Knitbone, bruisewort, healing herb: these are some of the common names for the herb known as comfrey (Symphonium officinale). For centuries, country people and wise women have cherished this herb for its powerful healing properties. Juliette de Bairacli-Levy wrote that comfrey is "good for almost every ill of mankind." A member or the Boraginaceae family, comfrey's genus name describes its healing gift: "Symphytum" originates from the Greek "sympho", which means "to unite." The name "comfrey" is derived from "con firma," or "uniting of bones."
Comfrey grows wild along riverbanks and in moist areas in Europe and temperate Asia, and is especially popular in England. In the United States, it is grown only as a cultivated herb. Its hairy stem grows from 2 to 3 feet, and its hairy, oval leaves can grow to 10 inches long. The hairs on the leaves can cause itching and irritation. The leaves diminish in size toward the top of the stem, where drooping clusters of creamy yellow or purple flowers grow on short stalks.
The healing properties of comfrey include: anodyne, astringent, demulcent, emollient, expectorant, refrigerant, and vulnerary. Allantoin, which promotes rapid cell regeneration, is present in the leaves, roots, and flowering tops. This substance is responsible for comfrey's fame as a healer of all forms of wounds, and is easily absorbed through the skin. Both the leaves and rootstock are used medicinally. The leaves are rich in nutrients, including calcium, chromium, fiber, manganese, niacin, potassium, protein, riboflavin, selenium, silicon, Vitamins A and C, and amino acids.
The presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) in comfrey has caused concern for the safety of those who ingest the herb; experts agree that external use is completely safe. PA has been shown to cause venous liver congestion, a fatal condition. The highest level of PA is found in the roots and young leaves of comfrey, but only in minute amounts in mature leaves. The cultivated species of comfrey (Symphytum uplandica) does not contain PA; comfrey leaves sold in bulk are generally derived from the cultivated plant. To ensure safety, only harvest the leaves after the plant has reached full flower, and do not take internally for more than a week or two at a time. A trained herbalist can advise you on the safe use of comfrey.
Comfrey soothes and heals both externally and internally. The rootstock powder is an effective hemostatic: that is, it stops excessive bleeding when applied as a poultice or taken as a decoction or tea. Its mucilaginous and emollient qualities make the rootstock the herb of choice for gastro-intestinal inflammation, ulcers, and diarrhea. It provides relief as a demulcent for those suffering from whooping cough and other lung conditions. The leaves can be made into a poultice for severe cuts, abscesses, boils, and ulcers. Apply a pulp from the beaten leaves for relief from sore or inflamed muscles. Drink a comfrey leaf infusion to encourage healing of fractures and bruises, as well as for bronchial and gastro-intestinal conditions.
Women who become pregnant after age 40 can ensure a more comfortable, safer delivery by drinking comfrey leaf infusion. The herb's nutrients and allantoin are beneficial to both mother and baby. Comfrey's minerals promote healthy fetal nervous system development and help to prevent eclampsia and other complications. The allantoin strengthens uterine muscles and ligaments, and promotes flexibility of the pelvic bones; comfrey's hemostatic property helps prevent hemorrhage. With the guidance of a trained herbalist, a pregnant woman may drink up to a quart of comfrey leaf infusion per week to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
Allantoin, applied externally, improves hair and skin appearance and health. Skin will appear smoother and softer when comfrey oil is used in bath water. Treat dandruff by adding two or three drops of tincture to shampoo.
Prepare comfrey leaf or rootstock infusion by placing an ounce of dried leaves or roots into a quart canning jar; fill the jar with boiling water, cap tightly, and allow to brew for at least 4 hours or overnight. Slowly heating the infusion until it is reduced to one quarter the original amount produces a decoction (the decoction will be more concentrated than the infusion). To prepare a poultice from comfrey leaves, pulp or bruise the fresh leaves and bind to a wound with cotton cloth. Also, a cotton cloth can be dipped into a heated infusion, wrung out, and applied.
Comfrey has enjoyed centuries of fame as a safe, effective healer. Ask a trained herbalist to guide you in its safe use, and allow this gifted herb to amaze you with its abilities.
Sources:
Bairacli-Levy, Juliette de, "Common Herbs for Natural Health," Woodstock, NY: Ash Tree Publishing, 1996.
Duke, James A., Ph.D., "The Green Pharmacy," New York, NY: St. Martin's Press, 1997.
Edwards, Gail Faith, "Opening Our Wild Hearts to the Healing Herbs," Woodstock, NY: Ash Tree Publishing, 2000.
Grieve, Maude, "A Modern Herbal," Mineola, NY: Dover Publications, 1971, 1982 (from original 1931 Harcourt, Brace & Company).
Lust, John, "The Herb Book," New York, NY: Benedict Lust Publications, 2001 (from 1974).
Weed, Susun S., "New Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way," Woodstock, NY: Ash Tree Publishing, 2002.