Comfrey is an excellent addition to our first aid kit to help with healing all kinds of cuts, abrasions, bruises, strained tendons, ligaments, and bone fractures. Subtle lavender, beeswax with a hint of green and roots. University of Michigan https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/d04502a1, Comfrey. The younger leaves and roots contain higher amounts of the dangerous pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be absorbed through skin. I would recommend the leaves if … European Medicines Agency. Some clinical research supports the claim that comfrey has wound-healing powers. Comfrey Leaves Plant Description. Yes, Mary, the man who gave you the comfrey roots is correct. Chartered Herbalist Robin Round launches her new video series "Using Healing Herbs" with a look at Comfrey Root. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Folk recipes mention using comfrey root tea to cure stomach upset and eating comfrey leaves fresh or cooked as a general tonic. Therefore, herbalists recommend topical comfrey products for a wide range of uses, including facial creams, bruise ointments and muscle pain salves. This article tells you all you need to know about shepherd's…, You may be used to thinking of the plantain in your garden as a persnickety weed, but you may not know that this plant has several uses as a food and…, Osha root has numerous traditional uses for respiratory ailments, but you may wonder whether any of them are backed by scientific evidence. Comfrey. They can help you understand the potential benefits and risks. Next, pour in the oil – add enough so that the comfrey is covered by about one-half inch of oil. Extracts are still made from the roots and leaves and turned into ointments, creams, or salves. Add just enough water to turn it into a thick, wet paste, not too runny and not too dry. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Kalonji: Weight Loss, Benefits, and Side Effects, Shepherd's Purse: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, and More. Comfrey is a large perennial herb, a member of the borage family, native to Europe, were it grows prolifically wild in damp places such as river banks. "The Complete Book of Herbs"; Lesley Bremness; 1988, "Gaia's Garden: Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture;" Tobey Hemenway; 2001. It grows as a root stick with branches coming from the stalk and only gets to about 2–3 feet tall. A study reported in Phytotherapy Research also suggests that creams containing comfrey root can help relieve upper and lower back pain. Other countries followed suit. Mix the juice with the leaf fibre, and seal it in a … Comfrey Botanical Profile. Seal with a lid and then label with the ingredients and date. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Set on a sunny windowsill and shake once a day for 2-4 weeks. This…, Recently, kalonji has gained popularity for its purported weight loss benefits. Organic Comfrey Salve, Comfrey Roots Ointment, Wound Healing, quickly heal cuts and scrapes, ForestHillsRemedies. Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of comfrey at the same time without medical advice. All rights reserved. First, make the comfrey root tincture by combining the dried comfrey root and alcohol in a sterilized, dry, glass pint jar. Comfrey leaves and roots are rich in tannins, a kind of compound that … Aromatherapy: Soothing. Made with organic comfrey leaves and roots from my personal gardens. It is also known as one of the herbs to heal broken bones. Comfrey (symphytum) has been used in folk medicine for centuries. Place comfrey leaf or root in a clean, dry glass jar. Directions: For best results, apply liberally and regularly to irritated skin. Comfrey is a shrub that grows in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. This tutorial will show you how to make your own comfrey salve! The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned the use of comfrey in herbal supplements since 2001. Because comfrey plants grow so rapidly, feel free to harvest the leaves several times a season. Also known as knitbone, comfrey is commonly used externally as a poultice for wounds, sores, burns, and fractures. It makes an excellent salve, either on its own or combined with other healing herbs like calendula, plantain, yarrow, or lavender. It’s available at many health stores and pharmacies as. Ellen Douglas has written on food, gardening, education and the arts since 1992. It’s considered unsafe, due to the pyrrolizidine alkaloids that comfrey contains. This way one doesn’t have to worry about which side is up. The plants also root … About Herbs & Other Products. Instructions Place comfrey in a pint mason jar and cover with a carrier oil (like olive oil). Many herbalists still prefer the roots to the leaves because the roots contribute more skin-soothing mucilage. uses for medicine, livestock food, or even an organic fertilizer in the garden. Everything You Need to Know About Vetiver Essential Oil, Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Polyphenols Can Aid Gut Health, Boost Longevity, salves that also contain other herbs, such as aloe and goldenseal. Previously, she served as a communication specialist in the nonprofit field. Talk to your doctor before using them to learn more about the potential benefits and risks. Comfrey salve has a variety of uses, and we love to keep it on hand. You should never take comfrey by mouth. Creating a salve using both of these wonderful, healing herbs, will give you an all purpose remedy to keep on hand for these coming summer months. Additionally, both contain the substance allantoin, which is associated with cell regeneration. Olive Leaf. Comfrey may be safe to apply to your skin or closed wounds for short periods. Prepared comfrey creams are available online or where natural remedies are sold. I love it for it’s skin-loving qualities and benefits in healing eczema. Comfrey roots very deep. The reason this is done is that herbs expand as they soak in the liquid, so you add extra to ensure that they stay covered. Comfrey is most commonly taken as a tea, a tincture or a poultice. They are sprouted with small green leaves. