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Coltsfoot is a popular perennial that occurs naturally throughout Europe, Asia, the mountainous areas of North America and selected countries in South America. Coltsfoot was used over 2,5 thousand years ago and its pro-health properties are appreciated to this day. What are the nutritional values of this perennial and how to use it?
Coltsfoot – general characteristics
The territories of the common coltsfoot are Europe and the northern part of Asia. From these areas, the perennial also spread to the African continent, and much later reached the shores of North and South America. The healing properties of coltsfoot have been appreciated and are used especially by supporters of Chinese medicine who have been using this plant for thousands of years to compose various herbal mixtures. The advantage of coltsfoot is its wide availability. This plant grows wild in meadows, fields, the edges of roads and forests, clay riverside slopes and gravel areas. From a botanical point of view, the coltsfoot belongs to the Asteraceae family and is a plant closely related to daisies. Coltsfoot stalks reach up to 30 cm, and flowers appearing in spring are yellow in color. The leaves on the coltsfoot stalks appear only after the period of flowering. It is then that a single-seeded fruit appears at the top of the stem, surrounded by a fluff. In this form, the coltsfoot confusingly resembles a dandelion dandelion. Coltsfoot can easily cope with even the most unfavorable weather conditions, because it grows underground with rhizomes that can reach up to one meter in length.
Nutritional values of coltsfoot
The most valued nutrients are found in the leaves and flowers of coltsfoot, and are usually made into healing mixtures.
Nutritional values of coltsfoot leaves:
- inulin,
- phenolic acids,
- flavonoids,
- organic acids,
- phytosterols,
- minerals such as potassium, calcium, sodium, iron, zinc and copper.
Nutritional values in coltsfoot flowers:
- amino acids, including: isoleucine, valine, glutamic and aspartic acids,
- inulin,
- phenolic acids,
- saturated and unsaturated fatty acids,
- tannins,
- flavonoids;
- sterols.
Coltsfoot – properties
Coltsfoot is a popular perennial in herbal medicine cabinets. It gained fame thanks to its healing properties, among which attention is paid to:
- antitussive and expectorant properties – mucus contained in coltsfoot is helpful in expectoration and fighting cough. Coltsfoot syrup is administered to people suffering from pharyngitis or laryngitis and with irritated oral mucosa (order Herbapol thyme and coltsfoot syrup at Medonet Market now). You can also try Honey with thyme and coltsfoot from the Sadowskie Apiary, which supports the fight against infections of the upper respiratory tract;
- antibacterial properties – phenolic acids are an effective agent in the fight against bacteria;
- anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties – coltsfoot preparations are great for fighting inflammation, especially of the upper respiratory tract.
- antioxidant and anti-cancer properties – the effect of coltsfoot in this case is noticeable if the preparations have been used for a long time for several years. Research on coltsfoot has shown that this plant can prevent leukemia and colon cancer.
Coltsfoot has also found application in cosmetology. Try Vianek moisturizing shower gel with coltsfoot extract, which prevents keratosis of the skin, reduces itching of the skin resulting from irritations, and supports the work of the sebaceous glands by regulating the production of sebum.
Coltsfoot – side effects
Frequent consumption of preparations containing coltsfoot may cause side effects. Excessive use of coltsfoot can damage the liver, so it is not recommended for people suffering from liver diseases. In addition, preparations made on the basis of coltsfoot are strictly prohibited for pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children under 12 years of age.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.