Ingredient Name: Dried Coltsflower, Tussilaginis Farfarae Flos, Dong Hua, Tussilago
Traditional Chinese Name: 冬花 (dōng huā)
What is this?
- The flower is a perennial plant that reminds me of yellow dandelions or small sunflowers
- When the leaves are dried it becomes a brownish-yellow texture
- In the case of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the leaves are used, but sometimes the flowers and roots are used as well
- This is also commonly used in western herbal supplements, all with the same usage of reducing coughs
- This can be used in both teas and soups (although teas and Chinese herbal drinks more commonly)
- Considered slightly warming ingredient
How do I prepare it?
- No preparation needed other than storing in a dry, cool place
Where can I buy this?
- In Asia, especially in Hong Kong, you can buy these at the wet marts, herbalists, dried food stalls (the ones that also sell dried red dates and fish maw)
- They also come in prepackaged soup packs
What is the cost?
- Very affordable, only a few dollars HKD for a handful
Any benefits?
- Known in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help reduce coughs, remove phlegm, and moistens the lungs
- It’s ideal for heaty bodies or yin deficiency
- My Chinese herbalist recommends this when you’ve got the ends of a pesky cough that just won’t seem to go away, usually from the remnants of a cold
Any precautions?
- Buy from a reputable source
- Be sure to store in a dry, cool place as they can prone to spoiling in more humid weather
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