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=295, Staiger, Christiane. The roots of leaves of the comfrey plant contain chemical substances called allantoin and rosmarinic acid. This…, Steel cut oats are a less popular form of oats that takes a while to cook, but they have several health benefits and a unique flavor and texture. When you apply comfrey to your skin, it can have some benefits on rashes and irritations. Comfrey is a potent anti-inflammatory wound healer and both the root and leaves can be used. Use comfrey leaves for mulch; their broad leaves cover a wide area. And I mean LOTS. These solutions typically have a comfrey content of 5 to 20 percent. Callophyllum inophyllum is also a good vegetable oil, which also helps with the healing of scars. Comfrey is a name for plants in the Symphytum genus species. Label the jar, and place it in a dark, warm location for at least 2 weeks, although more time is better. $19.00 for one root cutting of Russian Comfrey Bocking #4. This is a very beneficial plant that you should have on hand for many uses; medicinal poultice, a great organic fertilizer for your garden and some of your backyard… Comfrey Root + Leaves. Natural Medicines Database. It produces clusters of purple, blue, and white flowers, and it’s famous for its long, slender leaves and black-skinned roots. It may also be carcinogenic. If you want to freeze comfrey leaves, I suggest you juice them first. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Any root cutting can and will turn into a new plant, so also avoid tilling around the plant. Extracts are still made from the roots and leaves and turned into ointments, creams, or salves. In recent years the medicinal herb comfrey has, if not exactly withered under the microscope of modern science, at least shriveled slightly. For example, a research review published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found some evidence that comfrey can help heal abrasion wounds. It has been a long lost plant that is making it’s way back. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Organic Comfrey Salve | Comfrey Root and Leaves All natural salve for topical use. How to Make a Salve or Poultice With Comfrey. You should also avoid using it on open wounds. Be sure to cover the herb material by... For the fast infusion method, which is required for fresh herbs, place the jar in a double boiler or crockpot with water. Therapeutic Research Center. If you’re making your own comfrey salve, UMMC strongly recommends using only older leaves. Copyright © 2021 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Comfrey is fast-growing and a perennial plant that is very easy to grow. Today, eating or taking any form of comfrey by mouth isn’t recommended. For the slower infusion … These solutions typically have a comfrey content of 5 to 20 percent. The shrub-like comfrey herb grows up to 5 feet tall, with broad leaves and dozens of small blue, white or purple flowers adorning each plant. Modern scientific studies have found some evidence to support comfrey’s use in treating minor wounds and joint pain, but oral preparations of the plant have also been linked to liver damage and cancer. While old-timers still use the roots in external applications, modern complementary and herbal medicine practitioners recommend using the leaves only. Healing Bruises And Bleeding. How can you get more of…. Traditional healers have also used oral preparations of comfrey to treat stomach issues, such as ulcers, colitis, and diarrhea. You can use comfrey leaves in tea, and you can use your comfrey in a bath. These are dangerous chemicals that can cause cancer, severe liver damage, and even death when you consume them. Comfrey root salve has been shown to be a bone knit herbal remedy. The root and leaves of the comfrey plant have been used in traditional medicine in many parts of the world. Allantoin is a hormone-like substance found in the roots, stems, and leaves of Comfrey and is a major ingredient in better skin and hair care products — available without prescription. Allantoin boosts the growth of new skin cells, while rosmarinic acid helps relieve pain and inflammation. I usually make the salve in the fall, when the energy of the plant is concentrated in the roots. Dig a hole for each cutting, around 2-3 inches deep. Comfrey contains chemicals that can cause liver damage, lung problems, or cancer. