Dried Coltsfoot Flower

Dried Coltsfoot Flower

 

 

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

Bellflower root or Campanulaceae

Ingredient Name: Bellflower root, bell flower, balloon flower, Campanulaceae or Radix Platycodonis

Chinese Name: 桔梗 (jié gěng)

Another “root” to add to the collection.  The Chinese love to use a variety of plant, flower and herb roots and truth be told, for me, they all look and smell the same.  While most roots are considered in the repertoire of Chinese medicine, the usages do vary from season to cause.  I would definitely take caution when using the various types of roots available from your herbalist and definitely use in moderation.

What is this?
  • The dried root of the bellflower
  • It is commonly used in Chinese medicine
  • The flower is found in China, Korea, Japan and Eastern Siberia
  • The roots when dried are beige in color and are long and shriveled looking

How do I prepare it?

  • Wash the dried roots in warm water before usage

Where can I buy this?

  • Commonly found in wet marts in Hong Kong from the herbalist or dried food vendor

What is the cost?

  • Bellflower roots are relatively affordable

Any benefits?

  • Excellent in aiding in coughs and sore throat
  • It is said to help nourish and moisten the lungs
  • Great for quenching thirst

Any precautions?

  • Consume in moderation (only 2-3 slices per soup or drink)
  • Excessive consumption can result in mild nausea and/or vomiting

Additional Information?

  • Dried bellflower roots can store in tightly sealed contained for up to 6 months