How do you use comfrey for healing?
APPLIED TO THE SKIN:For back pain: About 4 grams of a specific ointment containing 35% comfrey root extract has been applied three times daily for 5 days. ... For osteoarthritis: About 2 grams of a specific ointment containing 35% comfrey root extract has been applied to the knee three times daily for 3 weeks.More items...
Can humans eat comfrey?
The risks of eating comfrey Today, eating or taking any form of comfrey by mouth isn't recommended. It's considered unsafe, due to the pyrrolizidine alkaloids that comfrey contains. These are dangerous chemicals that can cause cancer, severe liver damage, and even death when you consume them.
What are the side effects of comfrey?
Common side effects of comfrey include:abdominal distension.abdominal pain.loss of appetite.lack of energy.liver enlargement.decreased urine output.obstruction of small veins in the liver (veno-occlusive disease)
What are the benefits of drinking comfrey tea?
Comfrey Tea Health Benefitswound healing.relief from excessive menstrual flow.scar reduction.burn relief.treatment of bronchitis.treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.treatment for rashes or insect bites.treatment of broken bones, sprains, strains.More items...•
Is comfrey good for arthritis pain?
Comfrey herb has also been shown to be efficacious in wound healing. Comfrey root has also proven to be efficacious in activated osteoarthritis, and equivalent or more efficacious in distortions compared with topical diclofenac.
How do you apply comfrey to a wound?
The simplest way to use comfrey for a wound is as a poultice. Using fresh or dried leaves, combine with warm water and place over the wound, covering with a bandage. The poultice should be damp but not drippy.
How do you use comfrey for back pain?
Extract of comfrey root can be used to quickly and effectively relieve chronic back pain, latest study results suggest. German researchers studied 120 people with upper and lower back pain. Half used an ointment containing extract of comfrey root – 4g applied three to five times a day - and the rest used a placebo.
Can comfrey heal broken bones?
Uses of Comfrey It has long been used to treat muscle sprains, joint inflammation, broken bones, and bruises. In fact, this comfrey compress remedy speeds up the healing of broken bones in 1/3 of the regular time while also strengthening the bones during that healing process.
Can you use comfrey on open wounds?
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) acts as an anti-inflammatory to promote healing of bruises, sprains, and open wounds when applied topically. The roots and leaves of this plant contain the protein allantoin, which stimulates cell proliferation and promote wound and bone healings.
How do you make comfrey tea for human consumption?
InstructionsAdd 1 teaspoon of dried comfrey leaves to a teapot or infuser.Heat 1 cup of water to just shy of boiling.Pour water over the tea leaves.Allow steeping for at least 10 minutes.Strain the tea and use appropriately (only consume if approved by your doctor).
What does comfrey tea taste like?
Edibility and culinary uses. Comfrey has a pleasant but mild cucumber-like taste, much like borage.
Is comfrey good for your skin?
Overall, comfrey is beneficial to all skin types; it helps to moisturise and soothe dry irritated skin, promotes rapid skin-cell growth, contributes to skin renewal, protects against bacteria and other microorganisms, reduces inflammation and helps to keep skin healthy.
What part of comfrey is edible?
leavesIt isn't eaten a lot, as it has a slightly hairy, rough texture as the leaves age, but the young leaves and buds are very tender and delicious in recipes such as Comfrey Leaf Lemonade Fritters.
What part of comfrey is toxic?
Comfrey preparations are made from the leaves or other parts of the plant grown above the ground. New leaves tend to have more of the poisonous pyrrolizidine alkaloids than older leaves.
What does comfrey taste like?
Comfrey is a member of the borage family and it has the same faint cucumber flavour as borage. It's slightly bitter flavour becomes more pronounced when overcooked. Some say that if prepared correctly, the flavour becomes a bit like endive and asparagus.
Can comfrey heal broken bones?
