Traditionally, Coltsfoot Leaf has had many uses. Amazingly, the dried Coltsfoot Leaf was actually “smoked” – in other words, this medicinal herb was put in a pipe from which patients would draw the fumes into their lungs. Needless to say, this method of ingesting Coltsfoot Leaf likely did more harm than good; however, dried Coltsfoot Leaf is still used in herbal smoking blends as a tobacco substitute.

Other reported uses of Tussilago farfara involved crushing the flowers and making a poultice that is applied to the skin.

In Germany and Austria, coltsfoot, also known as coughwort, was once used to produce teas, tonics and syrups to counter various respiratory complaints. The herb also has a long history of use in China for similar purposes.

Although coltsfoot contains quercetin, kaempferol and other anti-inflammatory compounds, the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids makes the internal use of the herb risky. Tussilago farfara can be potentially poisonous; people with a history of liver disorders should avoid Coltsfoot Leaf.