The coltsfoot is from the daisy family, named "Tussilago farfara", which means cough suppressant in Latin. As the name suggests, it has taken this name among the people because it prevents cough. In some regions, it is also known as farfara grass, kavalak, iralankotu and celandine. It is one of the rare plants that bloom before its leaves.
The homeland of the coltsfoot is various parts of Europe and Asia. It grows in natural conditions in Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean regions of our country. The plant mostly likes roadsides and coastlines. It is invasive. It spreads rapidly in the soil where it is found. It is almost odorless and has a bitter taste. It is the first food of honey bees in spring.
Although we have heard its name frequently in recent years, the use of coltsfoot dates back to ancient times. It has an important place among the plant species used for healing purposes in ancient times. In some cultures, especially the Hittites who ruled in Anatolia, the stems of the plant are also consumed as food. It can be used as a substitute for parsley in soups and all kinds of salads.
From the coltsfoot plant; coltsfoot tea, coltsfoot tincture is produced. In addition, with the richness of mucilage in its content, it has entered the content of a wide variety of drugs.
Cough must be used under the supervision of a specialist for therapeutic purposes.
When dried in suitable conditions, coltsfoot is stored in a closed glass jar in a dim, cool, and dry environment, its lifespan is 1 year.
[1] Herbal Treatment in Turkey_Prof.Dr.Turhan BAYTOP (p308)
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