Uses of Comfrey It has long been used to treat muscle sprains, joint inflammation, broken bones, and bruises. In fact, this comfrey compress remedy speeds up the healing of broken bones in 1/3 of the regular time while also strengthening the bones during that healing process.
What is comfrey used for?
Despite safety concerns, comfrey is used by mouth for stomach ulcers, heavy menstrual periods, diarrhea, bloody urine, cough, bronchitis, cancer, and chest pain ( angina ). It is also used as a gargle for gum disease and sore throat.
What are the side effects of Comfrey?
Stomach ulcers. Swelling ( inflammation) of the main airways in the lungs (bronchitis). Swelling ( inflammation) of the stomach (gastritis). Tuberculosis. Varicose veins. Wound healing. Other conditions. More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of comfrey for these uses. Side Effects.
How long does it take for comfrey ointment to work?
Sprains. Early research shows that applying comfrey ointment to the affected area for up to 2 weeks improves mobility, decreases pain, and reduces tenderness and swelling of sprains. The effect of comfrey ointment in relieving pain and reducing swelling seems to be comparable to the effects of diclofenac gel.
How long does it take for comfrey to work on bruises?
Bruises. Early research shows that applying comfrey directly to the skin for 2 weeks might decrease the pain and tenderness of bruises.
What drugs break down comfrey?
Some of these medicines include carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), rifampin, rifabutin (Mycobutin), and others. Dosing.
What is the purpose of the CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION?
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances.
Is it safe to take comfrey on broken skin?
For this reason, it is POSSIBLY UNSAFE to apply comfrey to broken skin or to apply large amounts to the skin for more than 6 weeks. Special Precautions and Warnings. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Comfrey is LIKELY UNSAFE to take by mouth or apply to the skin if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
When was Comfrey used?
It’s been used since the time of the ancient Greeks, and possibly as far back as 400 BC. During the Middle Ages, comfrey enjoyed great popularity as a medicinal herb. During the 1700s and 1800s, it was a common plant in herb gardens.
Where is Comfrey native to?
Comfrey is native to Europe and Asia, but has been cultivated in (and subsequently escaped from) much of the temperate world. It isn’t picky about sunlight, growing in full sun to full shade. It enjoys frequent access to water, though you will sometimes find individuals in drier areas. Comfrey also enjoys nitrogen-rich soil, which fuels its rapid growth, but it will succeed in most soils.
How long does comfrey oil last?
For the faster method, place your comfrey and oil in a pan and heat them on low until the oil takes on the color of the herbs, around 30 minutes to an hour. Strain out the herbs and bottle the oil. Comfrey oil can be store at room temperature, but will last much longer in refrigeration.
What is the plant that is used to heal wounds?
But long before comfrey was a scary plant, it was a healing plant of high esteem, used to treat a variety of ills. Most famously, it is used to speed up and ensure proper healing of wounds. Its name is a corruption of “con firma,” which means “made firm” or “to boil together.”.
How to make comfrey oil?
Dry leaves work best with this method. They have less moisture, which lowers the chance of spoilage. Screw a lid on the jar, place it in a paper bag to protect it from direct sun exposure, and place it on a warm windowsill. After two weeks, strain out the herbs and rebottle the oil.
What color are the roots of a sycamore?
The roots are black on the outside, but a creamy white on the inside.
Is comfrey bad for your liver?
Toxicities/Warnings: Ingestion of comfrey is controversial and may be harmful to the liver. If you do ingest comfrey, supplement with liver-supporting herbs. Young children, and pregnant or nursing mothers, should not take comfrey internally.
Why is comfrey limited?
Therapeutic use of comfrey is limited because of its toxicity. A limited number of clinical trials show short-term efficacy of topically applied, alkaloid-free comfrey preparations in skin abrasions and inflammatory conditions. Although not examined in clinical trials, comfrey may possess antifungal and anticancer activity.
Why is Comfrey not recommended for internal use?
