Comfrey is the common name of Symphytum officinale species, from Boraginaceae family.
Also known as: common comfrey, comphrey, knitbone.
Comfrey flowers
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Features of Comfrey
Height to 24-48 inches. Spread to 12-24 inches. Zone 4-9. Hardy herbaceous perennial
hairy, lance-shaped, ovate leaf.
bell-like, clustered, pink or purple, tubular flower in summer.
Growing Comfrey
- by root cutting. Cut root sections of 1 inch length.
- by root division during spring.
- by seed during spring and autumn. Germination is slow and unreliable.
- disease: May suffer from mildew and rust.
- growth: The plant is invasive and, once established, difficult to eradicate.
- transplant: 24 inches apart.
Using Comfrey
Culinary
Salad
Chopped young leaves can be add to salads. However, comfrey is unsuitable as culinary herb because of its potential toxicity. (Use leaf)
Household
Gardening
Rich in potash and makes a good fertilizer. (Use leaf)
Medicinal
First-aid
Apply as a poultice to cuts, burns, sores, sprains, and muscle and joint pains. (Use leaf)
Medicine
Synthesize as medicinal creams for eczema and dermatitis. (Use leaf, root)
Traditional Remedies
- Skin » wounds and sores, burns, chapped skin, dermatitis, eczema
- Muscle And Joint » joint pain, sprain
Traditional remedies may or may not be supported by scientific evidences.
Cautions
- Dosage » Avoid internal uses. Comfrey contains alkaloids which may lead to liver failure if taken in large doses.
- Please consult with your doctor before using comfrey for health related purposes.
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