- Botanical name: Symphytum officinale.
- Plant type: Herbacious Perennial
- Growing season: Comfrey can be planted any time the soil is warm enough to be worked.
- Hardiness: Comfrey will grow best in U.S. ...
- Toxicity: The United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) removed comfrey products from the market in the 2000s because of its possible toxicity. ...
How to start comfrey from root cuttings?
The following is the stratification process recommended by Nantahala Farm:
- Place seeds in moist sand, vermiculite, coconut coir, potting soil, soilless potting mix, or paper towel. ...
- To assist your seeds in germinating, add a little kelp (seaweed) to the medium. ...
- Now, simply place the bag or jar in your refrigerator. ...
- After this, you will want to plant outside once the soil temperature is between 68-80 degrees Fahrenheit. ...
How to grow and care for comfrey?
Planting Comfrey Seeds
- Direct Sowing Comfrey Seeds. It is possible to direct sow comfrey seeds, however, they may need up to two years to germinate. ...
- Spacing. When planting comfrey outdoors, you’ll want to space them at least two feet apart in all directions to allow them enough space to grow.
- Planting Comfrey Crowns. ...
- Planting Comfrey in the Garden. ...
Why to grow comfrey?
Well, the shorter answer is that the first and perhaps most important benefit is that comfrey makes a fantastic liquid fertilizer. The longer answer is that it is a stinky brew that acts like rocket fuel for your plants. And once you know how to grow this dynamic accumulator, it is fertilizer for free, forever.
How to use comfrey leaf herb as a natural remedy?
Soothing Comfrey Cream
- Loosely pack a 1 quart mason jar with comfrey leaves. ...
- Strain comfrey leaves, yielding approximately 1 1/2 cups of infused oil.
- Place the 1 1/2 cup of infused oil in the top of a double boiler which has been brought to a boil. ...
- Slowly add beeswax pastilles and emulsifying wax. ...
- Blend in shea butter or lanolin until melted. ...
Is it too late to plant comfrey?
Clusters of tiny bell-shaped flowers bloom on drooping stems in the late spring. They often attract bees and other pollinators. Comfrey has a vigorous growth rate and can be planted at any time when the soil is not frozen.
Where is the best place to grow comfrey?
This perennial herb grows in USDA growing zones 3-9. Although comfrey is tolerant of a variety of growing conditions, I've found it grows best in full to partial sun and in rich, loosened soil. The more compacted the soil is, the more shade it prefers.
How cold hardy is comfrey?
Originating in the Caucasus mountains of Russia, Comfrey can withstand temperatures of -40° F below zero without winter kill. It thrives in Africa in 120° F heat and with 12 cuttings per year there, they hold the world record yield of over 140 tons per acre.
Can comfrey survive frost?
Frost tolerant Extremely cold hardy perennials, comfrey plants become dormant in winter and re-emerge every spring.
Is comfrey toxic to dogs?
The Merck Veterinary Manual lists comfrey as an especially risky herb because of its pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which have been linked to liver damage. The alkaloids are actually produced by the herb to fend off bugs, but the insecticide can be harmful to a dog.
Does comfrey improve soil?
Comfrey's roots break up heavy clay and creating channels for aeration and better water absorption, similar to dandelion roots. Over time, its decomposing leaves and roots enrich and condition the soil. This dual action of decomposing leaves and roots can help improve marginal land.
Are borage and comfrey the same thing?
Though they are members of the same plant family (Boraginaceae), perennial comfrey (Symphytum officinale, USDA zones 4-8) and annual borage (Borago officinalis) are two different plants. These cousins both boast dark green foliage and fuzzy leaves.
Will my comfrey grow back?
Cultivation of Comfrey Leaving the cut leaves on the ground as a weed suppressing mulch will return some of the goodness back to the plant. If you have a good year, then the plants will throw another flush of flowers and you cut as before. After September, leave the plants uncut and the leaves to die of naturally.
How does comfrey spread?
Many people worry that comfrey will become invasive and spread. Our comfrey does not produce viable seed and stays in place. It will only spread if disturbed because any piece of comfrey root will make a new plant. So any digging or rototilling near comfrey will result in new plants.
Can you plant comfrey in winter?
Frost tolerant Extremely cold hardy perennials, comfrey plants become dormant in winter and re-emerge every spring.
What do you do with comfrey in the winter?
12:3014:30COMFREY: Winter Prep & Medicinal Secrets - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo that they can get the nutrients over the winter and be ready next spring. Because these comfreyMoreSo that they can get the nutrients over the winter and be ready next spring. Because these comfrey leaves are full of nutrients. And they're also excellent to throw into your compost.
Can comfrey be grown in pots?
You can grow comfrey in pots but since they have such a long taproot you want to use a pot that it's deep (like a 5 gallon bucket). Comfrey is cold and heat hardy and can survive temperatures from -40°F degrees to 120°F. It grows well in zones 3-9.
Is comfrey plant illegal in the US?
However, it has toxic substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that damage the liver and can lead to death. Comfrey is no longer sold in the U.S., except in creams or ointments. The United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Germany also have banned the sale of oral products containing comfrey.
