Comfrey

Comfrey

Symphytum Officinale)

Comfrey is one of the herbs that has gotten a bad reputation as being dangerous. Medical studies have reported that Comfrey caused cancer in test animals, and these findings were widely publicized. If one looks closer at the studies, however, one will realize that scientists had isolated and extracted the alkaloids in the herb, and it is these extracted components that were given to small rats in massive doses. The rats developed tumors and cancer. Later, when confronted with the fact that the study gave an extract of Comfrey rather than the entire natural plant, the researchers retracted their assessment of Comfrey as a dangerous plant, telling news media that when Comfrey was given in its whole and natural state to rats, tumors, and cancer did not develop. Nevertheless, the damage had been done, and one can still find warnings in herbal books and medical literature that Comfrey causes cancer.

The general rule in Herbology is: "If anything is broken, use Comfrey." Also known as Knitbone, Bruisewort, and Woundwort, this herb is best known for its ability to heal broken bones and wounds. Fresh, clean comfrey leaves can be used as a poultice to treat broken bones, sprains, sore joints, and wounds. Clean the leaves and remove the rib, then apply the leaves to the skin above the broken bone or sprain. Wrap a bandage around the area, securing the leaves. Remove the leaves when the skin begins to itch from the small hairs and reapply when ready. Comfrey contains allantoin, which stimulates new cell growth and increases cell production, thus supporting rapid healing. It can be used on almost any part of the body. Comfrey has been used by orthopedic surgeons on complicated bone fractures, although this is not commonly acknowledged.

Comfrey also stops bleeding and hemorrhaging. It is used by many herbalists for healing the respiratory system where there is hemorrhaging of the lungs.

Comfrey is often used in soothing inflammation. As a poultice, this herb can be applied to sore breasts, burns, wounds, swelling, and bites. It can also be used hot to help ease pain from bursitis.

The leaf of the comfrey is used for gastric and duodenal ulcers, rheumatic pain, arthritis, bruises, sprains, athlete's foot, and mastitis. It can also be used for varicose ulcers. The root of the plant is used for colitis, wounds, fractures, hernias, and haematemesis.

Comfrey is extremely nutritious, and fresh leaves and shoots can be cooked or eaten raw in a salad. Comfrey roots bring up potassium, phosphate, cobalt, and other minerals from the ground, making it very nutritionally dense. For this reason, Comfrey is often used as a fertilizer. for tomato, pepper, cucumber, and potato plants. Place a handful of leaves in a pot and cover them with water. Cover the pot and let it steep for 2 weeks in hot weather or 4 weeks in cool weather. Squeeze the leaves to extract the juice, strain, and use 1/3 cup of the juice to one gallon of water. Pour this mixture onto the soil around your plants to give them a boost.

An all-purpose potting mixture can be made by mixing well-rotted leaf mold and chopped Comfrey leaves. Place alternate layers of leafmould and Comfrey leaves in a plastic sack, and leave it for 2-5 months, checking it periodically to ensure it does not dry out or become overly wet (it should ooze a bit if squeezed very hard). When the Comfrey leaves have completely rotted, this mixture makes a great medium for other plants.

To make Comfrey tea, pour one cup of boiling water over 1/4 cup of fresh Comfrey or 2 teaspoons of dried Comfrey. Let it steep for five minutes, then strain and drink.

Comfrey comes with a warning that overuse may cause liver damage. As with all herbs, it is wise to consult a professional before use.