Comfrey root

Traditional Uses:
Comfrey has been widely used for centuries as a healing herb, particularly in folk medicine. Traditionally, it was known as “boneset” or “knitbone” due to its ability to promote the healing of fractures and broken bones. The herb was applied externally in the form of poultices, compresses, and salves to treat bruises, sprains, wounds, and joint injuries. The leaves and roots were used to reduce inflammation and swelling and speed up the healing of soft tissues.

Wound Healing: Comfrey’s traditional use for wounds and ulcers was due to its content of allantoin, a compound that stimulates cell regeneration and tissue repair.

Internal Use (Historical): In the past, comfrey was also consumed as a tea or decoction to treat respiratory conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, and internal bleeding. However, internal use of comfrey is now discouraged due to concerns over pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can be toxic to the liver.

Current Uses:
Today, comfrey remains highly regarded for its external use in treating bruises, sprains, strains, and inflammation of muscles and joints. Modern herbalists recommend comfrey as an ingredient in ointments and creams to aid in the healing of skin conditions, minor wounds, burns, and fractures. Its ability to promote tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation has kept it relevant in natural remedies, though strict regulations now limit its internal use due to its hepatotoxic potential.

Topical Applications: Comfrey is commonly used in herbal salves, balms, and lotions for musculoskeletal pain, as well as in arthritis and rheumatic treatments. The herb helps reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, making it a popular remedy for athletes and those recovering from injuries.

Cautions

Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs):
Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic to the liver and can cause liver damage (hepatotoxicity) when ingested. Due to this, internal use of comfrey is generally discouraged or even banned in many countries. The PAs can also be absorbed through broken skin, so it is recommended to avoid using comfrey on open wounds or damaged skin.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
Comfrey should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the risk of pyrrolizidine alkaloids transferring to the baby through the placenta or breast milk. The safety of comfrey in these circumstances has not been well established, and caution is strongly advised.

Long-Term Use:
Even in external use, prolonged or excessive use of comfrey is not recommended due to the potential risk of pyrrolizidine alkaloid absorption. Topical application should be limited to short periods and only on intact skin.

Liver Disease:
Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions should avoid comfrey altogether due to the risk of liver toxicity.

Known Chemical Constituents

Allantoin:
A compound that promotes cell regeneration and tissue repair, making it effective for wound healing and skin soothing.

Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs):

Symphytine, Intermedine, Echimidine: These alkaloids are responsible for hepatotoxic effects and caution against internal use, especially for prolonged periods.

Mucilage:
A substance that coats and soothes inflamed tissues, aiding in the healing of burns, wounds, and skin irritations.

Tannins:
Known for their astringent properties, tannins help tighten tissues, reduce swelling, and promote wound closure.

Rosmarinic Acid:
Provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, helping to reduce pain and swelling.

Saponins:
Exhibit anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties, supporting the healing of injured tissues.

Flavonoids:

Quercetin, Rutin: Act as powerful antioxidants, helping reduce inflammation and supporting tissue repair.

Chlorophyll:
A pigment found in comfrey that aids in detoxification and healing, promoting skin health and helping to reduce inflammation.

Calcium:
Supports bone health and is essential for the repair of bone fractures, aligning with comfrey’s traditional use as a remedy for healing bones and tissues.

Vitamin K:
Essential for blood clotting and tissue repair, aiding the body’s natural healing process after injuries.

Phosphorous:
An important mineral that supports cellular repair and bone health.

Silica (Si) and Trace Minerals:
Contribute to the strengthening of bones and connective tissues, playing a role in cellular regeneration and tissue healing.

Vitamins A & C:

Vitamin A: Promotes skin health and supports immune function, aiding in the regeneration of damaged tissues.
Vitamin C: Acts as an antioxidant and helps in collagen production, essential for tissue repair and skin regeneration.

Botanical Description

Growth Habit:
Symphytum officinale is a perennial herb that grows to about 30–100 cm (12–39 inches) in height. It has a clumping habit, with the ability to spread through underground rhizomes, forming large patches over time.

Leaves:
The leaves are large, lance-shaped, and hairy, with a rough texture. They grow alternately along the stem, with basal leaves being significantly larger. The leaves are dark green, measuring up to 20–30 cm in length, with a slightly crinkled appearance.

