The coltsfoot or farfara has health benefits, but also contraindications that we will detail below:
Coltsfoot is a perennial herb that grows to about a foot (30 cm) tall. It has flower stalks with purple scales and golden yellow flowers.
One of the most striking features of the plant are its heart-shaped leaves, which are dark green and smooth on top, but significantly lighter, almost white, on the other side.
The stems are covered in a waxy coating that can be easily removed by hand. Since they usually spread via rhizomes, they are commonly found in nature, forming colonies of 10 to 20 plants.
This plant has been used traditionally for over 2,500 years, and is still considered a valuable herb for its medicinal uses. Dioscorides, a first-century Greek physician, recommended it for a dry cough. For centuries to follow, it was commonly smoked to promote easier breathing and lessen symptoms of lung ailments.
Economic data Coltsfoot is technically considered a herb that grows wild in North America, so there are no hard numbers on the economic value of coltsfoot. However, the largest industry for fangs is medicinal. This plant is often used in herbal supplements or taken as an extract for various ailments.
.
Benefits of coltsfoot or farfara
The coltsfoot is often regarded as a nasty weed; however, it has a long history of medicinal applications and its medicinal properties are still valued by herbalists. Scientific studies have shown that this humble herb is mainly useful for:
Relieve congestion. Its antitussive and expectorant actions help clear the airways and it is a popular remedy for bronchitis, coughs, laryngitis, and pneumonia.
The anti-inflammatory properties of this plant are also used to soothe minor skin irritations and injuries.
.
How does it work
The health benefits of coltsfoot can be attributed to the combination of mucilage, flavonoids, and polysaccharides.
Coltsfoot cocoons also contain tussilagone, a sesquiterpenoid that has demonstrated a variety of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory properties. It interacts with a number of chemicals present in the body, particularly prostaglandin, a substance related to fatty acids that stimulates muscle contraction and controls inflammatory processes.
Caffeoylquinic acids are organic compounds, abundant in blacksmith, they contribute to the antitussive, expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties of the herb, with an additional hepatostimulant effect that can cause toxicity if consumed in large doses.
On the other hand, the mucilage works by forming a protective layer over the inflamed mucous membranes of the throat and mouth, counteracting the urge to cough.
In addition, the flavonoids contained in coltsfood have shown antioxidant activity, preventing damage caused by free radicals to the heart and liver. Flavonoids are also responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic characteristics of coltsfoot.
Passion flower and saffron also exhibit antitussive and antispasmodic properties.
.
Contraindications and side effects
While coltsfoot is still used to treat respiratory ailments, it has declined in popularity due to the pyrrolizidine alkaloids contained in its flower heads and roots. These are toxic substances used by plants and animals as a method of self-defense, to deter natural enemies.
Due to these poisoning chemicals, if taken in high doses, the fang can be fatal. Gastrointestinal symptoms are usually the first sign of poisoning and consist mainly of abdominal pain and vomiting. When ingested in small doses; however, no toxicity has been observed. Pregnant women should not consume fangs.
video of the month