How to Use Coltsfoot for Health

Despite its name, coltsfoot is a plant, not an animal. Often mistaken for a dandelion, coltsfoot is hearty and grows wild without regard for quality of soil or degree of sunlight. Coltsfoot originated in Europe but now grows throughout the world including Asia and the United States, where it holds a time-honored place in herbal medicine. Follow these few simple steps to use coltsfoot to achieve good health.

Things You'll Need

• Dried coltsfoot leaves or flowers
• Water
• Tea strainer

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Instructions

• 1

  Concoct a coltsfoot beverage. Boil 8 oz. of water. Add 1.5 tsp. of dried coltsfoot flowers or leaves. Stir and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Filter through a tea strainer. Reheat to desired temperature. Drink 3 cups a day to restore health.

• 2

  Relieve throat irritation. Coltsfoot beverage has a thick quality. It coats the mouth and throat. Coltsfoot also contains zinc, a mineral that soothes swollen tissue and appears in many health remedies.

• 3

  Improve respiratory health. One component of coltsfoot suppresses cough. Another component stimulates the bronchial tubes to discharge phlegm.

• 4

  Address edema. Coltsfoot is a diuretic. Use it to reduce swelling in the hands and feet. Urination eliminates the excess fluid.

• 5

  Control diarrhea. Coltsfoot is an astringent. It shrinks irritated, inflamed bowels, re-establishing intestinal health.