Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Coltsfoot The Safety Factor
Coltsfoot contains chemicals (pyrrolizidines) that in large amounts can cause serious liver damage in the form of hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HYOD). This is a condition in which the liver’s blood vessels narrow, impairing its function. In addition, experimental animals fed diets containing large amounts of coltsfoot developed liver cancer, according to a report published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
The discovery of hazardous substances in coltsfoot spurred several authorities to condemn the herb as dangerous, even “carcinogenic.” But in Germany, where herbal medicine is considerably more mainstream than it is in the United States, it continues to be widely prescribed, and physicians consider short-term use safe.
A recent laboratory investigation shows that coltsfoot does not cause damage to human chromosomes, which suggests it is not carcinogenic. Carcinogens almost always cause chromosome damage.
On the other hand, pyrrolizidines can cause liver damage.
Anyone with a history of alcoholism or liver disease should not use coltsfoot.
Use with Caution
The Food and Drug Administration lists coltsfoot as an herb of “undefined safety.” For otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults who have no history of alcoholism or liver disease and are not taking other drugs with potential liver toxicity, coltsfoot is considered relatively safe in amounts typically recommended.
Coltsfoot should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor. If coltsfoot causes minor discomforts, such as stomach upset or diarrhea, use less or stop using it. Let your doctor know if you experience any unpleasant effects, if a cough does not improve significantly in two weeks, if fever develops, or if you cough up brown or bloody phlegm.
Unusual Leaves
Unique among healing herbs, coltsfoot’s flowers precede its leaves. The golden blossoms are among the first wildflowers to appear in spring. But the plant’s broad, hoof-shaped leaves do not appear until after the flowers have withered.
Coltsfoot is a low-growing perennial with flowers resembling marigolds. It’s so easy to grow, it may overrun a garden. But it works well in containers.
Coltsfoot is best propagated from root cuttings planted in spring or fall. It likes a moist, clay soil under full sun or partial shade. Flowers should be gathered in full bloom and dried. Leaves should be harvested when mature.