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Uses of the Comfrey Plant

The comfrey plant (Symphytum officinale) is a perennial herb in the borage family. It is typically found growing wild throughout Europe, Asia and North America. Comfrey can be identified by its large, rough, prickly leaves, deep roots and bell-shaped white, pink or purple flowers. When harvesting comfrey in the wild, it is important not to confuse it with foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), as the latter is highly toxic. Comfrey itself is poisonous to livestock, particularly horses and cows, because of its pyrrolizidine alkaloid content. Although comfrey has been employed as a traditional remedy for gastrointestinal problems, it is not recommended for internal consumption.

  1. Mending Broken Bones and Wounds

    • Use comfrey salve or lotion to heal wounds.

      Comfrey's scientific name Symphytum is derived from Greek and means "to unite." Its common name comes from the Latin confima, meaning "to be made firm." Both of these titles refer to this herb's ability to aid in setting bones and healing abrasions, wounds, scrapes, burns and stings. For this reason it was known in European folk medicine as "boneset." According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, comfrey contains allantoin, a potent chemical compound which stimulates the growth and healing of tissue.

      For these purposes, both the leaves and the roots of the plant may be used to create topical applications such as poultices, salves and lotions. A simple poultice can be created by boiling down the plant material to form a thick, mucilaginous paste. This substance can be applied directly to the wound or affected area.

    Revitalizing Skin and Hair

    • Comfrey helps maintain beautiful, healthy skin.

      Comfrey's healing properties have also made it a widely used addition to cosmetic products. According to Ernest W. Flick in his book "Cosmetic Additives: An Industrial Guide," comfrey is an astringent -- a substance which tightens body tissues. It also possesses demulcent, or soothing, qualities. In addition to repairing healthy tissue, comfrey smooths and tightens skin. For this reason, it is added to cosmetic creams, lotions, massage oils, shampoos and hair rinses. It may be effective in eliminating acne, skin infections, and even more serious skin conditions like eczema.

    Preventing and Eliminating Scars

    • In her book, "Natural Healing Wisdom & Know How," Amy Rost reports that when comfrey is applied to wounds, burns, scrapes and abrasions, it helps them heal faster and prevents scar tissue from forming. Well-established scars, such as acne scars, pregnancy stretch marks and scars from surgery, can also be erased by regular application of comfrey.

    Reducing Inflammation

    • Comfrey soothes arthritic swelling.

      According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, comfrey may also be effective in calming inflamed tissue. It has been used to reduce swelling and treat arthritic conditions.

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Herb Basics
  1. Uses of the Brazilian Snapdragon Plant
  2. Different Uses for the Kalo Plant
  3. The Uses of Mimosa Hostilis
  4. The Flax Fiber Plant
  5. The Uses of the Banana Plant
  6. Identification of the Mint Plant
  7. About the Comfrey Plant
  8. Uses of Neem Plants
  9. The Habitat of Ginger Plants
  10. Pests of the Sage Plant
  11. Description of the Lavender Plant
  12. Information on the English Lavender Plant

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