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.
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,
Conditions treated with Comfrey
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
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Condition
Treatment Support
demulcent anti-inflammatory
Application
poultice, externally
Condition
Treatment Support
skin cell proliferant
Application
fresh or dried root externally
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.