and bronchial problems.
• The flowers of this plant will help get rid of thrombophlebitis and varicose veins.
• Decoctions of herbs are recommended in the treatment of hypertension.
• In the treatment of gynecological infections, not only herbal teas are useful, but also douching with coltsfoot decoctions.
• Rutin, which is part of the flowers, is a riboflavonoid with antioxidant properties that will actively fight aging.
• It is recommended to wash your hair with a decoction of flowers to get rid of excessive oily hair and dandruff.
• Having prepared eau de toilette from the leaves and flowers of the coltsfoot, it should be regularly wiped with problematic facial skin (for inflammation, oiliness, acne).
• Foot baths in a decoction of herbs will help fight fungal diseases of the feet.

Harm, contraindications

Before using this plant, you should find out if there is an allergy to any of the components that make up the leaves or flowers.

Pregnant women (especially in the first trimester) are contraindicated to use coltsfoot inside.

Yes, and others should not get too carried away with traditional medicine - prolonged use of the herb will negatively affect the condition of the liver.

Raw materials are used to prepare infusions and decoctions, which are then used orally for various diseases. It can also be brewed as a tea and used for prevention purposes - this good remedy to boost immunity. Use mother-stepmother and in the form of lotions, compresses, trays for the treatment of inflamed skin.

Traditional medicine recipes

• For respiratory diseases several recipes for breastfeeding are recommended, in which the mother-stepmother is also present. Here is the simplest of them: for 4 parts of the leaves of the plant, 3 parts of plantain and the same amount of licorice root are taken. Pour 1 tbsp. collection with half a liter of boiling water, insist 5-8 hours, and then take 2 tablespoons every 3 hours, after filtering.
• The leaves of the mother-stepmother, oregano, raspberries - a good diaphoretic with colds. The collection is brewed like regular tea and drunk hot at night.
• Gargle recommended by this composition - coltsfoot leaves, mullein and mallow flowers, marshmallow root (all in equal proportions). The infusion is prepared from 1 tsp. mixture poured into a glass of boiling water. The throat is rinsed with a warm solution.
• In the treatment of hypertension you should drink diuretic tea (half a glass) in the morning, made from coltsfoot leaves, birch (1 part each), blackberry or raspberry leaves, and heather flowers (4 parts each). A collection of 4 tablespoons, filled with a liter of boiling water, steamed in a thermos for 4-5 hours, then filtered.
• Having added coltsfoot with raspberries, linden flowers, anise seeds and willow bark, they prepare a healing tea in the treatment of rheumatism.
• If present inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, it is worth taking a third of a glass of decoction of dry leaves before meals (3 tablespoons per half liter of boiling water).
• To deal with inflammation of the veins in the legs, recommend making warm lotions from a decoction of coltsfoot leaves (proportion 1:10).
• A decoction of nettle leaves and coltsfoot can be used to wash your hair. with hair loss.
• Having prepared an infusion of herbs in any of the convenient ways, a cotton swab is moistened in it, which is inserted into the vagina overnight with thrush.

It is not realistic to list all the recipes used by traditional medicine - there are a lot of them. The small part that is given here will also be invaluable.

Coltsfoot can be found everywhere, so when going to nature, you should familiarize yourself with this plant in advance. Being in a country house far from civilization or on a hiking trip, you can get hurt and catch a cold. This is where this plant comes in handy:

• coltsfoot leaves can, like plantain, be applied to wounds;
• fresh juice of the plant will help relieve the itching that appeared after mosquito bites;
• herbal tea will help to cope with the malaise and will not allow the onset of a cold to develop.

Before applying the leaves of the plant, it is recommended to pour boiling water over them (or simply wash them), cleaning them from accumulated dust and dirt. You should not use the grass that grows near roads or near industrial facilities - the plant can absorb heavy metals.

Useful raw materials are collected after the plant has faded, i.e. in early summer, if basal leaves are needed. They do this by hand, breaking off the plate with a part of the petiole 4-5 cm long. If flowers are also needed, they are collected in late April - early May, until the fruits begin to form.

The collected raw materials are carefully laid out in one layer on clean paper. In summer, the leaves are dried in the fresh air under a canopy. Flowers are dried in the spring in a ventilated room at a temperature not lower than +22°C.

