Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

Also known as Knitbone, Boneset, Bruisewort. The botanical name symphytum is derived from the Greek sympho (to unite). All the names are a reminder of its traditional use in healing fractures and sprains.

Comfrey is found on moist banks, field borders and ditches all over the coutryside. When the plant is just beginning to grow in early spring and has not flowered be sure you know the difference from the leaves of the foxglove (leaves are poisonous!). The comfrey leaf has stiff hairs on the surface of the leaves compaired to the smoother leaves of foxglove. In summer you can see the difference comparing the flowers of both plants. Foxglove has finger-like shaped flowers from white to all shades of pink and comfrey has purple to white funnel-shaped flowers.

The herb contains allantoin, which encourages bone, cartilage and muscle cells to grow. Its medicinal actions are cell proliferation, astringent and demulcent.

Medicinal Uses

You can use the fresh aerial parts or the root. Harvest the leaves and flowering tops in early summer and the roots in autumn.

A poultice made from a puree of the fresh leaves can be applied to minor fractures and hairline cracks in larger bones. A poultice can also be made from the powdered root with a little water and used on stubborn wounds. Do not use on dirty wounds as comfrey does not have antiseptic qualities and its rapid healing power may trap dirt or pus. A cream made from the leaves or root can be used for bone or muscle damage including osteoarthritis. A hot infused oil is good for arthritic joints, bruises and sprains.

 Comfrey oil

Externally for arthritic joints, sciatica, bruises, sprains and other traumatic injuries, inflamed bunions.

Hot infused oil

250-400g fresh comfrey leaves, coarsely cut (or half the amount dried)

500-800ml sunflower- or olive oil

Put the oil and the herb in a heatproof (Pyrex) glass bowl over a pan of boiling water or in a double saucepan and heat gently (covered) for about three hours. Pour the mixture into a jelly bag or muslin  and strain into a jug, pressing carefully all the liquid out of the herb.

Pour the infused oil into a clean, dark glass bottle(s), using a funnel if necessary. Seal and label each bottle. Store in a cool dark place.

Note

 If you haven’t muslin or a jelly bag a white cotton pillowcase will do (but it won’t be white after the process!)

Other uses

Comfrey is a good green manure especially when you dig in well- rotted manure. The leaves are also a good to make liquid manure and a rich source of potassium. Add comfrey to your compost heap throughout the summer and mulch plants with leaves.

Caution

Restricted use in Ireland: Whole external use only permitted!