Botanical atlas
Alpine Sweet Coltsfoot
Adenostyles alliariae
In the high pastures of the Alps, shepherds and villagers once gathered the broad, heart-shaped leaves of Alpine sweet coltsfoot to bind over bruises, blisters, and minor wounds, much as lowland communities used its relative, common coltsfoot. Its huge leaves and thick, hollow stems made it easy to recognize and easy to reach for in a pinch, high above the treeline where other soft-leaved herbs were scarce. Old Alpine herbals also mention it being steamed over for chest complaints, echoing the folk logic that a broad-leaved, moisture-loving plant would ease a damp cough. Today, herbalists regard these uses as historical curiosities rather than practices to revive, since the plant's chemistry tells a more cautionary story than its folklore does.
In tradition.
In the high pastures of the Alps, shepherds and villagers once gathered the broad, heart-shaped leaves of Alpine sweet coltsfoot to bind over bruises, blisters, and minor wounds, much as lowland communities used its relative, common coltsfoot. Its huge leaves and thick, hollow stems made it easy to recognize and easy to reach for in a pinch, high above the treeline where other soft-leaved herbs were scarce. Old Alpine herbals also mention it being steamed over for chest complaints, echoing the folk logic that a broad-leaved, moisture-loving plant would ease a damp cough. Today, herbalists regard these uses as historical curiosities rather than practices to revive, since the plant's chemistry tells a more cautionary story than its folklore does.
The tradition we can stand behind has no household remedy for this plant, so we list none. If that changes as the library grows, this page will grow with it.
Safety.
Alpine Sweet Coltsfoot contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, the same liver-damaging, potentially carcinogenic compounds found in comfrey and ragwort, so it is not used internally. Avoid it entirely during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and keep it away from children.
Our sister app HerbLens identifies alpine sweet coltsfoot from a photo and keeps its full botanical portrait: growing guide, harvest notes, and look-alike warnings.
View on HerbLensAsk HerbSense how alpine sweet coltsfoot is traditionally used and what to know before trying anything at home.
Ask about Alpine Sweet ColtsfootHerbSense shares traditional herbal knowledge for education, not diagnosis or treatment. Herbs can interact with medicines and conditions. Speak with your doctor before acting on anything here, and seek care promptly for anything severe, sudden, or worsening.