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Comfrey
Comfrey refers to a well-known plant that is native to Europe and parts of
Asia which is known by its botanical name, Symphytum officinale. Also referred
to as Ass Ear, Blackwort, Boneset, Bruisewort, Consolida, Consound, Gum Plant,
Knitback, Knitbone, Slippery Root, and Yalluc; Comfrey has been used as an herbal
remedy for centuries in the treatment of wounds and as a bone knitter. Its medieval
reputation as a bone knitter is reflected in its name, as Comfrey is derived
from the Latin word, ‘conferre’ that means to bring together.
Comfrey is a perennial plant that is rough and hairy all over. It contains
a branched rootstock with roots that grow to approximately a foot in length
and an inch in diameter. Externally, the roots are long and smooth while internally
it is white and fleshy. Comfrey also contains a leafy stem that grows up to
between 2 to 3 feet in height. It contains leaves that can grow up to 10 inches
in length on its lower branches. These leaves are covered with rough hairs,
and if touched will promote itching. The higher up the stem, the smaller the
size of the Comfrey leaves. Comfrey also contains drooping flowers that grow
on short stalks and range in colour from creamy yellow to purple. Comfrey is
in bloom throughout the summer with its first flowers opening at the end of
April or early May. Comfrey also contains fruit that consist of four shining
nutlets that are perforated at the base. The roots and leaves of Comfrey are
the parts of the plant that contains medicinal properties.
Traditionally used in the treatments of a medical treamtents, Comfrey is mainly
used as a topical agent in the treatment of: wounds, skin ulcers, inflammation,
skin irritations, thrombophlebitis, bruises, sprains, and strains. Additionally,
Comfrey was internally used as a treatment of such gastrointestinal problems
as stomach ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, and lung problems. Its major
medical constituents are mucilage and allantoin which is responsible for Comfrey’s
anti-inflammatory properties.
However, it is recommended that Comfrey not be used internally due to the possible
presence of high concentrations of pyrrolizidine alkaline. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids
are dangerous compounds and have high concentration in fresh young Comfrey leaves.
Other forms of comfrey such as Russian Comfrey (Symphytum uplandicum) and prickly
comfrey (Symphytum asperum) also contains high levels of pyrrolizidine alkaloid,
and are often mistaken as regular comfrey. The presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloid
can lead to liver disease and other serious ailments. Therefore, it is recommended
that internal digestion of Comfrey herbal supplements be avoided unless the
pyrrolizidine alkaloid content is listed on its label.
The root of comfrey is prepared as a topic cream, in which 3.5 ounces is simmered
in 1 pint of water for ten to fifteen minutes. Using a cloth to soak in this
liquid, it is recommended that Comfrey be applied to the skin for at least 15
minutes. This topical cream should be applied to one’s skin several times a
day.
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