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Coltsfoot

Supplement Forms/Alternate Names:

Tussilago, Tussilago farfara

Introduction

Coltsfoot is a plant with yellow flowers that grows in North America and Europe. It has been used to treat cough and sore throats. It can be taken as a pill, powder, or extract. It can also be used to make tea.

Dosages

There aren’t any advised doses for coltsfoot.

What Research Shows

Not Enough Data to Assess

There is not enough data to support that coltsfoot is helpful in treating health problems. We will review future studies as they are published.

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

Coltsfoot contains a substance that may cause cancer. It may not be safe and should not be taken by anyone.1-3

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.

 

References

1. Hirono I, Mori H, et al. Carcinogenic activity of coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara l. Gan. 1976 Feb;67(1):125-129.

2. Klepser TB, Klepser ME. Unsafe and potentially safe herbal therapies. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 1999 Jan 15;56(2):125-38; quiz 139-41.

3. Kim EJ, Chen Y, et al. Evidence-based toxicity evaluation and scheduling of Chinese herbal medicines. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Mar 7;146(1):40-61.

Last reviewed February 2020 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC