Comfrey

Latin name: Symphytum officinale (means knitting together, up to 35 species)

Family: Boraginaceae

Folk Names: bruisewort, knitback, knitbone.

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DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERISTICS 

Part of the Plant Used

Originally found in Eurasia, comfrey displays bell shaped purple flowers, long green leaves and grows in small clumps to shrub-like appearances. Leaves used as medicinal component. Grows prevalently in the United States and Canada.

Root and Rhizome harvested in spring or autumn when allantoin levels are highest. Aerial Parts harvested during flowering in early summer.

CONSTITUENTS

Allantoin, an anti-inflammatory that perks up the immune system, speeds wound healing, and encourages new cellular growth. Tannins are astringent and the rosmarinic acid may contribute to anti-inflammatory properties as well.

Mucilage, gum, allantoin, tannin, alkaloids, resin, volatile oil.

THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

• Vulnerary
• Demulcent
• Astringent
• Expectorant
• Cell Proliferator
• Wound Healer

Clinical: Bruises, joint sprains, ulcers (duodenal and indolent), Arthritis, bedsores, breast pain, bronchitis, bug bites, chafing, colitis, eczema, fractures, gastritis, gum disease, hemorrhage, inflammation, intestinal inflammation, muscle strains, pharyngitis, psoriasis, rashes, sores, wounds.

Folk:  Chest pain, congestion, contusions, coughing, diarrhea, dysentery, gastric ulcers, indigestion, itching, pleuritis, sunburn, venous problems.

Energetics: cool, moist and sweet.

HERB-DRUG INTERACTIONS

Not for long-term internal consumption as comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which have been linked to liver toxicity. Ultimately, its fairly safe.

Dosage

Two to 4 grams of dried roots or 2 to 8 grams of dried leaves in a tea three times a day, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of liquid extract three times a day, or 1/4 to 1/2 cup of fresh comfrey leaves daily.

Combines well with nettle.

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