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COLT'S FOOT TUSSILAGO FARFARA The dry leaves are best for those who have thin rheums and distillations upon their lungs, causing a cough. This herb is also called Cough-wort, Foal's-wort, Horse-hoof and Bull's Foot. The small, yellowish flowers appear before the leaves in late winter, being borne on a tender stalk. The leaves are in the shape of a horse's hoof, hence the name Colt's Foot, and the root, small and white, spreads under- ground. Once planted, it will be difficult to eradicate. Where to find it: It grows in both wet and dry ground and is often seen near brooks and rivers. Flowering time: Late winter to mid spring. Astrology: The plant is under Venus. Medicinal virtues: The fresh leaves, or juice or syrup made from them, is good for a hot, dry cough, or wheezing and shortness of breath. The dried leaves can he used as a tobacco. The distilled water used alone, or with Elderflowers and Nightshade is a good remedy against all agues. Drink two Ounces (56 g) at a time, and apply wet cloths to the head and stomach. This is also good for any hot swellings or inflammations. It helpeth St Anthony's fire and wheals that arise through heat. The burning heat of piles or privy parts are eased also by applying cloths dipped in Colt's Foot water. Modern uses: Colt's Foot is, an important ingredient in many over-the- counter cough mixtures. A diffusive expectorant, it tones the bronchial tubes. Its demulcent properties are also useful when used for tracheitis and bronchitis. Colt's Foot is usually combined in equal parts with other pectoral agents such as Horehound, Marsh Mallow and Ground-ivy. A syrup can be made from the flower stalks by boiling them in water with honey or sugar added. The decoction for colds, flu and asthma is made by placing 1 OZ (28 g) Of leaves in 2 pt (1.1 l) of water and boiling it down to 1 Pt (568 ml) and drinking a cupful at a time. A fluid extract is available from herbalists. |