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                                  ³Coltsfoot ³
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    (Tussilago farfara) also called coughwort, hallfoot, horsehoof, ass's foot
    foalswort, fieldhove, bullsfoot, Donnhove, Horsefoot, Filius ante pater.
       Coltsfoot bright-yellow flowers appear some time before the long
    stalked, hoof-shaped, serrated leaves, which are covered with wooly down
    when young but become smooth as they grow older. A native of both Europe
    and the United States, coltsfoot will flourish if you plant it in damp,
    clayey soil. The faintly aromatic dried leaves were once dipped in
    saltpeter and used as tinder before the invention of matches.
       Coltsfoot contains a variety of medicinally useful elements. Notable
    among them are the minerals calcium, potassium, and sulphur. Vitamin C
    is also present, as are mucilahe and tannin. The flowers contain a
    substance called phytosterol. Coltsfoot's uses are as varied as its
    constituents : Its mucilage makes it a handy demulcent and emollient; its
    mineral and vitamin content, a tonic. It is also popular as a cough*
    medication.

    Cough Decoction: 1 ounce dried coltsfoot leaves placed in 1 quart water,
    boil down to 1 pint of liquid. The resultant liquid should be strained
    and sweetened with honey and 1 teacup taken as often as required. Less
    strong but easier to make is Coltsfoot tea:
       Steep 1 teaspoon of the herb in 1 cup water for 30 minutes. Strain
    and flavor with honey. Take 1/2 cup 2 to 3 times daily and once before
    retiring.
       Coltsfoot is occasionally used with other herbs as a Poultice* for
    chest congestion problems.