Comfrey
| Common Name | Comfrey |
| Latin Name | Symphytum Officinale |
| Folk Name | Assear, Black Wort, Healing Herb, Knit Bone |
| Medical Uses | DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY Topical Uses: Bruises, Burns, Fractures, Hemorrhoids, Skin Dryness, Swellings, Varicose Veins, Wounds Topical Applications: When applied topically, Comfrey helps to draw infection out of the body. Its constituent allantoin is a known cell proliferant. Use as a bathherb for dry skin. Salves, lotions and poultices for fractures, wounds, bruises, swellings, hemorrhoids, varicosites and burns. Contraindications: Pyrrolizidine alkaloids may cause hepatic toxicity, also referred to as veno-occlusive disease. The root is higher in the alkaloid than the leaves. Young leaves are higher in pyrrolizidine than the mature leaves. Other research indicates that Comfrey may have anticancerous activity. Because Comfrey causes rapid wound healing, make sure a wound is clean of any dirt before applying Comfrey. Comments: The name Comfrey is derived from the Latin, con ferva, meaning 'with strength'. The genus name, Symphytum, means 'grown together'. Comfrey paste was once used to cast broken bones. Comfrey is native to Eurasia. Legend says that Comfrey baths were given to women before marriage to restore the hymen and thus virginity. When drying the leaves, keep them from touching one another so they will dry without yellowing. Add extra Comfrey to the compost bin to accelerate breakdown of organic matter. Once planted in a garden, it tends to take over and can be difficult to eradicate. |