Is Tussilago farfara natural or synthetic?

. Extraction: Steam distillation of the flowers and leaves.

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Tussilago farfara

FLOWERS / floral · sweet · green

Tussilago farfara

Category	FLOWERS
Subcategory	floral · sweet · green
Origin
Volatility	Heart Note
Botanical	Tussilago farfara
Appearance	Dark green to brown viscous liquid
Odor Strength	Medium
Producing Countries	Asia, Europe
Pyramid	Heart

Herbal-green, faintly honey-sweet, and medicinal. Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) has been used in herbal medicine for millennia — the flower smells mildly green-herbal with a honey-like sweetness.

Scent
The Full Story
Fun Fact
Extraction & Chemistry
In Perfumery

Scent

Tussilago farfara has a sweet, warm, somewhat earthy aroma, recalling honey or syrup It has a subtle floral undertone. The floral sweetness is balanced by a soft, herbal depth.

Scent Evolution

As Tussilago farfara develops on the skin the initial sweetness becomes more pronounced, like freshly harvested honeycomb. This honey-like quality is balanced by a green, leafy freshness.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Sweet, honey-like aroma with floral undertones

After a few hours

Soft, warm sweetness develops

After a few days

Earthy and comforting notes persist

The Full Story

Tussilago farfara, commonly known as coltsfoot, is a perennial flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It has a long history in traditional medicine, particularly for respiratory ailments, its leaves and flowers used in herbal remedies for their soothing properties. In perfumery it is used for its sweet, honey-like aroma with a warm character.

Origin and Production

The plant is native to Europe and parts of Asia, growing in moist, disturbed soils in meadows and along riverbanks. It blooms in early spring, producing bright yellow flowers that are among the first to appear after winter. The leaves develop later in the season. Tussilago farfara is typically harvested during flowering, when its aromatic qualities are most pronounced.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

In perfumery, Tussilago farfara is used to enrich floral compositions and appears in both niche and mainstream fragrances. It contributes a soft, sweet, slightly earthy character. lavender, chamomile, and citrus.

Role in Perfumery

Tussilago farfara is used in modern fragrance compositions. Its aromatic character reflects a long tradition of herbal use.

Did You Know?

Coltsfoot has been used in herbal medicine since ancient times, often for coughs and respiratory complaints.

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Did You Know?

Did you know?

Coltsfoot has been used in herbal medicine since ancient times, often prescribed for coughs and respiratory issues because of soothing properties.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: Steam distillation of the flowers and leaves

Molecular Formula	Complex mixture — contains tussilagone, senkirkine (pyrrolizidine alkaloid)
CAS Number	84625-50-3 (Tussilago farfara extract)
Botanical Name	Tussilago farfara
IFRA Status	No known restrictions
Synonyms	COLTSFOOT · COUGHWORT · BULL'S FOOT
Physical Properties
Odor Strength	Medium
Appearance	Dark green to brown viscous liquid

In Perfumery

Tussilago farfara is a heart note in perfumery, lending a soft, sweet, and slightly earthy character that enhances floral compositions. It works with other floral notes such as jasmine and rose, as well as herbal elements like thyme and mint. This versatility allows it to be integrated into a wide array of fragrances, from uplifting and fresh to warm.