Comfrey
(Symphytum officinale)
Also know as Russian comfrey
Botanical Information
A vigorous perennial garden plant with a profusion of large acutely-pointed leaves and spreading roots. The purple-white flowers are in small elongated sprays shaped like a scorpion’s tail.
Working with Comfrey
Part(s) Used
Root, Herb
Herb Forms
Teabag, tincture, homeopathic tablet, capsule, tablet, salve, bulk herb, powder.
Affects
Comfrey root has long been in use externally for bites, burns, bruises, sprains, stings, and wounds. It contains allantoin, which increases the growth of cells and is an excellent demulcent due to its high mucilage content. Comfrey root is also a useful anti-inflammatory.
Comfrey has a taste of BITTER, SWEET and a temperature of COOL.
Cautions
Contraindicated during pregnancy or nursing. Because comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are known to be toxic to the liver, it is not recommended for internal use for longer than 10 days–with the advice of a qualified herbalist. Externally,
