Comfrey is a perennial plant that grows profusely with little care. In fact, it can be downright difficult to eradicate if you wish to remove it. A tiny piece of root will yield a new plant in no time. Comfrey is an herb that brings soothing comfort to a variety of conditions through its anti-inflammatory action. Additionally, comfrey in a nutritious herb that promotes cell regeneration, slows bleeding, and speeds bone healing.
Comfrey has a soothing and regulating effect on the digestive system. When the leaves are cooked and consumed liked spinach or added to a smoothie, constipation is relieved. Comfrey made into a tea can relieve diarrhea or irritation in the digestive tract.
Comfrey salve is wonderful for hemorrhoids.
Comfrey speeds the process of cell regeneration, making it a superior healer to burns and wounds. Fresh leaves can be bruised, scalded and cooled to apply to skin that is damaged. Dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema can all benefit from comfrey. Comfrey salve is another alternative for topical use.
Comfrey should NOT be used on deep or puncture wounds. It can cause the outer layers of tissue to form before the deeper layers, increasing the risk of infection. Consider raw honey for deep wounds.
Not only does comfrey benefit the outside structure of the body, it is healing to the entire skeletal system. Comfrey is nutritive to the joints and bones. Comfrey is used to speed the healing of broken bones. In fact, comfrey is sometimes called, “knitbone.” Comfrey also benefits joints, muscles and ligaments. Its mucilage properties are especially helpful for the joints.
Comfrey is used for acute and chronic structural issues. Not only do breaks, sprains, and strains respond well to comfrey, more chronic issues like arthritis, sciatica, and osteoporosis benefit from comfrey use.
If its usefulness to the skin, bones and digestion were not enough, Comfrey is also indicated for lung issues including coughing, pertussis, emphysema, asthma and bronchitis. It has expectorant properties and again, its mucilage content makes it a great soother to the lungs.
Fresh or dried comfrey can be used. If you are able to have a comfrey plant you will always be finding new ways to use this plant. But dried comfrey can be used with success as well.
Perhaps one of the easiest ways to use comfrey is in a tea. It has a mild flavor. Hot comfrey tea is wonderful for a cough, especially with a bit of raw honey.
Comfrey tea can be taken internally or it can be used topically on any external inflammations.
If you pour comfrey tea onto sanitary pads, freeze them, and use them instead of regular sanitary pads in days following childbirth, postpartum mothers will experience pain relief and quick healing.
Comfrey tincture is an easy way to benefit from comfrey. Comfrey tincture can be applied to old wounds or taken internally for lung issues. For other issues, teas, salves and smoothies tend to be superior ways to benefit from comfrey.
Once you have comfrey salve in your house, you will wonder how you lived without it. It will be used constantly for scratches, scrapes, wounds, burns, hemorrhoids, eczema, dry lips and poison ivy.
Comfrey Salve is not difficult to make.
Add ½ cup dry comfrey leaves to a jar. Pour olive oil over the leaves to cover and a little more. (Oil should be ½ -1 inch above the leaves.) Stir the oil and leaves daily for 2 weeks. Use an old t-shirt to strain out the leaves. Heat the oil in a double boiler. For every 4 ounces of comfrey oil, melt in1 Tablespoon of beeswax. Pour the salve into a clean jar. Cool. Enjoy!
Comfrey leaves can be cooked like spinach. Wash and chop the leaves and steam them or saute them in some coconut oil. Add salt and a dash of hot sauce or vinegar.
Comfrey blends beautifully into a smoothie. Its flavor is not strong and can be enjoyed a number of different ways.
While comfrey is a folk remedy that is still commonly recommended by herbalists, some scientists are concerned about the safety of comfrey, believing it to be harmful to the liver. You should do your own research and use wisdom and common sense about the use of any herbs. A natural practitioner will be able to help you understand any specific concerns about comfrey use for your own situation.
Have you tried comfrey for healing? Please send us some feedback!
Sources:
Fritchey, Philip, Practial Herbalism, 2004