While the grass dries, it is periodically viewed, removing spotted and browned leaves. Dried normal raw materials are packed in glass jars or boxes, which are then hermetically sealed. The best place storage - pantries and closets, i.e. where it is dry and there is no light.

In an apartment, this can be a mezzanine or kitchen cabinets. At right conditions storage dried coltsfoot does not lose its properties for 3 years, and then it is better to get rid of the excess.

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 is translated 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 yellow flowers, forming fluffy caps with seeds after flowering, which 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 sun rays. 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;
• Qatar Bladder;
• Tuberculosis of the lungs (in the initial stage);
• scrofula;
• Headache;
• atherosclerosis;
• Painful and irregular periods;
• Diseases of the upper respiratory tract (tonsillitis, 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, 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 liter jar(half) and pour 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 of 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 hot vegetable oil up 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. Helps to restore the body after suffering colds and infectious diseases, strengthen the immune system, cleanse the bronchi and lungs, 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 a beneficial effect on the female body. It has an antioxidant effect, reduces the number of free radicals, accelerates recovery processes, replenishes the body with vitamins and minerals. It is 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 after half an hour warm water.

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) 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 of the child's body to the plant is unknown.

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.

Against 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 have anti-inflammatory action, contain essential oils and soften 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.

This medicinal herb is one of the most famous and popular among all such plants. Moreover, it is used to treat a huge number of diseases. It is used to treat bronchitis and other diseases of the respiratory tract, with various disorders of the digestive tract.

Useful coltsfoot and during pregnancy. And in cosmetology, coltsfoot is used to strengthen hair, as well as to restore beauty to the skin.

It's time to get to know this wonderful medicinal perennial closer and learn how to collect and harvest it, as well as how to prepare infusions, decoctions and powders from medicinal raw materials.

This perennial got its name due to the unusual structure of the foliage - the upper plate is smooth, shiny and cold, like a stepmother, and the reverse side of the leaves is fleecy, soft, like a mother.

Leaves begin to grow after flowering ends. The shape of the foliage is rounded, smooth on top, and small hairs grow on the underside. Gradually, their size becomes larger, the upper side of the plates becomes more compressed and smooth.

When it blooms

The coltsfoot flowers bloom just after the last snow has melted in the spring. And already in the last decade of March - in the first decade of April, bright yellow flowers appear, reminiscent of appearance dandelions, only larger ones.

Peduncles are thick, long, covered with scales.

Collection and preparation

For the preparation of various medicines and cosmetic masks collect not only foliage, but also flowers. It is better to collect medicinal raw materials from sunny areas - they accumulate more useful substances and trace elements than in those plants that grow in the shade.

1. You can not collect raw materials on cloudy or rainy days or in the early morning, when the dew has not yet dried on the foliage. The collection of leaves and flowers is carried out in ecologically clean places, away from the railway. paths and freeways, near pastures, factories or other enterprises that pollute the soil. It is also better not to collect heavily dusty medicinal raw materials.
2. The flowers are harvested in late March or early April. Only inflorescences are cut with scissors without part of the stems, the collected raw materials are carefully placed in shallow containers.
3. The foliage of the plant should be harvested after the seeds ripen - at the end of May or the first decade of June. Foliage can be cut with scissors or carefully cut off by hand. The leaf is cut along with part of the petiole (about 3.5 cm). Usually the foliage is medium in size, not too old. You should not collect dried, rotten foliage with spots of a different color. The collected raw materials should be delivered to the place of its drying during the day.
4. Dry harvested fresh raw materials should be in the shade under a canopy in the fresh air or in attics. You can also lay out the grass and flowers for drying in a room where there is good ventilation.
5. They should be laid out on cotton fabric or burlap (but it is also possible on paper) in a thin layer. To prevent the grass from rotting, it should be constantly ted. In this case, the raw material dries evenly.

Foliage is sometimes strung for drying on harsh threads and hung from the ceiling in the attic or in a barn with good ventilation. Important! In no case should you dry your coltsfoot in direct sunlight.

