COMFREY

Alternate Names: Knitbone, Slippery Root, Bruisewort, Blackwort

Parts Used: Leaves, root.

Properties: Anodyne, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Astringent, Demulcent, Emollient, Expectorant, Hemostatic, Refrigerant, Vulnerary, Yin Tonic.

Internal Uses: Bronchitis, Cough, Fractures, Internal Bleeding, Respiratory Problems, Ulcers

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Today it is not often used internally. See contraindications.

Topical Uses: Bruises, Burns, Fractures, Hemorrhoids, Skin Dryness, Swellings, Varicose Veins, Wounds

Topical Applications: When applied topically, Comfrey helps to draw infection out of the body. Its constituent allantoin is a known cell proliferant. Use as a bathherb for dry skin. Salves, lotions and poultices for fractures, wounds, bruises, swellings, hemorrhoids, varicosites and burns.

Energetics: Cool, Sweet, Moist.

Chemical Constituents: Mucilage, mucopolysaccharides, allantoin, inulin, vitamin B-12, protein, lysine, asparagine, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, triterpenoids, phenolic acids, pyrrolizidine, alkaloids.

Contraindications: Pyrrolizidine alkaloids may cause hepatic toxicity, also referred to as veno-occlusive disease. The root is higher in the alkaloid than the leaves. Young leaves are higher in pyrrolizidine than the mature leaves. Other research indicates that Comfrey may have anticancerous activity. Research herbalists are still at odds about this and more research needs to be conducted to determine whether or not Comfrey is safe for internal use. Because Comfrey causes rapid wound healing, make sure a wound is clean of any dirt before applying Comfrey.

Comments: The name Comfrey is derived from the Latin, con ferva, meaning 'with strength'. The genus name, Symphytum, means 'grown together'. Comfrey paste was once used to cast broken bones. Comfrey is native to Eurasia. Legend says that Comfrey baths were given to women before marriage to restore the hymen and thus virginity. When drying the leaves, keep them from touching one another so they will dry without yellowing. Add extra Comfrey to the compost bin to accelerate breakdown of organic matter. Once planted in a garden, it tends to take over and can be difficult to eradicate.

-- Phil in KS (pemccoy@yahoo.com), March 08, 2002

Answers

Thanks Phil, for this info on Comfrey, and each listing on herbs, my passion. I have a large stand of Comfrey in a shady spot in the woods, and really enjoy the pretty purple flowers. I just need to learn how to use it. I love coming to your site every night, you never know what's new;) Smiles, Linda

-- Linda Be (lindabe@ywave.com), March 09, 2002.

Your daily listig has gotten me interested in my herbal medicines PDR again. Thanks.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), March 09, 2002.

Phil, would you double check the Contraindications? You have "more research needs to be conducted to determine whether or not Comfrey is safe for external use" but, as mentioned under Internal Applications, the controversary is over internal use.

Another point on Comfrey being a rapid wound healer is that it should not be used on deep wounds until the interal wound heals some first. Then it would be okay to use to finish the healing process. Otherwise, it is possible that the outer skin heals before the inside does and infection could set in.

-- Bren (wayoutfarm@skybest.com), March 09, 2002.

Thanks for the input Bren! I made the correction (musta tripped over my thumbs the first time -grin-).

-- Phil in KS (pigfarmerphil@yahoo.com), March 09, 2002.

Thumb times I do that mythelf! :-D

-- Bren (wayoutfarm@skybest.com), March 09, 2002.