How does comfrey spread?
Many people worry that comfrey will become invasive and spread. Our comfrey does not produce viable seed and stays in place. It will only spread if disturbed because any piece of comfrey root will make a new plant. So any digging or rototilling near comfrey will result in new plants.
What zone does comfrey grow in?
Growing comfrey plants requires a climate in hardiness zone USDA 3 through 9 (although some ornamental varieties are only hardy to zone 5) with rich, moist, alkaline soil (pH of 6.7-7.3).
Is comfrey an annual or perennial?
herbaceous perennial herbComfrey is a herbaceous perennial herb originating in Europe. It has large, hairy leaves and grows in a rosette to 1 m in height. The mauve flowers are bell-like and borne in clusters. Comfrey rarely flowers in subtropical and tropical areas as there isn't sufficient winter chill to induce flowering.
What is the best compost plant?
Comfrey makes an excellent compost plant. It’s high in minerals including potassium, silica, magnesium, calcium, nitrogen, and iron. These minerals enter your compost as the plant decomposes.
How to grow comfrey from seed?
Starting From Seeds. Start comfrey from seeds indoors in late winter. Comfrey seeds need a chilling period. Place them in a cool dark area such as an outdoor shed or refrigerator for a month before planting. They are slow to germinate, and if conditions are not to their liking, they may take a year to start growing.
Why is Comfrey called knitbone?
Comfrey is nicknamed knitbone because of its healing properties for skin and bone issues. It contains allantoin and when applied topically it can relieve distress from skin irritations, cuts, sprains, and swelling.
Why is comfrey a good companion plant?
Companions for Comfrey. Growing comfrey with other plants is smart because it brings minerals from the subsoil up to the topsoil. It gets tall and can crowd out its neighbors, so keep spacing in mind. This can also work to your advantage as it can provide shade for cool-loving greens.
What is a comfrey flower?
Comfrey has large taproots and dainty bell-shaped flowers that add a delicate bit of cheer to the garden . It’s especially impressive looking placed in the center of an herb bed.
How to add comfrey to compost?
To add comfrey to your compost, harvest the leaves and toss them in your green layer. Let the microorganisms break it down and mix in the nutrients.
How much nitrogen is in horse manure?
The leaves contain about 17% nitrogen. By comparison, horse manure contains about 14% while fresh and 2.3% composted. Leaves have high levels of p otash as well as many other minerals that will enrich your compost. To add comfrey to your compost, harvest the leaves and toss them in your green layer.
How to grow comfrey?
Some say that comfrey is so easy to grow that all you need to do is chop off a piece of comfrey root, and stick it in the ground.
How long does it take for comfrey seeds to germinate?
Under the right conditions, they should germinate in ten to fifteen days. If you are starting the seeds indoors, allow them to grow for a few months. Then harden them off to get them used to outdoor conditions before transplanting. You can always grow your comfrey in pots, and this will help control its spread.
What is the most common comfrey?
Comfrey Varieties. There are two types of comfrey that are the most common to grow: True/Common comfrey ( Symphytum officinale) This is the most commonly grown variety, and it will reproduce from seed, division, and root cuttings. Russian comfrey ( Symphytum x uplandicum) is also called the Bocking 14 cultivar.
What is the best temperature to plant comfrey?
Hardiness: Comfrey will grow best in U.S. hardiness zones 3 through 9 but it will grow almost anywhere. It can handle temperatures as low as -40 degrees F through 120 degrees F.
How deep do you dig a comfrey?
If you need to, y ou can remove comfrey by digging it up from the roots. However, you will need to dig down deeply as comfrey roots can grow as much as five feet deep.
What is the best soil for comfrey?
However, for best results, grow your comfrey in a sweet soil that has a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. For fastest growth, plant it in rich, moist soil.
Can you weedwack a comfrey patch?
If you have a large comfrey patch that you will be harvesting to use as mulch or compost, you can simply mow it, or weedwack your comfrey. You can rake it up or gather it by hand. As long as you leave a little bit of plant behind, you will have enough time to grow a second crop of comfrey in the same season.
What is the active compound in comfrey root?
Some of the active plant compounds found in comfrey root are allantoin, phenolic acids, mucus, glycopeptides, aglycones, saponins, and pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Of all these, the most prominent is allantoin, which stimulates the growth of bone cells, subcutaneous and connective tissue. Precisely because of allantoin, comfrey is used as one of the best medicinal plants for healing wounds, swellings, scratches, cuts, fractures and bleeding. In addition, it is an indispensable remedy for sprains, strains, tendon and muscle strains.
What is comfrey used for?
Comfrey is used only for external use and is a highly prized ingredient in various creams, ointments, gels, tinctures and compresses. For example, comfrey compresses can help with psoriasis, ulcers, or varicose veins.
How tall does a purple comfrey grow?