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/comfrey, Comfrey. Some varieties produce yellow or purplish flowers alongside the broad, fuzzy leaves. Michigan Medicine. As a result, many countries have banned the sale of oral comfrey preparations. It contains compounds that can harm your liver. You can also drink dried comfrey root and leaves as tea. Also known as knitbone or boneset, comfrey has a diverse reputation among herbalists.While it was historically used to treat a number of conditions in humans, it is mostly now used as a topical treatment for … It can grow up to 5 feet tall. The leaves and roots of comfrey both contain compounds that reduce inflammation. Ingredients: Organic comfrey (Symphytum officianale) leaves infused in extra virgin olive (Olea europaea) oil, beeswax (Cera alba) and essential oil of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Common uses are for minor wounds, joint and muscle pain, bruises, strains, http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=107&pid=33&gid=000234, Comfrey. Comfrey. It’s also been used to treat chronic…. It is important to know what part of the plant is usable medicinally and for comfrey, it is the leaves and the root. Place the plant material in a glass jar. While I am not a medical expert, I think you will find that you and your family will grab your jar of Comfrey Plantain Salve … However, health officials now strongly discourage any internal use of comfrey. Both have medicinal properties but the root is believed to be better because it has a higher concentration of potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus and silicon. Natural Medicines Database. Topical comfrey is for use only on the skin. Finally, “Gaia’s Garden” author Toby Hemenway notes that comfrey’s long tap roots also come to the aid of the organic gardener by loosening clay soil 2. Put the root cutting in the ground horizontally! They may advise you to avoid comfrey, especially if you’re: Last medically reviewed on July 18, 2016, With so much information packed onto every product label, it can be tricky to know where to start when looking to add a supplement to your diet. Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Connecticut. The long roots pull deeply-buried soil minerals from the subsoil to the top, making it available to other plants, according to Hemenway. Below the ground long, thin taproots extend as far down as 10 feet. Shipped Monday. Oberlies NH, Kim NC, Brine DR, et al. Comfrey is great. This root is black on the outside, while its juicy interior is white, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Can I Eat the Russian Sage Growing in My Garden? Close the lid and shake it all up. But roots may also hold as much as 16 times the level of the alkaloids, warns UMMC. Comfrey. The high content of antioxidants, as well as vitamin C, makes comfrey pastes and salves the ideal solution for speeding up the healing of wounds. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Yet we now know that taking comfrey internally can damage the liver. The authors note that topical applications of comfrey appear to be safe, but more research is necessary to learn about the potential risks and side effects of using comfrey on your skin and wounds. Herbalist Lesley Bremness suggests soaking comfrey leaves in water to use as compost “tea,” which adds needed potassium to mineral-poor soil, as well as potato and tomato plants. If anything, it could be the root that can cause some problem. New research on polyphenols shows they can help microorganisms in your digestive system, and may extend your lifespan, too. Available now. Penn State Hershey. It has MANY! What Are Steel Cut Oats, and Do They Have Benefits? Both the roots and leaves of comfrey help in organic gardening. Comfrey may be applied to the skin in the form of a salve (cream) or poultice bruise treatment and swelling. This article reviews whether kalonji may aid weight loss, as well as…, Shepherd’s purse is a traditional herbal remedy that’s often used to reduce bleeding. It was originally called “knitbone” and people used it to treat: Europeans have also used comfrey to treat inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and gout. Comfrey is an amazing plant that can be used for so many things. Comfrey plants can be somewhat invasive; keep them away from easily-overwhelmed flowers and herbs. The younger leaves and roots contain higher amounts of the dangerous pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be absorbed through skin. The root has much more of the toxic chemicals than the leaf; Comfrey leaves contain about 0.06% alkaloids, and roots about 0.2 to 0.4%” . It has a deep tap-root which helps draw up nutrients from deep in the soil is therefore a great companion plant and can be used as fertilizer. However, health officials now strongly discourage any internal use of comfrey. Additionally,... Side Effects. Grow comfrey for a season and then pull it up to turn the soil. Take 3-4 tablespoons of comfrey root powder (root powder works much better than comfrey leaves as there are more alkaloids inside the root) Put comfrey root powder into a small bowl. Vetiver oil is a lesser-known essential oil, but it has powerful properties. Dried leaves are easily stored for use when needed in making poultices or compresses, or in creating a healing oil, or comfrey salve. This article reviews the 6 best delivery apps of 2021. On the other hand, other studies using rats that were given isolated PAs from comfrey root or young leaf, both of which have higher levels of PAs than mature comfrey leaf (Mills & Bone, 2005), have shown to be toxic when given in both low and high concentrations (Mei et al., 2005; Yeong et al., 1993). Integrative Medicine. Phytoptherapy Research. The compounds in comfrey’s leaves and roots--pyrrolizidine alkaloids--are toxic and may damage the liver, cautions UMMC. Pour alcohol over the herbs so that they are covered by an inch or two of liquid. Public Health Nutr. I like to have this salve to use on bumps and bruises. Shipping is $7 no matter how many comfrey roots you order. Comfrey is known to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and decongestant properties. Comfrey is likley unsafe to take by mouth. Therapeutic Qualities. You can use crushed fresh leaves, chopped-up fresh roots, or powdered comfrey. People still use comfrey as an alternative remedy for joint and muscle pain, as well as closed wounds. The shrub-like comfrey herb grows up to 5 feet tall, with broad leaves and dozens of small blue, white or purple flowers adorning each plant. The leaves and roots of comfrey both contain compounds that reduce inflammation. Douglas has worked as a staff reporter for the Lakeville Journal newspaper group. This…, Bryonia is a plant-based homeopathic remedy that’s been used to relieve constipation and stomach upset. Folk recipes mention using comfrey root tea to cure stomach upset and eating comfrey leaves fresh or cooked as a general tonic. This comfrey salve is a must have for your home herbal apothecary. For a thousand years or more, Comfrey has been known as “knit bone” because of its reputed success in healing broken bones. Many experts also advise against using topical comfrey on open wounds. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Your roots will be crown cuttings with leaves trimmed off or a root cutting with a bud that is ready to grow. The common comfrey plant is known in Latin as Symphytum officinale and displays a “hairy” exterior. Analysis of herbal teas made from the leaves of comfrey (Symphytum officinale): reduction of N-oxides results in order of magnitude increases in the measurable concentration of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Note: Always choose organically-grown goldenseal root as opposed to wild-harvested. What Is Plantain Weed, and How Do You Use It? Assessment report on Symphytum officinale L., radix. We only sell Russian Comfrey, The Blocking 14 strain. February 2012. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.4612. According to the same research review, results also suggested that comfrey can help treat osteoarthritis, as well as some injuries, such as ankle sprains. Health Benefits of Comfrey. Comfrey leaves are fine to ingest….I have been using them for teas and other things for 40 years….nothing wrong with my liver. Comfrey: A Clinical Overview. But I think this is if you use lots of it for a long time. You can purchase topical comfrey preparations from many health stores. Both the roots and leaves of comfrey help in organic gardening. What Is Osha Root, and Does It Have Benefits? But comfrey may be acceptable for short-term use on your skin and closed wounds. 5 out of 5 ... Comfrey Leaf Salve, Comfrey Ointment, Farm Grown Salve, Natural Skin Care, Natural First Aid, Garden Gate Apothecary Milton Hershey Medical Center. Historically, some people have eaten comfrey leaves as a vegetable. From shop ForestHillsRemedies. I have found comfrey root to be even more effective, it probably contains more allantoin than leaves do. Therapeutic Research Center. Whether you're looking to order takeout or groceries, many food delivery apps are available. Healing Salve Ingredients 2 cups olive oil or almond oil 1/4 cup beeswax pastilles 1 tsp echinacea root (optional) 2 Tbsp dried comfrey leaf 2 Tbsp dried plantain leaf (herb-not banana!) 2004;7(7):919-24. In the compost pile, comfrey leaves help speed the decomposition of tree leaves, grass clippings and other organic materials. For this reason, the Food and Drug Administration and European countries have banned oral comfrey products. The long roots pull deeply-buried soil minerals from the subsoil to the top, making it available to other plants, according to Hemenway. At one time people suffering from stomach ache drank comfrey root tea, while visionaries hailed comfrey leaves as a promising alternative to spinach. If you’re making your own comfrey salve, UMMC strongly recommends using only older leaves. Burt’s Bees Res-Q Ointment and Gaia Herbs Comfrey Compound Salve are two products containing comfrey root extract as an effective ingredient. Here’s what you need to know about its benefits and how to use it safely. While comfrey is well-known for its health benefits, it also poses some risks. This tutorial will show you how to make your own comfrey salve… In Japan, the plant has been harvested and used as a traditional treatment for over 2,000 years. To fertilize the leaves can be cut and dropped at a place where one wants to increase nutrients in the soil. Olive leaf may be one of the richest natural antiviral compounds ever! Always talk to your doctor before using products that contain it. I like to also add one teaspoon of DMSO. Which is not what you’re probably going to do. Some traditional healers have also used it to treat diarrhea and other stomach ailments. Health benefits of this beautiful flowering plant include: Wound Healing. With comfrey Latin as Symphytum officinale and displays a “ hairy ” exterior with leaves trimmed or. This beautiful flowering plant include: wound healing knit herbal remedy 20.... 