Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Common coltsfoot vs Valerian
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Common coltsfoot and Valerian: they share 4 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, inflammation (general), insomnia / sleeplessness, …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Common coltsfoot | Valerian | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Valerian |
| Inflammation (general) | 2/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Valerian |
| Insomnia / sleeplessness | 1/10 | 10/10 | Stronger for Valerian |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Valerian |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Hepatotoxic constituents that are the central safety concern for this plant; regulatory limits and PA-controlled/PA-reduced products exist specifically because of these compounds.
Demulcent polysaccharide contributing to the traditional soothing action on irritated airways.
Sesquiterpenes thought to be key contributors to the sedative, GABA-A-modulating action.
Unstable iridoid esters historically of pharmacological interest, though their contribution to the whole-root effect is debated.
Responsible for the root's characteristic strong aroma.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Safety notes (contraindications, interactions, pregnancy/lactation notes, adverse effects, dose-duration cautions) Important: Coltsfoot naturally contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)—plant chemicals that can damage the liver and may increase cancer risk with enough exposure (EMA, 2021; Kopp et al., 2020).
Because of this, European regulators set very strict limits for PA exposure from herbal products (EMA, 2021).
Many safety-focused herbal references recommend avoiding homemade/internal coltsfoot use, unless the product is specifically made to be PA-controlled / PA-reduced (EMA, 2021).
Avoid internal use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have liver disease, or for children—these groups are treated as “sensitive” in PA risk guidance (EMA, 2021).
Medication caution: if you take medicines that stress the liver (some prescription drugs can), it’s extra important to avoid unregulated PA exposure (general PA risk logic; consult a clinician) (EMA, 2021).
Topical use may still carry PA considerations; EMA discusses limits and recommends use only on intact skin for PA-containing products (EMA, 2021).
Duke (2002) provides clinical support (score 2) for coltsfoot's anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects, explaining its traditional use in bronchitis and coughs. However, the plant contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), and Duke notes a carcinogenic score (1) — a critical safety concern. Commission E has placed restrictions on coltsfoot use, recommending maximum internal use of 4–6 weeks per year and avoiding use in pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12. Duke rates its overall safety as low (+) and emphasizes that preparations free of PAs are preferred (Duke, 2002).
Generally well tolerated for short-to-medium term use. May cause vivid dreams, morning grogginess, or headache in some individuals. Avoid combining with alcohol, sedatives, or anaesthetics. Do not drive immediately after taking high doses. Do not use in children under 3 years. Abrupt discontinuation after long-term use may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Duke (2002) does not appear to include a primary entry for Valeriana officinalis (European valerian) in the sections searched. The entry found was for Indian valerian (Valeriana jatamansi). Commission E approves European valerian for restlessness and sleep disorders. Dose: 400–900 mg standardized root extract before bedtime. Interactions include potentiation of CNS depressants and sedatives.
External Ids
Botanical Description
Low perennial herb notable for flowering before its leaves appear: solitary, bright yellow, dandelion-like flower heads emerge on scaly pinkish stalks in very early spring, followed later by large, hoof-shaped (heart-shaped with angular teeth), white-woolly-backed leaves arising directly from the creeping rhizome.[11]
Tall, upright perennial herb with hollow, grooved stems and opposite, pinnately divided leaves. Small, pale pink to white, sweetly scented flowers are borne in dense, domed clusters (cymes) at the top of the stem; the dried root has a distinctive strong, earthy, 'dirty sock' smell.[12]
Habitat
Grows on disturbed, damp or clay-rich waste ground, riverbanks, railway embankments and bare soil; native to Europe, North Africa and temperate Asia and naturalised in North America.[11]
Grows in damp meadows, ditches, riverbanks and marshy ground, tolerating both sun and partial shade; native to Europe and parts of Asia and naturalised in North America.[12]
Harvesting
Flowers are gathered in very early spring before the leaves appear; leaves are gathered later in the season once expanded. Given the plant's pyrrolizidine alkaloid content, harvesting from a positively confirmed patch (not a look-alike) and preferring PA-tested commercial material for internal use is strongly advised.[2]
The rhizome and roots are dug in autumn of the second year, once the strong characteristic aroma has developed, then cleaned and dried.[12]
Traditional Uses
Coltsfoot has an ancient European and Chinese tradition, reflected in its Latin name (tussis = cough), as an expectorant and demulcent remedy for coughs, bronchitis and irritated airways; because of its pyrrolizidine alkaloid content, contemporary use is restricted to short courses of PA-controlled preparations under regulatory limits (see contraindications).[1, 2, 12]
Preparations
Commercially prepared, pyrrolizidine-alkaloid-tested extract or syrup, the only form recommended for internal use given the plant's natural PA content.
