Symphytum officinale
Comfrey is an invaluable plant to have in the medicine cabinet, as well as in the garden. It’s hairy leaves and fleshy roots can be applied externally heal all kinds of injuries; burn, stings, cuts, bruises, or sprains. First recorded over 2000 years ago by Pliny the Elder, the medicinal uses of this plant remain as effective today.
Medicinal uses: Healing wounds, bones, burns
Important Compounds: Allantoin, Rosmarinic Acid, Mucilage
Parts Used: Roots, Leaves
Preparation: Salve
Caution: Comfrey has a long history of internal use to treat ulcers. However, it contains a number of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can damage the liver.
Other Uses:
-Comfrey is full of potash and nitrogen, and can be made into a fertiliser.
-Comfrey is what’s known in permaculture as a ‘dynamic accumulator’. It’s long roots brings underground minerals to the surface, and makes them available to other plants in the garden.