The name already warns about the therapeutic power of this plant, known for thousands of years for being one of the best natural remedies to end cough.

The term tusílago derives from the Latin word tussis for cough and agere to chase or chase in reference to its aforementioned antitussive power. In the past, the leaves of this plant were smoked to cure dry and persistent coughs, as well as to treat asthma.

The cough (Tusilago farfara) is an underground rhizome from which stems sprout that reach 30 cm in height. The leaves are evergreen, large and long petiolate. The plant stands out for the presence of stems covered with scales that bloom in early spring displaying beautiful yellow flowers.

The leaves do not appear until after flowering. Coughworm grows in moist, clay soils and on the margins of forests and roads.

Medicinal properties

• Cough contains abundant mucilagetannins, inulin, flavonoids and alkaloids that give it its proven antitussive and expectorant action.
• It is an effective protector of the mucous membranes, which makes this plant one of the most valuable remedies to combat coughs, relieve respiratory colds and clear the airways, while preventing inflammation of the pharynx, larynx, tonsils and bronchi from developing.
• Cough acts with proven effectiveness against those persistent, irritating coughs how hard it is to make it disappearwhile helps lower body temperature. For its power to clean the bronchi and regenerate the respiratory mucous membranes. It is ideal for ex-smokers and has been recommended in tobacco detoxification.
• Cough leaves are also indicated in cases of asthma and certain dental problems.. But it is advisable not to prolong its ingestion for too long.

Herbal formulas

• Herbal tea to purify the bronchi: Combine 15 g of coltsfoot, lungwort, Iceland lichen, horehound and fir shoots, adding one tablespoon of the mixture for every 1/4 liter of water.
• How to prepare it: Boil for 2 minutes and let it rest, covered, for 10 more minutes. You should drink a very hot cup every four hours. To improve the flavor you can add a teaspoon of honey.
• Infusion against cough: An excellent alternative against cough is the herbal tea that is made by mixing 20 g of tusilago flowers with the same amount of other equally expectorant herbs: Scots pine, maidenhair and eucalyptus, plus the digestive reinforcement of fennel.
• How to prepare it: Combine one tablespoon of the mixture for each cup and let it boil for 3 minutes. The optimal dose is three cups daily, after meals, and preferably very hot. Those who wish can improve its flavor by adding a splash of lemon juice.
• To lower body temperature: The herbal tea prepared by combining 15 g of cough, poppy, gentian and elderberry and dispensing a tablespoon of the mixture for each cup of water is very effective.
• How to prepare it: Boil it for 3 minutes and keep it infused for a quarter of an hour. After that time, it is strained and lemon juice or honey is added to disguise its bitter taste.

Jordi Cebrián. Advisor: Trini Ferrán, herbalist from “El Manantial de Salud”