Both root and leaf contain allantoin, but comfrey root contains about ten times the concentration of PAs found in the leaves. Pharmacologically, the wound healing is attributed to allantoin, but comfrey also has pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Pas), tannins, and rosmarinic acid, a proven anti-inflammatory. The root is known for its glutinous and mucilaginous nature and is rich in allantoin, the compound known to promote tissue regeneration. Strong decoctions of the root or infusions of the leaf have been suggested in traditional herbal books to treat internal hemorrhage, chronic catarrh and congestion but are no longer recommended due to the high levels of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Pas) which have been shown to be hepatotoxic. It is considered a demulcent, a substance that soothes the mucous membranes, due to its high mucilaginous content. In the case of comfrey, the leaves resemble skin and the roots resemble bones, the “signature” of the plant lets us know what its use is.Ĭomfrey is also rich in many crucial nutrients, such as protein, antioxidant vitamins and vitamin B12 (1). As an astrologer and herbalist, I am an advocate of the system of “The Doctrine of Signatures,” the medieval cosmology based on the concept that the inherent qualities of all things leave their mark, or “signature” on all animate and inanimate objects, in this case plants. The resemblance of the roots to human anatomy is fascinating. Depending on the age of the plant its roots appear to looks like bones-arms, legs, pelvic bones, and dissect the root and notice its resemblance to bone marrow. Dig up the root and you will see anatomical shapes. Looking closely at the leaf you will notice its resemblance to skin. Plant comfrey around your fruit trees to help their roots take up nitrogen more easily. Comfrey tea makes an excellent fertilizer. Extra comfrey leaves are a valuable addition to the compost pile, helping it to break down more quickly and also make a great mulch, adding nutrients to the soil. The leaves can be cut down several times during the growing season and will re-grow, making it a wonderful plant to use throughout the spring, summer and well into the fall. Comfrey produces huge amounts of leaves during the growing season. Comfrey is fast growing and a small piece of root planted in the spring will soon grow into a lovely, large plant. It does not have a need for high quality soil. It will grow in sun or shade, though shade is preferable so as to not dry out the leaves in direct sunlight. The roots are large and sturdy, spreading deeply and with great doggedness so as to not want to be removed from the earth once established. The plant has bell-like purple flowers furling in clusters from the top of large hairy stems, and grows up to two to three feet high, flowering from early spring to summer. Caution should be taken when it comes to deep wounds – comfrey helps the skin to heal so quickly that the new tissue may cover a wound before deep healing occurs, causing a skin infection to brew.Ī member of the Boraginaceae family, comfrey is a leafy perennial with long, hairy leaves that will cause you to itch when touched. Used as an ingredient in salve for cosmetic purposes, comfrey aids the slowing of wrinkles, crow’s feet and aging skin. In poultices and salves it is used as a remedy for a multitude of hard to heal skin disorders. Comfrey helps to heal broken bones, and speedily takes the discoloration out of a black-and-blue. The use of comfrey will be remarkably effective in helping these conditions heal quite rapidly. Think cracked cuticles, cracked heals, fresh scars, and wounds. This plant’s capacity to unite or regenerate skin tissue, is well known. Its botanical name, Symphytum officinale, a name given to the plant by Dioscorides, comes from a Greek word meaning “to unite”. Unsurpassed as a healing plant, comfrey promotes the rapid healing of wounds, bruises, cuts, sprains, broken bones, tendon damage and more. Comfrey, even the name evokes a comforting feeling, is a common garden plant that has been used as an herbal medicine for thousands of years.
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