Astringent, demulcent, emollient, expectorant Coltsfoot is one he time-tried remedies for respiratory problems. Use it for coughs, colds, hoarseness, bronchitis, bronchial asthma pleurisy, and throat catarrh. For chronic bronchitis, shortness of breath, and dry cough, try smoking the leaves. Coltsfoot can also be used for diarrhea. The crushed leaves or a decoction can be applied externally for insect bites Inflammations, general swellings, bums, erysipelas, legs ulcers and phlem.