Dried flower or leaf infused in hot water; traditional but subject to strict duration/PA-content limits under EU herbal regulation.
Standardized root extract taken shortly before bedtime, the form most used in clinical research.
Dosage
EU regulatory guidance restricts internal use to PA-controlled preparations. The EMA public statement on unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids records a maximum daily intake for internal use of 1 microgram of PAs for at most 6 weeks per year, or 0.1 microgram per day with no duration limit; for cutaneous use the limits are 100 micrograms for at most 6 weeks per year, or 10 micrograms without a duration limit. Not for use in pregnancy, breastfeeding, or children. Note that these are limits on PA intake, not a herb dose — no EMA monograph exists for Tussilago farfara, so there is no official posology for the herb itself. Educational reference only, not a prescription — consult a qualified practitioner and prefer tested commercial products.
Commission E and clinical research commonly suggest around 400-900 mg standardized root extract taken 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Pairings
Not documented
Valerian and hops are traditionally combined for sleep; a controlled trial found the valerian-hops combination shortened the time to fall asleep more than valerian alone. Both add to sedation, so expect stronger drowsiness.[18, 19]
Valerian and passionflower are both mild GABA-acting sedatives often blended in sleep and calming formulas; combined use may enhance relaxation but also additive drowsiness.[19, 20]
Valerian and lemon balm are a classic calming pair acting on the GABA system to improve sleep quality; combined use may increase sedation.[19]
References & Sources
- Ahmad, I., Kudaibergenova, B., Ahmad, M. and others (2025) 'Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara L.; Asteraceae): modern methods of extraction, phytochemistry, nanoparticles synthesis, ethnopharmacology, and biological activities', Natural Product Research, pp. 1-20. doi:10.1080/14786419.2025.2548616 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2025.2548616 - Chen, S., Dong, L., Quan, H., Zhou, X. and others (2020) 'A review of the ethnobotanical value, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and quality control of Tussilago farfara L. (coltsfoot)', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 267, pp. 113478. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113478 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113478 - Feng, J., Zhang, Y., Qin, X., Gao, T. and others (2022) 'Novel Quinic Acid Glycerates from Tussilago farfara Inhibit Polypeptide GalNAc-Transferase', ChemBioChem, 23(3), pp. e202100539. doi:10.1002/cbic.202100539 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/cbic.202100539 - Zhao, J., Evangelopoulos, D., Bhakta, S., Gray, A.I. and Seidel, V (2014) 'Antitubercular activity of Arctium lappa and Tussilago farfara extracts and constituents', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 155(1), pp. 796-800. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.06.034 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.06.034 - Avila, C., Breakspear, I., Hawrelak, J., Salmond, S. and Evans, S (2020) 'A systematic review and quality assessment of case reports of adverse events for borage (Borago officinalis), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and comfrey (Symphytum officinale)', Fitoterapia, 142, pp. 104519. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2020.104519 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2020.104519 - Lee, J., Park, S., Kim, M.J., Kwon, S.J. and others (2019) 'Sesquiterpenoids from Tussilago farfara Flower Bud Extract for the Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Possessing Antibacterial and Anticancer Activities', Nanomaterials (Basel), 9(6), pp. 819. doi:10.3390/nano9060819 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9060819 - Bota, V.B., Neamtu, A.A., Olah, N.K., Chiselita, O. and others (2022) 'A Comparative Analysis of the Anatomy, Phenolic Profile, and Antioxidant Capacity of Tussilago farfara L. Vegetative Organs', Plants (Basel), 11(13), pp. 1663. doi:10.3390/plants11131663 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131663 - Boucher, M.A., Cote, H., Pichette, A., Ripoll, L. and Legault, J (2020) 'Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of Tussilago farfara (L.) essential oil from Quebec, Canada', Natural Product Research, 34(4), pp. 545-548. doi:10.1080/14786419.2018.1489384 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2018.1489384 - Li, Z.Y., Zhang, J., Zhang, Y.B., Yang, X.W. and others (2022) 'Polyhydroxylated eudesmane sesquiterpenoids and sesquiterpenoid glucoside from the flower buds of Tussilago farfara', Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines, 20(4), pp. 301-308. doi:10.1016/S1875-5364(21)60120-6 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1875-5364(21)60120-6 - Jang, H., Lee, J.W., Lee, C., Jin, Q. and others (2016) 'Sesquiterpenoids from Tussilago farfara inhibit LPS-induced nitric oxide production in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells', Archives of Pharmacal Research, 39(1), pp. 127-132. doi:10.1007/s12272-015-0667-7 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12272-015-0667-7 - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Westendorf, J., Czok, G., Marquardt, R., Nausner, M., Krauer, B. and Paul, H.L (1988) 'Pyrrolizidine alkaloid content of Tussilago farfara plants from different regions and preparations', pp. 903--909. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Pyrrolizidine%20alkaloid%20content%20of%20Tussilago%20farfara%20plants%20from%20different%20regions%20and%20preparations - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2021) 'Public statement on the use of herbal medicinal products containing toxic, unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), including recommendations regarding contamination of herbal medicinal products with PAs, Revision 1'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/public-statement/public-statement-use-herbal-medicinal-products-containing-toxic-unsaturated-pyrrolizidine-alkaloids-pas-including-recommendations-regarding-contamination-herbal-medicinal-products-pyrrolizidine_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/public-statement/public-statement-use-herbal-medicinal-products-containing-toxic-unsaturated-pyrrolizidine-alkaloids-pas-including-recommendations-regarding-contamination-herbal-medicinal-products-pyrrolizidine_en.pdf - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Sperl, W. and Stuppner, H. and Gassner, I. and Judmaier, W. and Dietze, O. and Vogel, W (1995) 'Reversible hepatic veno-occlusive disease in an infant after consumption of pyrrolizidine-containing herbal tea', European Journal of Pediatrics, 154(2), pp. 112-6. doi:10.1007/BF01991912 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01991912
- Chandra Shekhar, H., Joshua, L. and Thomas, J.V (2024) 'Standardized Extract of Valeriana officinalis Improves Overall Sleep Quality in Human Subjects with Sleep Complaints: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Study', Advances in Therapy, 41(1), pp. 246-261. doi:10.1007/s12325-023-02708-6 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-023-02708-6 - Shinjyo, N., Waddell, G. and Green, J (2020) 'Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis', Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, 25, pp. 2515690X20967323. doi:10.1177/2515690X20967323 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X20967323 - Borras, S., Martinez-Solis, I. and Rios, J.L (2021) 'Medicinal Plants for Insomnia Related to Anxiety: An Updated Review', Planta Medica, 87(10-11), pp. 738-753. doi:10.1055/a-1510-9826 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1510-9826 - Nunes, A. and Sousa, M (2011) 'Use of valerian in anxiety and sleep disorders: what is the best evidence?', Acta Medica Portuguesa, 24(Suppl 4), pp. 961-966. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Use%20of%20valerian%20in%20anxiety%20and%20sleep%20disorders%3A%20what%20is%20the%20best%20evidence%3F - Tammadon, M.R., Nobahar, M., Hydarinia-Naieni, Z., Ebrahimian, A. and others (2021) 'The Effects of Valerian on Sleep Quality, Depression, and State Anxiety in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized, Double-blind, Crossover Clinical Trial', Oman Medical Journal, 36(2), pp. e255. doi:10.5001/omj.2021.56 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.5001/omj.2021.56 - Alternative Medicine Review (2004) 'Monograph: Valeriana officinalis', Alternative Medicine Review, 9(4), pp. 438-441. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Monograph%3A%20Valeriana%20officinalis - Soltani, A., Bahrami, F., Bahari, Z., Shankayi, Z. and others (2021) 'The effects of Valerian on sleep spindles in a model of neuropathic pain', Sleep Science, 14(Spec 2), pp. 133-139. doi:10.5935/1984-0063.20200110 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.5935/1984-0063.20200110 - Mineo, L., Concerto, C., Patel, D., Mayorga, T. and others (2017) 'Valeriana officinalis Root Extract Modulates Cortical Excitatory Circuits in Humans', Neuropsychobiology, 75(1), pp. 46-51. doi:10.1159/000480053 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1159/000480053 - Jacobs, B.P., Bent, S., Tice, J.A., Blackwell, T. and Cummings, S.R (2005) 'An internet-based randomized, placebo-controlled trial of kava and valerian for anxiety and insomnia', Medicine (Baltimore), 84(4), pp. 197-207. doi:10.1097/01.md.0000172299.72364.95 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.md.0000172299.72364.95 - Alkharfy, K.M. and Frye, R.F (2007) 'Effect of valerian, valerian/hops extracts, and valerenic acid on glucuronidation in vitro', Xenobiotica, 37(2), pp. 113-123. doi:10.1080/00498250601050420 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/00498250601050420 - Garges, H.P., Varia, I. and Doraiswamy, P.M (1998) 'Cardiac complications and delirium associated with valerian root withdrawal', 280(18), pp. 1566--1567. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Cardiac%20complications%20and%20delirium%20associated%20with%20valerian%20root%20withdrawal - Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Medical%20Herbalism - Bent, S., Padula, A., Moore, D., Patterson, M. and Mehling, W (2006) 'Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis', 119(12), pp. 1005--1012. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 - Francis, A.J. and Dempster, R.J (2002) 'Effect of valerian, Valeriana edulis, on sleep difficulties in children with intellectual deficits: randomised trial', 9(4), pp. 273--279. doi:10.1078/0944-7113-00110 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1078/0944-7113-00110 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Ortiz, J.G., Rassi, N., Maldonado, P.M., Gonzalez-Cabrera, S. and Ramos, I (2006) 'Commercial valerian interactions with [3H]Flunitrazepam and [3H]MK-801 binding to rat synaptic membranes', Phytotherapy Research, 20(9), pp. 794-798. doi:10.1002/ptr.1960 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1960 - Bent, S., Padula, A., Moore, D., Patterson, M. and Mehling, W (2006) 'Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis', The American Journal of Medicine, 119(12), pp. 1005-1012. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 - Koetter, U., Schrader, E., Kaeufeler, R. and Brattstroem, A (2007) 'A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, prospective clinical study to demonstrate clinical efficacy of a fixed valerian hops extract combination (Ze 91019) in patients suffering from non-organic sleep disorder', Phytotherapy Research, 21(9), pp. 847-851. doi:10.1002/ptr.2167 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2167 - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Ngan, A. and Conduit, R (2011) 'A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality', Phytotherapy Research, 25(8), pp. 1153-1159. doi:10.1002/ptr.3400 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3400 - Practical Self Reliance 'Foraging Wild Valerian For Better Sleep'. Available at: https://practicalselfreliance.com/foraging-valerian/ Traditional / reference
https://practicalselfreliance.com/foraging-valerian/ - Dayan, A.D (2024) 'Death of Socrates: a likely case of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) poisoning', Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 62(1), pp. 56-60. doi:10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328 - King County Noxious Weeds (2024) 'Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) identification and control'. Available at: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock Traditional / reference
https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.