Coltsfoot: Petasites sp

Other names (Sweet coltsfoot).

Coltsfoot has been used for centuries as a cure for coughs. In fact, the use of this plant is so common that the French pharmacies would paint this plant’s leaf on a sign in front of their doors to let people know they were a pharmacy.

Medicinal uses: The most famous use of coltsfoot is as a cure for whooping cough and bronchial congestion. The plant steeped as a tea is useful for soothing a tough cough while camping.

Food uses: While coltsfoot is mostly used medicinally, the stems can be eaten as a vegetable. However, its important not to eat too much of this plant for long periods of time and in high doses. This is because, it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can irritate the liver.