Comfrey

(Symphytum Officinale)   

Alias names for Comfrey:  Comphrey, Knitbone, Knitback, Consound, Blackwort, Bruisewort, Slippery Root, Boneset, Yalluc (Saxon), Gum Plant, Consolid, Ass Fur, Healherb, All Heal, Wound Wort.

Chinese Name for Comfrey: None Found 

References for Comfrey pictures:

• Click on the pictures to follow the links.

About Comfrey: Comfrey is perennial plant which can grow up to 3 feet tall.  Comfrey has thick rough prickly leaves and bell-like flowers that can vary from white, pink, and mauve in color.  The Comfrey plant is often confused with Foxglove which is toxic if consumed.  While Knitbone originated in Europe, Comfrey now grows in all parts of the world.  Comfrey prefers moist and marshy areas that are in the sun or partial shade.  In order to grow Comfrey, you may choose to plant seeds in the spring or divide roots in the fall.  The leaves and flowers are harvested during summer months, and the root may be dug in the fall.

Actions and Uses of Comfrey:

• Acne

• Aids virus

• Allergies

• Anemia

• Anti-inflammatory

• Asthma

• Astringent

• Bladder

• Boils

• Bruises

• Cancer

• Colds/flue

• Demulcent

• Eyes

  • Blepharitis/eyelid inflammation

  • Conjunctivitis/pinkeye

• Fatigue

• Fractures/broken bones

• Gout

• Heals wounds and bones

• Insect bites

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Joints/Arthritis

• Kidney stones

• Leg cramps

• Respiratory conditions

  • Bronchitis

  • Cough

  • Pleurisy

  • Pneumonia

  • Sinusitis

  • Tuberculosis

• Scars

• Skin

  • Eczema

  • Fungal infection

  • Psoriasis

  • Rashes

  • Ulcers

• Stomach ulcers/peptic ulcers

• Thrombophlebitis

How Comfrey is used and how it works:

Comfrey contains allantoin which is a cell-proliferant which helps repair damaged tissue.  It promotes the knitting together of bones and ligaments.  The herb also contains rosmarinic acid which is an anti-inflammatory property.

• Comfrey oil or ointment as topical treatment for skin conditions such as acne, boils and psoriasis.

• Comfrey compresses may be applied to speed the healing of bruises and sprains.

• Infused Oil can be applied to sprains.

• A poultice made of chopped leaves is applied to boils.

• Root tincture is used to treat acne.

Parts of the Comfrey plant used: Aerial parts/leaves & flowers, roots

Properties of Comfrey:  Antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, pain reliever/anodyne, astringent, expectorant, haemostatic/blood clotter, proliferant/cell growth stimulant, sedative(mild) cell growth stimulant, laxative

Chemical Constituents of Comfrey:  Allantoin, Aspargine, Mucilage, Phenolic acids, Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, Tannins, Triterpenoids

Contradictions, safety issues, concerns, harmful drug interactions and allergy precautions for Comfrey:  Use comfrey only on clean wounds as the rapid healing properties may cause dirt and puss to get trapped inside the wound.  Internal use should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional.  Use is restricted in some countries.  The isolated pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) are very toxic to the liver.  The highest concentration of the alkaloids is in the roots and fresh young leaves with very small amounts (if any) in dried mature leaves.  For these reasons internal use of Comfrey root should not be use unless they have been guaranteed pyrrolizidine-free.  Leaves may be used as a tea safely for up to one month.  Tinctures may be used for longer periods because they are PA-free. Other topical preparations are also safe to use.  Comfrey is banned from use in several countries in capsule and tablet form but is still used in the synthesized form.   The plant can easily be confused with Foxglove which is deadly and may cause convulsions and irregular heartbeat.  The PAs in Comfrey has caused death in lab rats.  Avoid if pregnant because it may cause damage to the fetus.

Helpful Links and References for Comfrey:

• www.naturalherbsguide.com/comfrey.html

• http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/medicinal/comf.html

• http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/comfre92.html

• http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/afcm/comfrey.html

• Book: Do Herbs by Sandy Brooks

Related Pages:

My Favorite Herbal Books

How to make a decoction

How to make infused oils

How to make infusions

How to make a poultice

How to make a tincture

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