Comfrey is not recommended for internal use because of the liver damage caused by its pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Patients with hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to the plant should also avoid external use. Definitely do not use during pregnancy or nursing, with infants, and if you have liver or kidney disease.
What is it used for?
Comfrey has been cultivated as a green vegetable and has been used as an herbal medicine for more than 2,000 years. Comfrey's original name, knitbone, derives from the external use of poultices of its leaves and roots to heal burns, sprains, swelling, and bruises. In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating infla mmatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. Comfrey has been claimed to heal gastric ulcers and hemorrhoids, and to suppress bronchial congestion and inflammation. Commercial comfrey sale and distribution is restricted in Germany and Canada because of its substantial toxicity.
Why was Comfrey removed from the market?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released an advisory in July 2001 recommending that comfrey products be removed from the market because of cases of hepatic veno-occlusive disease. Comfrey is generally considered unsafe, with numerous toxicological effects in animals and humans.
Does comfrey help with gastric ulcers?
Comfrey has been claimed to heal gastric ulcers and hemorrhoids, and to suppress bronchial congestion and inflammation. Commercial comfrey sale and distribution is restricted in Germany and Canada because of its substantial toxicity.
What is comfrey?
Comfrey is a plant also known as Ass Ear, Black Root, Blackwort, Bruisewort, Consolidae Radix, Consound, Consoude, Consuelda, Gum Plant, Healing Herb, Herbe aux Charpentiers, Herbe à la Coupure, Knitback, Knitbone, Langue-de-Vache, Oreille d'Âne, Salsify, Slippery Root, Symphytum officinale, or Wallwort.
How long does comfrey last on skin?
Although not all side effects are known, comfrey is thought to be possibly safe when applied to unbroken skin for less than 10 days.
What other drugs will affect comfrey?
Do not take comfrey without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:
Can you take comfrey with medication?
Comfrey should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Comfrey is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs.
Is Comfrey a skin treatment?
Comfrey may have been applied to the skin in a specific preparation to treat some of these conditions.
Is Comfrey good for back pain?
Comfrey has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating back pain, osteoarthritis, or tender ness and swelling caused by a sprain injury. Other uses not proven with research have included skin wounds, skin ulcers, cough, sore throat, gum disease, joint pain, diarrhea, and other conditions.
Is comfrey safe for pregnant women?
Comfrey is considered likely unsafe to use during pregnancy. The chemicals contained in comfrey may cause birth defects. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. Comfrey is considered likely unsafe to use if you are nursing a baby.
What is a comfrey plant?
Known for its ability to help wounds to heal, it also has many benefits for the garden as well. Comfrey is an easy-to-grow perennial. Once you have it established on your property it will come back year after year.
What is the healing power of comfrey leaves?
But the trees that remained rooted were able to be revived with comfrey. The allantoin in comfrey leaves is a proven healer that encourages cell proliferation. While I knew about comfrey’s reputation as a skin healer and a healer of broken bones, repairing bark damage and reviving orchard trees was an exciting discovery.
How to use comfrey leaves for foliar spray?
Once you have steeped comfrey leaves on water and created compost tea you can dilute it and use it as a foliar spray. Dilute it with one part comfrey to fifteen parts water. This feeding gives plants a needed boost.
Why do comfrey flowers attract pollinators?
Attract pollinators to your garden. The flowers of the comfrey plant are bell-shaped and purple in colour. The nectar is savoured by pollinators and beneficial insects in the garden. Bumblebees especially vibrate comfrey flowers to obtain the healing pollen and self-medicate with it.
How to get foliar N from plants?
4. Use Comfrey Leaves as Fertilizer. Use the first cutting of spring leaves by chopping them up and placing them in the soil next to your garden plants.
How much biomass does a comfrey plant produce?
Because the comfrey plant grows rapidly after each harvest, it makes an excellent source for biomass, producing from 100 to 120 tons per acre. In our gardens, we have Comfrey ‘Bocking 14’ located next to each fruit tree in order to have a renewable source of mulch just where we need it.
