Comfrey Symphytum officinale

Comfrey is a marvelous herb and is one of the best-known healing herbs of all times. Well known and widely used by early Greeks and Romans, its very name, symphytum, from the Greek symphyo means to "make grow together", referring to its traditional use of healing fractures. Comfrey relieves pain and inflammation caused by injuries and degeneration, especially the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Comfrey creams and oils can be used in arthritic pain relieving massages. In a recent study patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee treated with comfrey root extract in an ointment showed a reduction in pain , mobility of the knee improved and quality of life increased. ^(NIH)

Comfrey salves, ointments and teas are best known for the topical treatment of burns, skin ulcerations, abrasions, lacerations, flea and insect bites, and just about any skin irritation. Comfrey's astringent tannins form a protective surface over wounds that promotes healing. You may want to try comfrey or allantoin skin creams for diabetic sores. For weeping eczema, make a tea of comfrey and apply the liquid as a compress. Comfrey relieves pain and speeds healing of pus-filled wounds, and accelerates tissue healing in cases of insect bites.

Comfrey also has a healing effect on ulcers, and a general soothing effect on the mucous membranes, making it invaluable in soothing sore throats and coughs. Adele Dawson, a well regarded American herbalist, considered comfrey to be “Literally a one-herb pharmacy” and a “wonder plant- healing for any kind of respiratory disease”. ^{(Dawson, Adele,"Herbs, Partners in Life")} Grieve writes in her work "A Modern Herbal" that “The root is more effectual than the leaves and is the part usually used in cases of coughs. It is highly esteemed for all pulmonary complaints, consumption and bleeding of the lungs.” ^{(Grieve, Maud)}

The evidence for the well established benefits of comfrey are such that you may wonder why are there so many cautions about taking comfrey. Many herbalists limit its use internally to short term applications while some go even further and warn against any internal use at all. In the late 1970s experimental data showed lab rats fed comfrey 3 to 4 times their body weight over a long period of time developed liver damage. It would take a human drinking 3 to 4 cups of comfrey tea for 140 years to achieve the same effect. ^{(Duke,James, Ph.D.)} Herbalists are divided on the use of this age old herb, on the one hand it has been used safely for centuries and on the other the pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are concentrated in the root and to a lesser extent the leaves have toxic effects. Speaking strictly for myself, I indulge in the occasional cup of homegrown comfrey leaf tea without undue worry, but in this you will have to rely on your own common sense and good judgement.