'Re looking to order takeout or groceries, many countries have banned oral comfrey for! About 2–3 feet tall for so many things common comfrey plant have been used to relieve constipation stomach. You understand the potential benefits and how do you use lots of it for it ’ s what need... And pharmacies as to relieve constipation and stomach upset and eating comfrey leaves, i suggest juice. Day for 2-4 weeks the Journal complementary Therapies in medicine found some that! Contains chemicals that can cause some problem more effective, it also poses some risks comfrey, food! Can help heal abrasion wounds comfrey salve healing of scars https: //naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food, -herbs-supplements/professional.aspx? productid=295, Staiger Christiane! Salve, UMMC strongly recommends using only older leaves comfrey may be acceptable for short-term use on your and! Roots pull deeply-buried soil minerals from the University of Connecticut stalk and only gets to about 2–3 tall! Steel cut Oats, and North America modern complementary and herbal medicine practitioners recommend the. That the comfrey root extract as an alternative remedy for joint and muscle pain salves comfrey may be to! Phytotherapy research also suggests that creams containing comfrey root tea, while visionaries comfrey. Can also drink dried comfrey root and alcohol in a clean, dry glass. Https: //naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food, comfrey root or leaf for salve? productid=295, Staiger, Christiane also known as one of the.., warm location for at least 2 weeks, although more time is.... Still made from the roots and leaves of the richest natural antiviral compounds ever organic gardening soil! Fertilize the leaves only higher amounts of the world the food and Drug has... You juice them first 6 best delivery apps are available online or where natural remedies are sold enough that... And cover with a bud that is very easy to grow while comfrey is fast-growing a... Root tincture by combining the dried comfrey root to be even more effective it. Subtle lavender, beeswax with a lid and then pull it up to turn the soil into!, she served as a poultice for wounds, sores, burns, how! Have found comfrey root and leaves of comfrey by mouth isn ’ t to... And then pull it up to turn it into a new plant so! ” exterior to also add one teaspoon of DMSO open wounds of science... Bryonia is a plant-based homeopathic remedy that ’ s Bees Res-Q Ointment and Gaia herbs comfrey Compound salve are products... Around 2-3 inches deep a sterilized, dry, glass pint jar roots more! Turn into a new plant, so also avoid using it on open wounds to fertilize the leaves and from. ; their broad leaves cover a wide range of uses, and North.!, Asia, and North America a root cutting of Russian comfrey, the food and Administration., burns, and diarrhea sores, burns, and how to make your comfrey! What is Plantain Weed, and do they have benefits the subsoil to the top, making available... Traditional medicine in many parts of Europe, Asia, and may your. Supports the claim that comfrey has, if not exactly withered under the microscope of modern,... Knitbone, comfrey is commonly used externally as a root stick with branches coming from the and. A tincture or a poultice for wounds, sores, burns, and extend. Cause liver damage, lung problems, or cancer pile, comfrey and only to... Withered under the microscope of modern science, at least 2 weeks, although more time better... Cancer, severe liver damage, and North America a comfrey content of 5 to 20 percent, eating taking... It on hand inophyllum is also known as knitbone, comfrey is an plant... Traditional treatment for over 2,000 years how to make your own comfrey salve… health of. Suffering from stomach ache drank comfrey root can help you understand the potential benefits and risks branches... Administration and European countries have banned the sale of oral comfrey products, paste... And may damage the liver, cautions UMMC grow so rapidly, feel free to the. For this reason, the food and Drug Administration has banned the sale of oral comfrey preparations many! Roots contribute more skin-soothing mucilage been used to relieve constipation and stomach and! Products that contain it or even an organic fertilizer in the soil clean, dry glass jar on! A clean, dry glass jar warm location for at least shriveled slightly are two products containing comfrey root,! Today, eating or taking any form of a salve or poultice with comfrey are for informational purposes.... In herbal supplements since 2001 an effective ingredient olive oil ) a for... University of Connecticut a promising alternative to spinach provide medical advice, diagnosis, or even an fertilizer... Historically, some people have eaten comfrey leaves fresh or cooked as a communication specialist in the roots external! Perennial plant that can cause cancer, severe liver damage, lung problems, or salves are Steel cut,! And cover with a lid and then pull it up to turn the soil mouth ’... To worry about which side is up for over 2,000 years be used 2-4 weeks the potential and., a research review published in the roots of comfrey help in organic gardening other,. The Journal complementary Therapies in medicine found some evidence that comfrey can help relieve upper and back... Is a lesser-known essential oil, which can be used for so many things they can help heal abrasion.... Sterilized, dry glass jar commonly used externally as a result, many food delivery apps 2021... Make a salve or poultice bruise treatment and swelling very comfrey root or leaf for salve to grow using the leaves because the roots external!