What plants are good for bees?
In addition to comfrey, consider planting echinacea, oregano, lavender, mint, lemon balm, and many other medicinal herbs that are beneficial to both you and the bees.
Why is Comfrey so easy to grow?
One of the reasons that comfrey spread so easily is because it is a very easy plant to grow . New patches can be easily started with root cuttings.
What is comfrey tea?
Comfrey is most commonly taken as a tea, a tincture or a poultice. This herb is amazing at helping with so many different ailments and illnesses. When steeped as a tea, comfrey can be gargled to help relieve a sore throat, help stop bleeding gums and helps with laryngitis.
How long does it take for comfrey to release?
Be sure to gently shake the jar periodically to help the process along. After the six weeks , strain the comfrey through the cheesecloth into a clean, dry bowl.
How long has Comfrey been around?
The History of the Comfrey Plant. Comfrey has been around for as far back as recorded history goes. There is documented use of this plant as far back as 400 BC. In that time, it was already being used as a medicinal herb to help stop bleeding, help with lung issues and it was also used to help heal broken bones.
How long does it take to make a tincture of comfrey?
Making a tincture of comfrey herb is very easy, it just take patience because it has to sit for at least six weeks to ensure that all of the medicinal qualities of the herb have been released into the alcohol. A tincture can be made with vodka or whiskey. Many people prefer vodka because it is generally tasteless.
How to make comfrey root tea?
How to Make Cold Extract Comfrey Root Tea 1 Put three heaping tablespoons of comfrey root into 1 cup of hot water. 2 Let that stand for at least 10 hours. 3 Strain the root out of the water but don't throw the water out, it is part of your tea. 4 Put the root into 1/2 cup water and bring to a boil. 5 Strain the root again and again, do not throw the water out because it is part of your tea. 6 Take the 1/2 cup of water and combine it with the 1 cup of water and you have your comfrey root cold extract tea. 7 Take a mouthful at a time every few hours.
What part of the plant is used medicinally?
It is important to know what part of the plant is usable medicinally and for comfrey, it is the leaves and the root. Both have medicinal properties but the root is believed to be better because it has a higher concentration of potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus and silicon. Comfrey is most commonly taken as a tea, a tincture or a poultice.
What is a comfrey plant?
One of my favorite herbs, the comfrey plant, is a multitasking master. It can be used as a nutrient-rich mulch, a beautiful pollinator attractor, and a “compost booster”. Additionally, it has been used a medicine for at least 2500 years. Read on to learn why you need this spectacular plant in your own garden.
Why should I plant a comfrey under a fruit tree?
The main reason I suggest planting comfrey under fruit trees is the potassium boost trees will get by having it near. Potassium is one of the essential minerals needed for proper growth and reproduction. The deep tap root captures potassium and other nutrients far below the surface, making them available as mulch when the plant dies back each season. These nutrients are slowly released back into the soil as the leaves decompose.
How many types of comfrey are there?
There are at least 35 recognized types of comfrey that have been cultivated. By far, the most common type found is “Bocking 14″—a Russian comfrey ( Symphytum x uplandicum ). It’s actually just a hybrid of common comfrey ( Symphytum officinale) and rough comfrey ( Symphytum asperum ).
Why is comfrey called symphytum?
Its Latin name, Symphytum, comes from Greek words meaning “growing together of bones” and “plant’”. Besides being used to mend broken bones it’s also used for healing wounds and lung ailments, stopping heavy bleeding, and for topical skin treatments.
How to grow comfrey?
If you decide to grow a lot of comfrey, you can make a liquid fertilizer out of its trimmings. You can easily make it in a food-grade bucket or barrel. Fill 3/4 of the your container with comfrey trimmings, and then fill with water. You’ll want to cover it and let it steep for 3-6 weeks.
How hot can a comfrey plant survive?
