Also known to be useful in treating colic and fighting infection-causing bacteria in wounds. To help treat wounds, make a hot compress using 2 teaspoons of leaves per cup of hot water. Boil 10 minutes, strain, and apply with a clean cloth. Anyone with a thryroid condition should first consult a physician concerning balm's thyrotropin-inhibiting effect. Studies show it kills microorganisms that cause wound infections, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, giardiasis, urinary tract and vaginal yeast infections.
Capsules are available in many health food stores and pharmacies.
A pleasant infusion may be made after bruising or crushing the seeds. The bark must be stored for a year before use. The fresh bark contains chemicals that can cause severe intestinal cramps. Coltsfoot has been a cough suppressant mainstay of Asian, and European herbalists for over 2,000 years. A German study showed that the herb increases the activity of microscopic hairs in the breathing tubes that move mucus out of the respiratory tract.