Dried grass and flowers are stored in glass containers or paper bags and stored in a dry, well-ventilated place where the air temperature is kept at about 18-20⸰С. Dried inflorescences can be stored for no more than two seasons, and dry grass - no more than three seasons.

Healing properties of herbs coltsfoot

The raw materials of this medicinal perennial include:

• acids - tartaric, malic, ascorbic;
• tannin;
• inulin;
• routine;
• mucus;
• tannins;
• bitterness;
• phytosterols;
• essential oils.

A glass of this product contains only 1 kcal.

This medicinal herb has an anti-inflammatory and expectorant effect, helps in the treatment of cough and rhinitis.

The use of coltsfoot in folk medicine

For treatment various diseases use infusions, decoctions, juice and powder based on coltsfoot.

For these drugs to be effective, you need to properly prepare them at home.

1. An infusion of coltsfoot raw materials for oral administration is prepared as follows: grind dried raw materials (grass and inflorescences), pour 1.5 tablespoons of it into 200 g of boiling water, insist for half an hour. Then filter the infusion. The infusion is used fresh - 1/3 cup is drunk during the day. The infusion is used to rinse the mouth with various lesions of the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat - stomatitis, gingivitis, tonsillitis.
2. A decoction of dried raw materials is prepared as follows: 2 tablespoons of dry crushed raw materials are poured with boiling water (200 g) and simmered for 10-15 minutes, then removed and infused for another 20 minutes. Then the broth is filtered, boiled water is added to a volume of 200 ml and consumed during the day.
3. They also cook from coltsfoot alcohol tincture: inflorescences are placed in glassware, poured with medical alcohol (or vodka) in equal parts and infused for at least 7 days in a dark, cool place. The usual dose of such a tincture is up to 40 drops at a time (only before meals).
4. The juice is usually squeezed from finely chopped fresh leaves. Moreover, only young leaves are harvested (at the end of May or beginning of June). The raw materials are washed, doused with boiling water, then crushed and squeezed out the juice. Then it is diluted with water in equal amounts, brought to a boil and boiled for 1-2 minutes. Such diluted juice can be taken 2-3 times a day for a tablespoon after meals. The usual course of treatment with juice is no more than one and a half weeks. The juice of this plant can be instilled into the nose with rhinitis, lubricate the skin with an allergic rash.
5. The powder is prepared from dry raw materials, which can be ground in a coffee grinder to a powder state. The resulting powder is usually stored in paper or cloth bags in a dry, warm place.

Against cough

When coughing, either an infusion based on coltsfoot or a collection of the following medicinal flowers and herbs is usually used: coltsfoot, tricolor violet, oregano.

Such infusions should be taken fresh during the day, 50-10 g at a time. A similar recipe is suitable for bronchitis, sore throat, pneumonia, laryngitis and other diseases.

During pregnancy

Expectant mothers, as well as during lactation, cannot take any drugs from coltsfoot, as it contains alkaloids that can negatively affect the condition of the fetus.

For diseases of the upper respiratory tract

In diseases of the upper respiratory tract, the following decoction should be used for treatment: crushed roots of comfrey and couch grass, inflorescences and foliage of coltsfoot, inflorescences of mullein, black elderberry, linden are taken in equal parts.

The roots are boiled separately for 4-5 minutes over low heat, then the remaining components are added to the resulting broth and infused for half an hour. For 30 g of the mixture, 200 g of water is taken. The solution is filtered and taken 50 g half an hour before meals.

When the disease begins to recede, you can brew medicinal tea from the following herbs: coltsfoot leaves, and. All these components are taken in equal parts, brewed like ordinary tea (for 200 g of boiling water - 30 g of the mixture). Drink several times a day until the symptoms of the disease disappear completely.

For women

Coltsfoot inflorescences are actively used by the fair sex in many cases.

Traditional medicine suggests using infusions and decoctions for women in the following cases:

1. A decoction of dry or fresh leaves of the plant should be washed hair. This improves the condition of the skin of the head, you can get rid of dandruff, as well as strengthen the hair roots. The hair itself, with regular use of a decoction based on this medicinal herb become less brittle, acquire the former shine;
2. If the skin of the face is oily, or acne is present, decoctions should be prepared from dried raw coltsfoot (inflorescences and foliage), compresses soaked in decoction are applied to the skin of the face at least once a day before going to bed;
3. Decoctions and infusions are recommended to be taken orally regularly ½ cup several times a day with inflammatory processes in the genital area (in women), with heavy (or painful) periods, as well as to strengthen the body's immune system.