When the root is cut, it is possible to distinguish the dark brown outer part and the light yellow or white inner part. The shoot of the purple comfrey can grow up to 80 cm (2.6 ft) in height. The herbaceous stem is hollow and hairy, and the leaves are alternately arranged to better absorb light. The leaflets are pointed and rough, and the branched veins on the leaves can be easily visible. When it blooms, it gives purple bisexual flowers that grow in the axils of the upper leaves. It blooms during almost the entire growing season, until early fall.
How to tell if a comfrey is purple or yellow?
There are many comfrey varieties with different characteristics, but it is generally possible to distinguish two types of comfrey according to the color of the flowers during flowering and according to the height of the shoot. This is how purple and yellow or white comfrey differs.
Why is comfrey not a demanding plant?
Comfrey is not a very demanding plant to cultivate because it contains exceptional ingredients that allow it to grow and develop successfully. However, it is necessary to know certain requirements in relation to watering, fertilizing and propagation.
What is the pH of comfrey?
The most optimal soil pH value for comfrey ranges from 6.0 to 7.0. Before planting, it is good to prepare the soil by thorough watering to keep it moist and, if necessary, by adding manure.
Why is it called the root of a broken leg?
In some parts, it is also called the "root for a broken leg" because it was once used in the form of compresses for faster bone healing.
What is a comfrey bone?
Research your animals specifically before feeding though! Herbal Medicine. Comfrey has long been used as an herbal remedy and is often referred to as “knit bone” It has been used to treat a variety of ailments including acne, bone breaks, sprains, burns, and bronchial problems.
How big does a comfrey plant grow?
When picking a site for your comfrey you should also consider that each individual plant may grow up to 3 feet wide and comfrey has a tendency to spread quite a bit and be rather hard to dig out of gardens if you decide you don’t want it in a certain area anymore.
How long is a comfrey root?
They’re simply pieces of root, usually 1-3 inches long so if you have a neighbor with comfrey plants go barter for some! Or you can just purchase some from us right here … hint, hint. While comfrey is extremely hardy it prefers fertile soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0 and full sun to partial shade.
Is comfrey easy to grow?
Another great thing about comfrey is that it’s so easy to grow. Whether your a beginning permaculturalist or just getting started in herbalism comfrey should be one of the first additions to your garden.
Is comfrey a good mulch?
It’s frequently used in permaculture and herbal medicine. Comfrey makes a great mulch and compost.
Can you grow comfrey from seed?
Personally I’ve never grown or known anyone to grow comfrey from seed but it’s totally possible. Comfrey root cuttings are often the chosen route because they’re readily accessible and they give your comfrey a jump start meaning that you can harvest sooner.
Can you cut back a comfrey plant?
Comfrey makes a great mulch and compost. It’s super hardy so you can cut it back and use the leaves for mulch. Mature plants can be cut multiple times per growing season.
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 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.
What herbs are used in a healing soap?
Comfrey is also one of the main herbal ingredients I use when I make healing salves and soaps. It’s great for topical wounds, so I like to combine it with other herbs that have similar strengths. A very effective and simple salve can be made using chopped plantain, calendula, yarrow flower, and comfrey . I use this for all skin-related problems: burns, rashes, cuts, scrapes and eczema.
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 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!
What is the root of a comfrey plant?
Some traditional healers have also used it to treat diarrhea and other stomach ailments. The roots of leaves of the comfrey plant contain chemical substances called allantoin and rosmarinic acid. Allantoin boosts the growth of new skin cells, while rosmarinic acid helps relieve pain and inflammation.
What is comfrey used for?
bruises. burns. joint inflammation. Europeans have also used comfrey to treat inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and gout. Some traditional healers have also used it to treat diarrhea and other stomach ailments.
What is the name of the flower that produces purple, blue, and white flowers?
The root and leaves of the comfrey plant have been used in traditional medicine in many parts of the world. In Japan, the plant has been harvested and used as a traditional treatment for over 2,000 years.
Can you eat comfrey leaves?
The risks of eating comfrey. Historically, some people have eaten comfrey leaves as a vegetable. Traditional healers have also used oral preparations of comfrey to treat stomach issues, such as ulcers, colitis, and diarrhea. You can also drink dried comfrey root and leaves as tea.
Does Comfrey root help with back pain?
A study reported in Phytotherapy Research. also suggests that creams containing comfrey root can help relieve upper and lower back pain.
Is Comfrey good for joint pain?
People still use comfrey as an alternative remedy for joint and muscle pain, as well as closed wounds. It’s available at many health stores and pharmacies as. ointments. creams. other topical solutions. salves that also contain other herbs, such as aloe and goldenseal.
Can you use comfrey on open wounds?
Many experts also advise against using topical comfrey on open wounds. But comfrey may be acceptable for short-term use on your skin and closed wounds. You can purchase topical comfrey preparations from many health stores. Talk to your doctor before using them to learn more about the potential benefits and risks.
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 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 drugs break down comfrey?
Some of these medicines include carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), rifampin, rifabutin (Mycobutin), and others. Dosing.
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.
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.
Does comfrey make liver problems worse?
Liver disease: There is a concern that comfrey might make liver disease worse. Don't use comfrey if you have any problems with your liver.
