Definition:

Comfrey is a perennial herb with large, hairy leaves and bell-shaped flowers. The plant is known for its remarkable ability to promote the healing of bones and tissues, making it a favorite in traditional herbal medicine for external use.

Botanical Name: Symphytum officinale

Common Name: Comfrey

Family: Boraginaceae

Part Used: Root, leaves

Energetics:

• Taste: Sweet, slightly astringent
• Temperature: Cooling, moistening

Actions:

• Vulnerary (promotes wound healing)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Astringent
• Demulcent (soothes mucous membranes)
• Cell proliferant (stimulates tissue repair)

Body Systems:

• Musculoskeletal System: Comfrey is known for its ability to promote the healing of bones, tendons, and ligaments. It helps speed the recovery of fractures, sprains, and strains by stimulating cell growth and reducing inflammation.
• Skin: Comfrey is commonly used for healing wounds, burns, and skin irritations. It helps regenerate damaged tissues and reduce inflammation, making it useful for cuts, bruises, and rashes.
• Digestive System: Due to its demulcent properties, Comfrey can be used to soothe the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, providing relief for conditions like ulcers or colitis.

Primary Constituents:

• Allantoin: Stimulates cell proliferation and tissue regeneration
• Mucilage: Soothes and protects mucous membranes
• Tannins: Provide astringent and anti-inflammatory action
• Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs): Toxic in large quantities, particularly when used internally; responsible for potential liver toxicity

Safety Precautions:

• Pregnancy & Lactation: Comfrey should not be used internally during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which may be toxic to the liver.
• Internal Use: Due to the risk of liver damage from pyrrolizidine alkaloids, internal use of Comfrey is generally discouraged, especially in large amounts or over long periods.
• Topical Use: Comfrey is generally considered safe for external use in the form of salves or poultices.

Traditional & Modern Uses:

• Bone & Tissue Healing: Comfrey is traditionally used to heal fractures, sprains, and soft tissue injuries. It is applied externally in the form of poultices or salves to speed healing and reduce inflammation.
• Wound Healing: Comfrey promotes wound healing by stimulating the growth of new tissue. It is used to treat cuts, bruises, burns, and other skin irritations, helping the skin to regenerate faster.
• Joint & Muscle Pain: Comfrey is often used externally to relieve pain and inflammation in joints and muscles, making it useful for conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, and sprains.
• Skin Health: Comfrey’s ability to promote tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation makes it a popular choice for treating rashes, burns, and skin irritations.

Preparations & Dosage:

• Infusion (Tea): Due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, internal use of Comfrey tea is not recommended.
• Tincture: External use only; apply Comfrey tincture to wounds or sore muscles.
• Poultice: Fresh Comfrey leaves can be mashed and applied directly to the skin to heal wounds or treat joint and muscle pain.
• Salve: Comfrey-infused oil or salves are commonly used for external application to heal cuts, burns, and bruises.