Plant Profile

Common coltsfoot

Compiled by the Omnia Sana editorial team from the plant database ·Last updated August 15, 2026
Tussilago farfara
Family: Asteraceae  ·  Parts used: Flower, Leaf  ·  Also known as: Coltsfoot, coughwort, foal’s foot, horsehoof, Kuan Dong Hua

Common names in 32 European languages →

The complete database record: 3 documented constituents, 2 pharmacological actions, 4 traditional / indicated uses, with 16 cited sources.

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]

Height: 10-30 cm (flowering stalks); leaves slightly taller once expanded
Habit: Low perennial herb spreading by a creeping rhizome, flowers before leaves appear
Leaves: Hoof-shaped (heart-shaped with angular teeth), white-woolly underneath, appearing after flowering
Flowers: Solitary, bright yellow, dandelion-like heads on scaly pinkish stalks
Stem: Scaly, pinkish flowering stalks appearing before the leaves
Root: Creeping rhizome
Fruit: Small achene with a fluffy white pappus (like a small dandelion clock)
Flowering Period: February-April, before the leaves appear

Habitat & Distribution

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]

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]

Parts: Flower, Leaf
Season: Flower in very early spring; leaf later in the growing season

Key Constituents

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (senkirkine, senecionine-type)[13]

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.

Alkaloids
Mucilage[1, 2]

Demulcent polysaccharide contributing to the traditional soothing action on irritated airways.

Mucilage
Flavonoids and tannins[1, 2]

Contribute to anti-inflammatory and astringent activity.

FlavonoidsTannins

Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory[1, 2, 10, 13]
Sedative / sleep support[2, 13]

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain[2]Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0304
Evidence: 1
Label: Arthritis / joint pain

more plants for arthritis / joint pain →detailed sources →

Inflammation (general)[2, 10]Preliminary · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0304
Evidence: 2
Label: Inflammation (general)

more plants for inflammation (general) →detailed sources →

Insomnia / sleeplessness[2]Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from sedative action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0304
Evidence: 1
Label: Insomnia / sleeplessness

more plants for insomnia / sleeplessness →detailed sources →

Skin irritation[2]Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0304
Evidence: 1
Label: Skin irritation

more plants for skin irritation →detailed sources →

Traditional Use & History

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, 13]

Preparations

PA-controlled commercial extract[2, 14]

Commercially prepared, pyrrolizidine-alkaloid-tested extract or syrup, the only form recommended for internal use given the plant's natural PA content.

Infusion (short-term, traditional)[2]

Dried flower or leaf infused in hot water; traditional but subject to strict duration/PA-content limits under EU herbal regulation.

Topical preparation[2, 14]

Leaf used topically (e.g. poultice) on intact skin; EMA guidance still notes PA-exposure limits apply to topical products.

Dosage

PA-controlled internal use[14]

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.

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note[5, 11, 13, 14]Caution

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).

Safety note[5, 11, 13, 14]Info

Because of this, European regulators set very strict limits for PA exposure from herbal products (EMA, 2021).

Safety note[5, 11, 13, 14]Caution

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).

Safety note[5, 11, 13, 14]Caution

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).

Safety note[5, 11, 13, 14]Caution

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).

Safety note[5, 11, 13, 14]Info

Topical use may still carry PA considerations; EMA discusses limits and recommends use only on intact skin for PA-containing products (EMA, 2021).

Safety note[5, 11, 13, 14, 15]Serious

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).

