Comfrey may be applied to the skin in the form of a salve (cream) or poultice bruise treatment and swelling. Both have medicinal properties but the root is believed to be better because it has a higher concentration of potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus and silicon. It can grow up to 5 feet tall. Douglas has worked as a staff reporter for the Lakeville Journal newspaper group. The authors note that topical applications of comfrey appear to be safe, but more research is necessary to learn about the potential risks and side effects of using comfrey on your skin and wounds. Herbalist Lesley Bremness suggests soaking comfrey leaves in water to use as compost “tea,” which adds needed potassium to mineral-poor soil, as well as potato and tomato plants. The younger leaves and roots contain higher amounts of the dangerous pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be absorbed through skin. From shop ForestHillsRemedies. If anything, it could be the root that can cause some problem. Some varieties produce yellow or purplish flowers alongside the broad, fuzzy leaves. 2004;7(7):919-24. Chartered Herbalist Robin Round launches her new video series "Using Healing Herbs" with a look at Comfrey Root. This tutorial will show you how to make your own comfrey salve! You can use crushed fresh leaves, chopped-up fresh roots, or powdered comfrey. Therefore, herbalists recommend topical comfrey products for a wide range of uses, including facial creams, bruise ointments and muscle pain salves. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Note: Always choose organically-grown goldenseal root as opposed to wild-harvested. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Comfrey plants can be somewhat invasive; keep them away from easily-overwhelmed flowers and herbs. Below the ground long, thin taproots extend as far down as 10 feet. Label the jar, and place it in a dark, warm location for at least 2 weeks, although more time is better. The shrub-like comfrey herb grows up to 5 feet tall, with broad leaves and dozens of small blue, white or purple flowers adorning each plant. On the other hand, other studies using rats that were given isolated PAs from comfrey root or young leaf, both of which have higher levels of PAs than mature comfrey leaf (Mills & Bone, 2005), have shown to be toxic when given in both low and high concentrations (Mei et al., 2005; Yeong et al., 1993). Comfrey Botanical Profile. Traditional healers have also used oral preparations of comfrey to treat stomach issues, such as ulcers, colitis, and diarrhea. Ingredients: Organic comfrey (Symphytum officianale) leaves infused in extra virgin olive (Olea europaea) oil, beeswax (Cera alba) and essential oil of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Health Benefits of Comfrey. Comfrey is an amazing plant that can be used for so many things. It’s available at many health stores and pharmacies as. The root has much more of the toxic chemicals than the leaf; Comfrey leaves contain about 0.06% alkaloids, and roots about 0.2 to 0.4%” . https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=295, Staiger, Christiane. It was originally called “knitbone” and people used it to treat: Europeans have also used comfrey to treat inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and gout. Allantoin boosts the growth of new skin cells, while rosmarinic acid helps relieve pain and inflammation. In Japan, the plant has been harvested and used as a traditional treatment for over 2,000 years. Analysis of herbal teas made from the leaves of comfrey (Symphytum officinale): reduction of N-oxides results in order of magnitude increases in the measurable concentration of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. However, health officials now strongly discourage any internal use of comfrey. Aromatherapy: Soothing. It grows as a root stick with branches coming from the stalk and only gets to about 2–3 feet tall. Additionally, both contain the substance allantoin, which is associated with cell regeneration. This…, Steel cut oats are a less popular form of oats that takes a while to cook, but they have several health benefits and a unique flavor and texture. Shipping is $7 no matter how many comfrey roots you order. Take 3-4 tablespoons of comfrey root powder (root powder works much better than comfrey leaves as there are more alkaloids inside the root) Put comfrey root powder into a small bowl. This comfrey salve is a must have for your home herbal apothecary. Also known as knitbone, comfrey is commonly used externally as a poultice for wounds, sores, burns, and fractures. You can also drink dried comfrey root and leaves as tea. Also known as knitbone or boneset, comfrey has a diverse reputation among herbalists.While it was historically used to treat a number of conditions in humans, it is mostly now used as a topical treatment for … Comfrey is a large perennial herb, a member of the borage family, native to Europe, were it grows prolifically wild in damp places such as river banks. European Medicines Agency. Burt’s Bees Res-Q Ointment and Gaia Herbs Comfrey Compound Salve are two products containing comfrey root extract as an effective ingredient. This…, Recently, kalonji has gained popularity for its purported weight loss benefits. But comfrey may be acceptable for short-term use on your skin and closed wounds. University of Michigan https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/d04502a1, Comfrey. As a result, many countries have banned the sale of oral comfrey preparations. Grow comfrey for a season and then pull it up to turn the soil. It makes an excellent salve, either on its own or combined with other healing herbs like calendula, plantain, yarrow, or lavender. Comfrey root salve has been shown to be a bone knit herbal remedy. Olive leaf may be one of the richest natural antiviral compounds ever! Any root cutting can and will turn into a new plant, so also avoid tilling around the plant. The roots of leaves of the comfrey plant contain chemical substances called allantoin and rosmarinic acid. Available now. Comfrey is known to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and decongestant properties. Yet we now know that taking comfrey internally can damage the liver. In recent years the medicinal herb comfrey has, if not exactly withered under the microscope of modern science, at least shriveled slightly. If you’re making your own comfrey salve, UMMC strongly recommends using only older leaves. Oberlies NH, Kim NC, Brine DR, et al. You should never take comfrey by mouth. A study reported in Phytotherapy Research also suggests that creams containing comfrey root can help relieve upper and lower back pain. Assessment report on Symphytum officinale L., radix. Here’s what you need to know about its benefits and how to use it safely. Comfrey. All rights reserved. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Comfrey (symphytum) has been used in folk medicine for centuries. Comfrey leaves and roots are rich in tannins, a kind of compound that … Be sure to cover the herb material by... For the fast infusion method, which is required for fresh herbs, place the jar in a double boiler or crockpot with water. It contains compounds that can harm your liver. I love it for it’s skin-loving qualities and benefits in healing eczema. What Are Steel Cut Oats, and Do They Have Benefits? This article reviews whether kalonji may aid weight loss, as well as…, Shepherd’s purse is a traditional herbal remedy that’s often used to reduce bleeding. Many herbalists still prefer the roots to the leaves because the roots contribute more skin-soothing mucilage. According to the same research review, results also suggested that comfrey can help treat osteoarthritis, as well as some injuries, such as ankle sprains. In the compost pile, comfrey leaves help speed the decomposition of tree leaves, grass clippings and other organic materials. Can I Eat the Russian Sage Growing in My Garden? This article reviews the 6 best delivery apps of 2021. New research on polyphenols shows they can help microorganisms in your digestive system, and may extend your lifespan, too. When you apply comfrey to your skin, it can have some benefits on rashes and irritations. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/comfrey, Comfrey. Set on a sunny windowsill and shake once a day for 2-4 weeks. Dried leaves are easily stored for use when needed in making poultices or compresses, or in creating a healing oil, or comfrey salve. How can you get more of…. Copyright © 2021 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. The leaves and roots of comfrey both contain compounds that reduce inflammation. Natural Medicines Database. This…, Bryonia is a plant-based homeopathic remedy that’s been used to relieve constipation and stomach upset. http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=107&pid=33&gid=000234, Comfrey. Shipped Monday. These solutions typically have a comfrey content of 5 to 20 percent. If you’re making your own comfrey salve, UMMC strongly recommends using only older leaves. For this reason, the Food and Drug Administration and European countries have banned oral comfrey products. Made with organic comfrey leaves and roots from my personal gardens. Comfrey is most commonly taken as a tea, a tincture or a poultice. Both the roots and leaves of comfrey help in organic gardening. About Herbs & Other Products. While old-timers still use the roots in external applications, modern complementary and herbal medicine practitioners recommend using the leaves only. This way one doesn’t have to worry about which side is up. 5 out of 5 ... Comfrey Leaf Salve, Comfrey Ointment, Farm Grown Salve, Natural Skin Care, Natural First Aid, Garden Gate Apothecary First, make the comfrey root tincture by combining the dried comfrey root and alcohol in a sterilized, dry, glass pint jar.