Coltsfoot gets its specific name from the old name for the White Poplar, Farfarus , since the leaves of this herb have a similar appearance. It is a vigorous plant, the sighting of which is one of the first true signs of spring. Coltsfoot was the choice of remedial plants by early herbalists for respiratory difficulties and was either given as a tea or prepared as smoke. A syrup can also be made from the flower stalks to treat stubborn coughs. The presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids lend antibacterial, carcinogenic and hepatotoxic properties.
Polysaccharides produce an anti-inflammatory effect.
In France, depictions of coltsfoot flowers often adorned the entrance ways to apothecary shops. The leaves contain steroids, including beta-sitosterol and campesterol. In Austria, trade of coltsfoot has been banned. In Germany, dosages may not exceed 10 mcg pyrrolizidine alkaloids with 1.2-unsaturated necic parent substances in tea formulations, and an intake of 1 mcg in the form of extracts.