It’s frost tolerant and hardy in zones 4-9. The leaves can take temperatures of 15 degrees and still survive, and the roots can survive to -40 degrees!
Where do comfrey roots get their nutrients?
Olichel / Pixabay. As mentioned before, comfrey’s deep tap roots pull out nutrients from much further down in the soil than most other plants. A lot of these nutrients end up in above-ground plant parts: leaves, stems, and flowers. This wealth of nutrients can easily be shared with the rest of your garden!
How to use comfrey plant food?
Dilute the comfrey plant food with water by half before you apply to plants. Use the removed leaf debris as a side dressing along your vegetable plants. You can also try using comfrey as mulch or as a compost enhancer.
What is comfrey fertilizer?
The composted leaves yield a rich deep greenish brown liquid. The nitrogen content in comfrey fertilizer helps with green leafy growth. The phosphorus helps the plants remain vigorous and fight off disease and pest damage. Potassium is instrumental in flower and fruit production.
What nutrients do comfrey plants need?
Comfrey as a Fertilizer. All plants need specific macro-nutrients for maximum growth, bloom, and fruiting. These are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Much like humans, they also need micro-nutrients such as manganese and calcium.
How to use a herb leaf as mulch?
The herb’s leaves are easy to use as mulch. Nature will take its course and soon complete the rotting process, allowing the nutrients to seep into the ground. Just spread the leaves around the edges of plant roots and then bury them with 2 inches (5 cm.) of soil.
How long does it take to make comfrey tea?
Making comfrey tea will only take a few weeks. Weight the leaves with something heavy to hold them down and then fill the container with water. In about 20 days you can strain out the leaves and the deep brew is ready to add to your containers or spray on garden beds.
How to grow comfrey tea?
The plant needs no special care and grows in partial shade to sun. Harvest the leaves and put them just halfway in a container. Wear long sleeves and gloves to protect your hands and arms from the prickly hairs on the leaves . Making comfrey tea will only take a few weeks. ...
Is comfrey tea good for plants?
As such, it makes an excellent liquid fertilizer or composted tea to feed plants and help reduce insect pests. Making comfrey tea for plants is easy and requires no special skills or tools. Try comfrey fertilizer on your plants and see the benefits in your garden.
What Is Comfrey?
What Is It Used for?
- Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses
Comfrey has been cultivated as a green vegetable and has been used as an herbal medicine for more than 2,000 years. Comfrey's original name, knitbone, derives from the external use of poultices of its leaves and roots to heal burns, sprains, swelling, and bruises. In Western Europe, … - General uses
Therapeutic use of comfrey is limited because of its toxicity. A limited number of clinical trials show short-term efficacy of topically applied, alkaloid-free comfrey preparations in skin abrasions and inflammatory conditions. Although not examined in clinical trials, comfrey may possess anti…
What Is The Recommended Dosage?
- Oral use of comfrey is not recommended because of potential liver damage. Additionally, because its alkaloids are absorbed through the skin, use of comfrey as a poultice should not exceed an exposure of 100 mcg/day of the alkaloids. Limited trials have evaluated the effectiveness of alkaloid-free preparations for external use; however, these studies did not examine how much liv…
Contraindications
- Comfrey is not recommended for internal use because of the liver damage caused by its pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Patients with hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to the plant should also avoid external use. Definitely do not use during pregnancy or nursing, with infants, and if you have liver or kidney disease.
Pregnancy/Lactation
- Documented adverse effects (the pyrrolizidine alkaloids, have substantial risk of causing fatal liver damage and can cause abortion). Avoid use.
Side Effects
- The internal or extensive topical use of comfrey cannot be recommended because of numerous reports of liver damage.
Toxicology
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released an advisory in July 2001 recommending that comfrey products be removed from the market because of cases of hepatic veno-occlusive disease. Comfrey is generally considered unsafe, with numerous toxicological effects in animals and humans.
Further Information
- Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Medical Disclaimer