Metaphysical Properties Of Coltsfoot Leaf
Official Name: Tussilago frfara
Other Names: Ass's Foot, British Tobacco, Bull's Foot, Butterbur, Coughwort, Pas d'ane (French), Sponnc (Irish), Foal's Foot
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Metaphysical Powers: Love, Visions
Common Magickal Uses and Folklore of Coltsfoot
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Add to love sachets and use them in spells of peace and tranquility.
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The leaves, when smoked, can cause visions.
Magical Attributes of Coltsfoot
Coltsfoot is one of the first flowers to emerge in the springtime, sometimes appearing as early as February. It has bright sunny yellow flowers that make it suitable for springtime rituals welcoming the sun's return, such as Imbolc, Ostara, and Beltane. It depends on when they bloom that particular year! The long stems are usually woven into wreaths.
Coltsfoot has been used as in love, tranquility, and money spells and burned during divination rites. It is also burned in divinatory and healing incense.
Coltsfoot is associated with the element of water and Venus.
Healing Attributes of Coltsfoot
Both flowers and leaves make an excellent cough remedy in conjunction with horehound, licorice, and marshmallow. Mike into a syrup or tea; steep 1-2 teaspoons of leaves or flowers in 1 cup boiling water. Do Not Drink more than 3 cups a day. It can be smoked by those with asthma, bronchitis, and other lung problems involving wet coughs.
You can apply hot or cold coltsfoot tea compresses to swollen areas, and a cool compress is soothing on the forehead or stomach when one has a fever.
A poultice of the leaves or flowers may be applied to eczema, sores, ulcers, and insect bites to reduce inflammation.
The root is helpful for similar purposes, it has higher levels of potentially toxic alkaloids, and it is not recommended that it be used internally. All parts of coltsfoot contain these alkaloids and can cause liver disease. The leaves and flowers are generally considered safe for healthy adults to use in moderation. If you aren't feeling better after a few days, switch off to mullein for a while.
WARNING!!!
Do not use Coltsfoot Leaf while pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing. Do not give to children (that is, folks who are still growing).
Do not take more than 3 cups of coltsfoot tea per day for three days. Do not take coltsfoot for more than 30 days out of the year.
Don't combine coltsfoot with blood pressure medication.
People who are allergic to ragweed are also likely to be allergic to coltsfoot; proceed with caution.
People who have a history of alcohol abuse or liver disease do not take coltsfoot. Do not combine coltsfoot with other potentially liver-damaging substances, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Comfrey.
If you ever begin to feel nauseated while using Coltsfoot Leaf, stop immediately. It is not a "normal" side effect, but a sign that the coltsfoot is hurting your liver.