For diseases of the digestive system

Preparations based on this medicinal perennial are actively used in the treatment of various disorders in the digestive organs, as they have an antispasmodic effect, and are also able to stop inflammatory processes.

Therefore, decoctions and infusions of coltsfoot are used in the treatment of gastritis and ulcers, as well as in violation of the liver and gallbladder.

Contraindications

Alkaloids were found in the composition of foliage and inflorescences (but in small quantities). Therefore, it is better not to use any drugs based on this medicinal perennial for people with any liver diseases, and you should not include coltsfoot in the diet of expectant mothers, as well as during lactation.

Also, you can not give infusions and decoctions from this perennial to babies from birth to 2 years. Older children are given such drugs with caution, in the event of a rash, nausea or vomiting, stop taking decoctions or infusions and consult a pediatrician.

And although the mother-and-stepmother at first glance seems good herbal remedy from many diseases, but still taking various drugs based on it should be started after consulting with your doctor.

Since ancient times, Mother and Stepmother has been known for its healing properties. It has been used in folk and traditional medicine to treat many diseases.

A large number of recipes were compiled by ancient Roman and ancient Greek healers. In the Middle Ages, this plant was a symbol of a pharmacy in France. Such a sign was hung over every pharmacy where medicinal plants were sold. It has not lost its popularity even today.

Grass coltsfoot is widespread in Western Europe, in Siberia, Kazakhstan, North America and North Africa. Usually, it can be found along the banks of reservoirs, in meadows and in mountainous areas. For growth and development, the plant needs clay, well-moistened soil.

The herb has long been used as a powerful antitussive. This property of the plant is associated with its Latin name- "tussilyago", that is, "cough".

Among the people, it is often called mother-grass, one-sided, double-leaved, frothy lapukha, pearl grass.

The traditional name coltsfoot is associated with the special structure of its leaf, the lower part of which is warm and tender, like a mother, and the upper is smooth and cold - a stepmother.

plant description

coltsfoot is a perennial herbaceous plant families Compositae.

The grass has a well-developed, creeping, branched rhizome, extending deep into the soil. Vegetative and flower-bearing shoots grow from it. The stems are long, thick, covered with small pinkish scales.

The flowers of the coltsfoot are bisexual, barren, and have a golden yellow color. Flowering begins in early spring, immediately after the snow melts. The length of the flowering shoot does not exceed 10 centimeters. At the end of flowering, the flowers of the coltsfoot become fluffy, outwardly resembling a dandelion. But it is difficult to confuse them, because the coltsfoot flowers are smaller and are collected in inflorescences-baskets.

A seed-fruit is formed on the plant, which has a cylindrical shape and a small crest. Seeds have a very high germination rate and are able to germinate deep in the soil.

Leaf formation begins after the plant has flowered. The leaves grow very quickly and in a short time cover the ground with a dense carpet.

The leaves are somewhat angular, oval or heart-shaped. The surface of the leaf plate is dense, leathery, the upper part is smooth, the lower part has a slight pubescence. There are small notches along the edge of the sheet. Leaves are on long petioles and collected in a basal rosette.

When you touch the top of the leaf, you can feel cold, the bottom of the leaf is warm.

Special properties of the plant

The plant is very popular due to its beneficial properties.

The composition of leaves and flowers includes the following components:

A wide range of elements determines the use of the plant for the treatment of many diseases.

The plant contains mucus enveloping properties when exposed to the mucous surface of the oral cavity and larynx and protecting it from irritation.

The saponins and organic acids included in the composition have a softening effect on the contents of the bronchi and contribute to the excretion of sputum.

Tannins effectively relieve redness and inflammation of mucous surfaces.

Usually, decoctions and infusions from the flowers and leaves of the plant are used as an expectorant, disinfectant and anti-inflammatory agent. They are used to treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract and digestive system.

