Coltsfoot

Mon, 03/23/2009 - 09:48 — chrism
Latin Name:
Petasites frigidus and Petasites palmatus
Uses:
Medicine

As Medicine:

Two species of coltsfoot (Petasites frigidus and P. palmatus) plants are in the Gwich’in Settlement Area. They are used as a steam to treat chest conditions such as asthma, congested chest conditions or colds. Ruth Welsh said,

"... [when] your child has a cold... [and] you want something to steam in the child's room to break the congestion and help them sleep, this is one of the plants that we used for that purpose."

Source: Andre, Alestine, Nant'aih nakwits'inahtsìh (The Land Gives Us Strength) (2006)

A coltsfoot steam treatment

The plant is put into boiling water and the water will stop boiling when the coltsfoot is placed in.  Bring the water to a second boil and boil it for about five minutes.  Turn the stove off.  When the water has cooled a bit, put a towel over the head and begin to do deep breathing exercises.  This steaming will help clear a congested or stuffy head and congested chest.