Coltsfoot: What It Is and How to Use It
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) is an early-spring wildflower whose bright yellow blooms pop up before its hoof-shaped leaves appear — and the plant is named for those hoof-like leaves. It has been used in European herbal tradition for centuries, mainly as a respiratory herb, and its Latin name literally means "cough dispeller." You'll find dried coltsfoot in the bulk herb section at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805.
Available in Bulk
We carry coltsfoot in our bulk herb section so you can grab exactly the amount you want, from a spoonful to a full bag. Scoop what you need into your own bag or container, and our staff can help you find it in the bins or suggest companion herbs for your blend.
What We Carry
Look for coltsfoot as a dried, cut-and-sifted herb in our bulk section — a mix of the leaf and flower, chopped and ready for infusions. The dried herb has a mild, slightly sweet scent. One note to know before you shop: coltsfoot contains naturally occurring compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, so many modern references suggest keeping use occasional and talking with a qualified health professional first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called coltsfoot?
The name comes from the shape of its leaves, which are broad and rounded like a young horse's hoof print. The flowers appear in late winter or early spring, well before the leaves, which is why it was once nicknamed "the son before the father."
What is coltsfoot traditionally used for?
Coltsfoot has traditionally been used to soothe coughs and support respiratory comfort, and the dried leaves and flowers have long been brewed as a tea for this purpose. It is one of the oldest cough herbs in European tradition, with records of use going back thousands of years. These are traditional uses, not proven medical effects.
Is coltsfoot safe to use?
There is an important safety note: coltsfoot contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, compounds that may harm the liver with prolonged use. WebMD classifies coltsfoot taken by mouth as "likely unsafe" and advises avoiding products that are not certified free of these compounds. Keep use occasional, and talk with a qualified health professional if you have any questions.
What does coltsfoot tea taste like?
Coltsfoot tea is mild and softly earthy with a slightly sweet, bittersweet edge. Its gentle flavor makes it easy to blend with stronger-tasting herbs like peppermint, thyme, or licorice root in respiratory tea blends.
Visit Us
You'll find dried coltsfoot in the bulk herb section at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond — open Mon–Fri 9 AM–7 PM, Sat 9 AM–6 PM, Sun 10 AM–5 PM. Our staff are happy to help you find it or talk through your options.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional about any health questions.