The herb is used to treat the common cold, pneumonia, tuberculosis, pleurisy, bronchial asthma, toothache, allergies, arthritis, diseases of the cardiovascular system, kidney disease, relieve swelling and inflammation of the oral cavity.

Externally, the herb is used to treat furunculosis, mastitis, dermatitis, to strengthen hair and get rid of dandruff.

Despite a large number of useful properties, the use of the plant is contraindicated for treatment in the following cases:

As for the use of the plant for the treatment of children, the opinions of pediatricians differ. Some doctors recommend use from the age of two, others - not earlier than 12 years, so before using the herb to treat a child, you should consult a pediatrician.

Side effect

In case of violation of the duration of use medicines or dosage can be harmful to your health.

For the preparation of decoctions and infusions, only high-quality raw materials should be used.

The duration of the period of use of funds for treatment should not exceed 40-45 days per year. This is due to the fact that the glycosides contained in the plant, with prolonged use, can accumulate in the body and provoke poisoning.

Some sources indicate the carcinogenic effect of preparations from the plant, in connection with this, in a number of Western European countries, preparations of this plant are not available for free sale.

Non-compliance with the dosage can cause a number of side effects, which are manifested in the form of nausea, vomiting, impaired stool, pain in the epigastric region and fever. In this case, the use of funds should be stopped immediately.

Collection and preparation

The leaves and flowers are used for medicinal purposes.

The collection of flowers begins in early spring in March-April, at the beginning of the flowering period. Harvesting of raw materials should be carried out in dry weather. Flower baskets are cut with scissors near the base.

Leaves are harvested in early summer, 10-15 days after the seeds appear on the plant. The leaves are harvested while they are small in size and have a dark green bloom on top of the leaf plate and a slight pubescence below.

Plants are collected away from highways, grazing and dog walking areas.

You can dry the collected flowers and leaves in a dark, well-ventilated room or in the open air, spreading out in a thin layer. During the drying process, the blanks are turned over several times. Well-dried raw materials do not lose their useful qualities for two years.

Use in traditional medicine

To prepare a decoction of the leaves, you need to put 5 grams of dried leaves in an enamel bowl, pour 200 ml hot water and heat in a water bath for 15-20 minutes. Cool the resulting infusion for 45 minutes. The cooled infusion is filtered and make up to a volume of 200 ml. The remedy is consumed in half a tablespoon 2-3 times a day one hour before meals. The resulting product can be stored in a cool place for two days.

The juice from the plant is obtained only from freshly harvested leaves. The leaves are thoroughly washed, unsuitable dried and rust-affected parts of the plant are selected.

Prepared raw materials should be scalded with boiling water and passed through a meat grinder. The resulting mass is squeezed and diluted with water in a ratio of 1:1. The juice should be boiled for 2-3 minutes and cooled. The resulting medicine is taken 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day for a week.

For the preparation of water infusion, 20 grams of flowers are used, which are poured with one liter of boiling water and infused for an hour. The infusion is filtered, take 0.5 cup three times a day.

Water infusion is used to treat diseases of the digestive system, gargle, heal the surface of wounds and burns.

Despite the medicinal properties and wide range use, medicinal plant used only as an aid in the treatment of diseases.

mother and stepmother plant

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 - irreplaceable 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 shell of the respiratory tract, medicinal leaves form a special mucous layer that protects against negative impact 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 effective means cancer prevention.

Healing properties coltsfoot are concentrated in 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. It is not worth preparing a large amount of medicine at once. 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 decoction take several tablespoons three times a day before meals.

For cardiovascular diseases

With mild heart ailments, decoctions based on coltsfoot help. For cooking tincture, lowering arterial 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 healing 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 hot water and insist five minutes. Then add some sunflower oil and stir 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 them.

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. Most the right way weight loss - create your own daily routine, play sports and choose natural aids.

To prepare weight loss aid 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 aid to weight loss, in addition to using it, you must monitor your diet and exercise regularly.

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 coltsfoot doesn't 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 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 availability chronic diseases. To date, there are no scientifically proven data that would establish the maximum effective amount of coltsfoot in each case.