The coltsfoot flowers (Tussilago farfara) are soon to be blooming on their strange scaly stems. They can be found struggling through the grass on stony wasteland. When the flowers die they’ll be overtaken by the large familiar leaves with hairy backs. These leaves are affectionately called ‘baccy da’ by the Welsh mining community who would stuff it in their pipes when the couldn’t afford the cost of tobacco. Pliny recommended smoking the leaves to help with breathing though himself died of lung problems.
Coltsfoot has been highly regarded as one of the best medicines to use for dry cough. Unfortunately, the discovery that It contains substances (called pyrrolizidine alkaloids) that can be harmful to the liver means it use has been greatly curtailed. If it is used, ingestion should be of low levels and for short periods in order to minimise any potential damage.
The flowers bloom very early in the year and can be picked from February. The flowers and stems are boiled as a decoction. The liquid thickened with honey makes an expectorant and can be kept for such times as when normal coughs return to our lives.
DNB Jan 2025
the Crows Nest 
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