Dangerous Lookalikes

Adenostyles Alliariae[16]Dangerous
Confused Part: Broad leaves gathered and brewed as coltsfoot tea; alpendost (and butterbur) have similar rounded leaves and grow in the same damp ground.
Confusion Context: Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) leaves are gathered for herbal tea. Alpendost (Adenostyles alliariae) has similar large, rounded leaves and grows in damp woodland and mountain ground; the two are easily confused, especially after the flowering period. Alpendost contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids: a peer-reviewed case (Sperl et al., 1995) describes an infant who developed liver veno-occlusive disease after long-term 'coltsfoot' tea that was actually alpendost. Butterbur (Petasites) is a similar large-leaved confusion with the same kind of toxicity. Because dried leaf material is especially hard to tell apart, unverified coltsfoot is a real hazard.
Distinguishing Features: Leaf shape: coltsfoot leaves are hoof-shaped (heart-shaped with angular teeth) and white-woolly underneath, usually no more than about 20 cm across. Alpendost leaves are larger, more rounded/kidney-shaped and coarsely toothed., Timing: coltsfoot flowers (yellow dandelion-like heads on scaly stalks) appear BEFORE the leaves, in very early spring; by summer only leaves remain, which is when confusion is greatest., Best practice: because leaves (and dried material) are hard to separate, use coltsfoot only if an expert has confirmed the plant, or buy authenticated, pyrrolizidine-tested material.
Key Test: Do not gather broad heart- or kidney-shaped leaves for 'coltsfoot' tea unless an expert has confirmed the species - alpendost and butterbur leaves look very similar and contain liver-damaging pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Confirm coltsfoot by its early-spring yellow flowers and hoof-shaped white-woolly-backed leaves, or use authenticated material.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

Harvest Readiness

[12]

Part: flower
Signals: Gather the yellow flowers in very early spring, when fully open - they appear before the leaves.
Basis: traditional
Source Quote: the flowers are harvested when fully open
Species Confirmed: 1
Notes: PFAF (REF-3357); the flowers are gathered when fully open in very early spring (in flower February-April, appearing before the leaves). Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: coltsfoot contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (use PA-free/cautiously), and the leaf can be confused with Adenostyles alliariae and Petasites - see Dangerous Lookalikes.

[12]

Part: leaf
Signals: Gather the leaves in early summer (June to early July), after the flowers have gone over.
Basis: traditional
Source Quote: The leaves are harvested in June and early July, the flowers are harvested when fully open and the root is harvested in the autumn.
Species Confirmed: 1
Notes: PFAF (REF-3357); the leaves are gathered in June and early July (after flowering). Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: as above - PA-toxic, and confusable with Adenostyles alliariae.

External Identifiers

GBIF ›Wikidata ›

References & Sources

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
    https://powo.science.kew.org
  12. Plants For A Future 'Tussilago farfara (Coltsfoot)'. Available at: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Tussilago+farfara Traditional / reference
    https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Tussilago+farfara
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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

This fact sheet is generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and reflects its latest synced data. It is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. How this site is built.

Selected studies & references

ReviewA systematic review and quality assessment of case reports of adverse events for borage (Borago officinalis), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and comfrey (Symphytum officinale) source↗ (2020)
PreclinicalA Comparative Analysis of the Anatomy, Phenolic Profile, and Antioxidant Capacity of Tussilago farfara L. Vegetative Organs source↗ (2022)
PreclinicalNovel Quinic Acid Glycerates from Tussilago farfara Inhibit Polypeptide GalNAc-Transferase source↗ (2022)
PreclinicalPolyhydroxylated eudesmane sesquiterpenoids and sesquiterpenoid glucoside from the flower buds of Tussilago farfara source↗ (2022)
PreclinicalChemical composition and antibacterial activity of Tussilago farfara (L.) essential oil from Quebec, Canada source↗ (2020)
PreclinicalSesquiterpenoids from Tussilago farfara Flower Bud Extract for the Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Possessing Antibacterial and Anticancer Activities source↗ (2019)
PreclinicalSesquiterpenoids from Tussilago farfara inhibit LPS-induced nitric oxide production in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells source↗ (2016)
PreclinicalAntitubercular activity of Arctium lappa and Tussilago farfara extracts and constituents source↗ (2014)

All 14 studies in the Knowledge Finder →

Educational use only. This profile summarises traditional and scientific sources for reference. It is not medical advice and not a substitute for a qualified practitioner. Some plants carry safety cautions and drug interactions - always check before use.
This profile is assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database, which we curate by hand. How this site is built.

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