Homers Herbs

What can we help you with?
< All Topics
Print

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Boraginaceae
  • Common Names: Comfrey, Knitbone, Boneset
  • Parts Used: Roots, leaves

Description

Comfrey is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia, known for its powerful wound-healing and tissue-regenerating properties. Traditionally used to heal broken bones, wounds, and skin issues, it is commonly referred to as “knitbone.”

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in traditional European medicine to heal fractures, sprains, and wounds.
  • Applied as poultices for ulcers, bruises, and burns.
  • Historically used internally for gastric ulcers and respiratory issues, though internal use is now limited due to safety concerns.

Constituents

  • Allantoin (promotes cell regeneration)
  • Rosmarinic acid
  • Mucilage
  • Tannins
  • Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA, associated with toxicity in high doses)

Actions

  • Vulnerary (wound healing)
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Demulcent (soothing)
  • Astringent
  • Emollient
  • Tissue regenerative

Medicinal Uses

1. Wound Healing and Tissue Repair:
Comfrey is widely used topically to accelerate wound healing, repair skin, and promote the regeneration of damaged tissues.

2. Bone and Joint Support:
Its traditional use as “knitbone” reflects its effectiveness in healing fractures, sprains, and bruises. Comfrey can also reduce inflammation in arthritic joints.

3. Skin Health:
Used to treat burns, rashes, and skin ulcers, comfrey soothes irritation and promotes rapid healing.

4. Muscle and Tendon Strains:
Comfrey is applied topically to relieve pain and promote recovery from muscle injuries and tendonitis.

5. Anti-inflammatory Support:
The herb reduces inflammation, making it useful for treating bruises, sprains, and inflammatory skin conditions.

Preparation and Dosage

Poultice:

  • Crush fresh comfrey leaves and apply directly to wounds or inflamed areas. Wrap with a clean cloth and leave for 30-60 minutes.

Infused Oil or Salve:

  • Infuse comfrey leaves or roots in oil and use topically for pain relief and wound healing.

Compress:

  • Soak a cloth in a decoction of comfrey root or leaves and apply to the affected area.

Creams/Ointments:

  • Commercially available comfrey creams can be applied 1-3 times daily.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Internal Use: Not recommended due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which may cause liver damage.
  • Open Wounds: Use with caution on deep wounds to prevent excessive internal tissue growth before the surface has healed.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Avoid use.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Traditional European Medicine: Cooling and moistening, comfrey is used to soothe and regenerate tissues.
  • Ayurvedic: Cooling and balancing, useful for calming aggravated pitta and vata.

Combinations

  • For Wound Healing: Combine with calendula and yarrow.
  • For Joint and Muscle Pain: Combine with arnica and St. John’s wort.
  • For Skin Soothing: Combine with aloe vera and chamomile.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Leaves are harvested in early summer, while roots are harvested in autumn.
  • Drying: Dry leaves and roots in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
  • Storage: Store dried material in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Modern Research

Studies have confirmed comfrey’s ability to promote tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation. However, caution is advised due to its pyrrolizidine alkaloid content. Research is ongoing into its potential applications in wound care and musculoskeletal conditions.

Comfrey remains a valuable herb in traditional and modern herbal medicine, offering powerful support for wound healing, tissue regeneration, and inflammation reduction when used topically.