Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
 
Medicinal Use: Both flowers and leaves make an excellent cough remedy in conjunction with horehound, licorice and marsh mallow. You can make it into a syrup or tea. Steep 1-2 teaspoons of leaves or flowers in 1 cup boiling water. Drink no more than 3 cups daily. It can also be smoked by those with asthma, bronchitis and other lung problems, particularly those involving wet coughs.
 
Hot or cold Coltsfoot tea compresses can be applied to swollen areas, and a cool such compress is soothing on the forehead or stomach when one has a fever. A poultice of the leaves or flowers can be applied to eczema, sores, ulcers and insect bites.
 
The root is also useful for similar purposes, but it has higher levels of potentially toxic alkaloids and it is not recommended that it be used internally. All parts of coltsfoot contains these alkaloids, which can cause liver disease, but the leaves and flowers are considered safe for normally healthy adults to use in moderation. If you still aren't better after a few days, switch off with mullein for awhile.
Do not use while pregnant, trying to conceive or nursing. Do not give to children (that is, folks who are still growing).
Do not take more than 3 cups of coltsfoot tea per day, for three days. Do not take coltsfoot for more than 30 days out of the year.
Don't combine coltsfoot with blood pressure medication.
People who are allergic to ragweed are also likely to be allergic to coltsfoot, proceed with caution.
People with a history of alcohol abuse or liver disease should not take coltsfoot. Do not combine coltsfoot with other potentially liver damaging substances, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or comfrey.
If you ever begin to feel nauseated while using this herb, stop immediately. It is not a "normal" side affect, but a sign that the coltsfoot is hurting your liver.
 
Magickal Use: Coltsfoot is one of the first flowers to emerge in the springtime, often appearing as early as February. This and its bright sunny yellow flowers make it suitable for springtime rituals welcoming the return of the sun, such as Imbolc, Ostara and Beltane- depending on when they bloom that particular year! The long stems can be woven into wreaths.