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Comfrey as an Herb
(Symphytum officinale)
Comfrey is a native of Europe and temperate Asia and is common throughout England on the banks of rivers and ditches, and in watery places generally.
Medicinal Uses for Comfrey
A poultice of Comfrey heals wounds, burns, sores, and bruises. It is a powerful remedy for coughs and ulcers. The root is more effectual than the leaves and is the part usually used in cases of coughs. Comfrey is most often used for healing broken bones and sprains. It also is used in treating asthma. Large amounts taken over a period of time can cause liver damage, but there are no indications of problems with using it externally. Used internally, it is best and safest to use a tea, rather than capsules.
As the plant abounds in mucilage, it is frequently given whenever a mucilaginous medicine is required and has been used like Marshmallow for intestinal troubles. It is very similar in its emollient action to Marshmallow, but in many cases is even preferred to it and is an ingredient in a large number of herbal preparations. It forms a gentle remedy in cases of diarrhoea and dysentery. A decoction is made by boiling 1/2 to 1 OZ. of crushed root in 1 quart of water or milk, which is taken in wineglassful doses, frequently.
A strong decoction, or tea, is recommended in cases of internal hemorrhage, whether from the lungs, stomach, bowels or from bleeding piles. It is to be taken every two hours until the hemorrhage ceases. In severe cases, a teaspoonful of Witch Hazel extract is added to the Comfrey root tea. Alternatively, the powdered root moistened with a bit of vegetable oil and applied as a paste can be used for hemorrhoid treatment. A decoction of the root has been used as a mouthwash for sore throat, hoarseness, bleeding gums.
Suffer from piles?
Pilex ointment, with its anti-inflammatory, anti-infective and anti-haemorrhoidal properties, helps to shrink the pile mass, control bleeding and hasten the healing process in inflamed skin and mucous membranes.
A modern medicinal tincture, employed by homoeopaths, is made from the root with spirits of wine, 10 drops in a tablespoonful of water being administered several times a day.
Comfrey leaves are of much value as an external remedy, both in the form of fomentations and as a poultice. The whole plant, beaten to a cataplasm and applied hot as a poultice, has always been deemed excellent for soothing pain in any tender or inflamed body part. It is useful in any kind of inflammatory swelling.
Internally, the leaves are taken in the form of an infusion, 1 ounce of the leaves to 1 pint of boiling water.
Comfrey has also been used for post-menopausal vaginal dryness: Combine an egg white with the contents of a vitamin E capsule and a couple drops of Comfrey tincture. Has also been used in combination with other herbs as a douche for yeast infection.
A wash has been used for blisters and a salve cold sores. Comfrey has also been used in the bath for hives and rashes.
For dandruff a couple of drops of the tincture has been added to regular shampoo.
To make a comfrey poultice: Combine fresh chopped root in a little hot water to make a thick mash; spread on cloth and apply; renew every 2 to 4 hours. OR, place chopped leaves or root in a muslin bag then place in a shallow bowl; pour boiling water over the bag to soak; allow to set until cooled enought o handle comfortably; shake off excess water and apply; this produces a good amount of mucilage which should be left to dry on the skin; (bag needs to be boiled before using again so it is advisable to have a spare ready to use); leaves can also be pureed.
Other Uses for Comfrey
A strong decoction has been used on the Continent for tanning leather, and in Angora a sort of glue is got from the common Comfrey, which is used for spinning the famous fleeces of that country.
Folklore
An old belief was for a woman to bathe in a comfrey bath before marriage in order to restore her hymen, thus restoring her virginity (yes, it had a 100% failure rate). A leaf was once placed in the shoe to insure a safe journey.
In Chinese Traditional Medicine the dry roasted root is said to increase 'yang'.
Culinary
Comfrey is no longer considered safe for consumption; however, it has been used - and in some cases still is used - in interesting ways:
"In cookery, the leaves gathered young may be used as a substitute for Spinach; the young shoots have been eaten after blanching by forcing them to grow through heaps of earth." Source: A Plain Plantain
The young leaves form a good green vegetable, and are not infrequently eaten by country people. When fully grown however, they become coarse and unpleasant in taste. They have been used to flavor cakes and other food. They were also cooked like spinach and mixed with white sauce and grated cheese. Other uses - comfrey leaf fritters (leaves dipped in batter and fried); sprinkle dry crushed leaves over food as a seasoner.
In some parts of Ireland Comfrey is eaten as a cure for defective circulation and poverty of blood, being regarded as a perfectly safe and harmless remedy.
Comfrey roots, together with Chichory and Dandelion roots, are used to make a well known vegetation 'Coffee,' that tastes practically the same as ordinary coffee, with none of its injurious effects.
Wine was once made from the roots of comfrey.
DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.