{click HERE for entire “Learning Herbs” series}

Comfrey Herb Profile:

Latin Name: Symphytum x uplandicum (other varieties S. officinale and S. asperum)

Other Names: Russian Comfrey, Knit bone, Bruisewort

Description: Comfrey is a perennial that can grow between 3-5 feet producing large green leaves that are fuzzy and veiny. The flowers start to form in a curl and as they bloom, you will find small, bell-like blooms in the colors of lilac-rose that fade into purple, violet or blue. Comfrey is a sterile plant, making it difficult to grow at home, unless you know someone who is willing to share a root or two with you. There are many mixed reviews about this wonderful herb*, but its healing abilities are hard to deny.

Parts used: Whole plant. The leave and flowers can be harvested at any time once the plant begins to flower, use fresh or dry. Roots can be harvested, but the leaves have just as much healing properties, so I don’t find using the roots necessary. All parts can be frozen and store best this way.

Medicinal Properties: I think comfrey is one of the best herbs you can use to heal and restore the body’s musculoskeletal system. One of the main healing compounds in comfrey called allantoin, which is an anti-inflammatory, aids in the healing of wounds and encourages new cell growth. Comfrey is historically known to heal open sores, bruises and even broken bones. I have a personal friend who used this amazing herb (and some prayer) to heal her son’s fractured ankle; it worked wonders knitting his bones back together and quickly too. Since comfrey speeds up the healing process, it is important to only apply to areas that have been thoroughly cleaned. Use caution when applying to deep wounds because it will heal the outer skin before the deeper wound.

Common (therapeutic) uses: Arthritis, Broken Bones, Bruises, Bug Bites, Burns, Chafing, Eczema, Fractures, Gum Diseases, Hemorrhoids, Inflammation, Muscle Strains, Psoriasis, Rashes, Skin Tags, Sores, Varicose Veins, Wounds and more…

Other uses: Comfrey is a great natural fertilizer for other garden plants. You can simply cut off a leaf or two and lay them on the ground and allow them to decay naturally. Or you can chop up the leaves and make a “fertilizer tea” by steeping them in boiling water, then pouring over plant roots.

Medicinal Forms: Here are a few ways to use/apply comfrey:

External:

• Infused Oil
• Liniment
• Salve, Balm, or Ointment
• Poultice
• Herbal Bath or Soak

Internal:

• Not recommended unless under the supervision of a professional

Precautions: You may have noticed I labeled comfrey’s Latin name as S. x uplandicum, which is the species pictured above. Many have mislabeled the pictured comfrey as S. officinale. S. officinale is apparently what researchers used in their studies that have caused controversy over whether comfrey is a safe herb.* The pyrrolizidine alkaloids, compounds which can be toxic to the liver, in S. x uplandicum are significantly lower than S. officinale. It’s important to know that while most of the comfrey used medicinally is S. x uplandicum, I would use caution when thinking about using internally. I personally don’t take comfrey internally and probably will never recommend it.

Where to find: While having fresh comfrey is nice, it is hard to grow since comfrey itself is a sterile plant. It can only be grown by root divisions. If you know a friend or neighbor who has some, you might be able to snag a piece of root and grow your own. If not, you can purchase bulk, dried comfrey leaves at Bulk Herb Store or Glenbrook Farms. Comfrey (fresh or dried) is best preserved by refrigerating/freezing.

Resources:

• The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook by James A Duke, Ph.D.
• Homegrown Herbs by Tammi Hartung
• Healing Herbs by Rosalee de la Foret (get this book for free)
• Bulk Herb Store (note: this is my affiliate link)
• * per Wikipedia sources

I am so glad I have comfrey growing in my medicinal garden; it’s such a wonderful addition. I personally use comfrey leaves in my healing salves. Have you ever needed to use comfrey?

p.s. Linking up to Thankful Homemaker, Homestead Barn Hop, Domestically Divine, Wildcraft Wednesday, EOA Link-up, Simple Living Link-up, Frugally Sustainable, Healthy 2day Wed… {see link-up list}