Stems:
The stems are angular and hollow, covered with coarse hairs. They are typically branched near the top and have a sticky texture due to the fine hairs.

Flowers:
Comfrey produces bell-shaped flowers that vary in color from purple to pink, blue, or white. These flowers bloom in curved clusters and have a distinctive drooping shape, appearing from late spring to mid-summer. The flowers are around 1–2 cm long and attract pollinators like bees.

Fruit and Seeds:
Comfrey produces small nutlets in groups of four, which are shiny and black. The seeds are enclosed in these nutlets and are dispersed after the flowers fade.

Roots:
The roots are long, tapering, and black on the outside, with a white, fleshy interior. Comfrey’s roots are rich in mucilage and allantoin, making them highly valued in traditional medicine for their healing properties.

Habitat:
Comfrey thrives in moist, fertile soils and is commonly found in meadows, riverbanks, woodland edges, and gardens. It prefers areas with partial shade but can tolerate full sun in temperate climates.

Fun Facts

Also known as ‘knitbone’ for its ability to ‘knit’ bones together.

Parts Used

Root & Leaves

Harvest

Best Time to Harvest:
Comfrey leaves are best harvested in late spring and early summer when the plant is in full growth but before it flowers. This is when the leaves are at their most medicinally potent. You can harvest leaves several times a season as comfrey is a fast grower.

The roots are typically harvested in autumn, after the plant’s energy has returned to the root system. This is when the roots contain the highest concentration of medicinal compounds such as allantoin and mucilage. Roots should be dug up carefully and cleaned thoroughly before being dried for use.

Method of Harvesting:

Leaves: Cut the leaves close to the base of the plant, leaving a few behind so the plant can continue to grow. The leaves can be used fresh or dried for later use.
Roots: Use a garden fork or spade to carefully dig around the base of the plant. Gently lift the plant and harvest the roots, leaving part of the root system intact to ensure regrowth. Clean the roots and chop them into smaller pieces for drying or immediate use.

Drying:
Leaves and roots should be dried in a warm, well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight. Once fully dried, store them in an airtight container for long-term use.

Sustainability Note:
Comfrey is a vigorous grower and can regenerate quickly, but it’s still important to harvest sustainably, especially when gathering roots, to ensure the plant’s survival and continued growth in the same area.

Preparations

Poultice:
Fresh comfrey leaves or roots are crushed and applied directly to the skin as a poultice to promote healing for wounds, bruises, sprains, or fractures.

Infused Oil:
Comfrey leaves or roots are infused in oil (such as olive or almond oil) over a period of time. The resulting oil can be used topically to help with muscle pain, inflammation, and skin conditions.

Salves and Balms:
Comfrey-infused oil is combined with beeswax and other healing herbs to create salves or balms, which are applied to injuries such as cuts, burns, and swelling.

Decoction:
The dried root of comfrey is simmered in water to make a decoction that is used topically for bruises, sprains, and joint pain.

Compress:
A cloth soaked in comfrey tea or decoction can be applied as a compress for soothing inflammation, reducing swelling, and aiding in tissue repair.

Liniment/Tincture:
Comfrey root or leaves can be made into a tincture by soaking them in alcohol for several weeks. This tincture is applied externally to treat wounds, ulcers, and bruising.

Creams and Lotions:
Comfrey is also used in prepared creams and lotions for topical use to treat skin conditions, inflammation, and pain relief.

Sacred Rituals

Due to its deep, strong roots, comfrey is often used in grounding rituals to help individuals reconnect with the Earth and strengthen their root chakra. Comfrey’s association with stability makes it a key component in rituals designed to bring clarity, security, and emotional balance during times of uncertainty. Placing comfrey root under a pillow or near one’s bed is said to promote deep, restful sleep and dreams that offer insight and guidance.

Affirmations

“I embrace the healing energy of the Earth. My body and spirit are nourished, restored, and strengthened as I move through life’s challenges with resilience and grace.”

Spiritual Associations

Comfrey is spiritually linked to physical and emotional healing, particularly in supporting the body’s natural ability to regenerate and repair. It is often seen as a plant that helps to “knit” broken parts together, making it a symbol of wholeness and recovery. In spiritual work, it is used to promote self-healing after trauma or loss and to help mend broken relationships or fractured emotions.