Comfrey
May 27, 2010 by Becki Baumgartner
Filed under Herbology, Wild Foods & Foraging
Comfrey
Botanical name: Symphytum officinale
Common name: knitbone, boneset
Habitat: The leaf and root of comfrey have been employed medicinally for centuries. Originally from Europe and Western Asia, it is now grown in North America
Info: Comfrey has a long history of use as a topical agent for treating wounds, skin ulcers, bruises, sprains and strains. Comfrey was used by herbalists to promote more rapid repair of broken bones, hence the common name boneset and knitbone. Comfrey is indicated for any rapid wound or bone healing. As such it can be used both internally and externally with outstanding results in the healing of fractures, wounds, sores and ulcers. The allantoin in comfrey increases cell proliferation, which accounts for its rapid healing power.
The astringent property makes it useful for stopping hemorrhage, whether it be from the stomach, lungs, bowels, kidneys or hemorrhoids.
Comfrey will help the pancreas in regulating blood sugar levels. It helps relieve irritations associated with the gallbladder, kidneys, bladder, small intestine and stomach. It helps promote the secretion of pepsin and is general aid to digestion.
Comfrey’s demulcent properties, especially of the root have been used to soothe lung troubles and coughs. Comfrey root has the highest content of mucilage of any herbs.
*Note on the toxicity: What is often poisonous and toxic to one is quite safe and harmless to others. It might be pointed out that the possible toxicity of Comfrey only applies to internal use as a poultice for broken bones, wounds and ulcers. The root has higher amounts than the leaf.
Personal: I have used Comfrey has a poultice for broken bones (mine) with great results. I make an infusion with Comfrey along with other herbs for soothing ulcers.
Properties: tonic, demulcent, expectorant, vulnerary, astringent
Ref:
The Way of Herbs, Michael Tierra, L.Ae, O.M.D. pg. 121,122,123
www.naturalmedicne.com Prock, Deborahe, ND 12-11-09
Submitted by: Jyll Renee, Master Herbologist (Click here to learn more about Jyll Renee.)
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Disclaimer: The statements in this article are for educational purposes only and have not been evaluated by or sanctioned by the FDA. Only your doctor can properly diagnose and treat any disease or disorder. The remedies discussed herein are not meant to treat or cure any type of disease. The user understands that the above information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician or a pharmacist.