Comfrey is a shrub that grows in parts of North America, Asia, and Europe. It is a perennial herb that grows in moist grasslands in western Asia. In addition, a comfrey Plant is a group of white, blue, and purple flowers. It can grow up to 5 feet long.
This shrub or we can say plant contains poisonous chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, that damage the liver and can lead to death, but some people use its leaf and root to make traditional medicines.
The comfrey plant is commonly used on the skin to treat wounds, and ulcers, Its roots contain an allantoin substance which helps to reduce inflammation and also helps to treat broken bones. It is originally called knitbone.
Benefits of Comfrey
Comfrey is a medicinal herb that is used for creating natural organic fertilizers but is also used to make herbal medicine. Here are some medicinal properties of comfrey.
Medicinal Properties of Comfrey
- Vulnerary (used for healing wounds)
- Contains allantoin(which helps in skin wounds)
- Accelerates healing
- Anti-inflammation
- Analgesic (relieves pain)
- Astringent (shrinks or constricts tissue)
- The leaves are commonly processed to produce comfrey oil. Therefore, this is known in folk medicine as “knitbone” or “boneset” as it is widely used to help bones to heal. Comfrey oil is mostly applied to the skin.
- A vast amount of natural phytochemicals are absorbed which are used to promote fast healing of the bones, after an injury.
- The roots and leaves of the plant are also used to make comfrey ointments, creams, and salves. It can be used in painful areas and heal bruises and burns.
- Applying comfrey to the skin helps to reduce muscle spasms and painful inflammation in the joints.
- Comfrey is used to treat broken bones. It is used as a poultice for broken bones. Its root contains allantoin which is responsible for treating bones.
- Comfrey is enriched with vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system. By increasing immune system strength, you can also improve vitamin and immune deficiency.
- Comfrey plant helps to improve respiratory health like cough, phlegms, and fluids.
- It helps to relieve the pain and inflammation which are associated with arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Dosage of Comfrey
Comrey is not recommended for oral use because of the liver. Its alkaloids are absorbed through the skin, it should not be over 100mg/day of the alkaloids.
Benefits of Comfrey growing in Yard
The comfrey plant is very beautiful in appearance which attracts pollinators to themselves. These plants begin to bloom in the spring and are in full bloom by the fall.
Comfrey roots are very deep and go down 8 to 10 feet., which helps to bring minerals and nutrients to the leaves.
Comfrey helps to make your soil richer and better. Plant it in between each of the seaberry bushes to nourish the soil.
Benefit from Comfrey to other trees and fruits
It is rich in potassium nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, iron, and silicon.
Comfrey is a wonderful asset to retain moisture. It can help to create moisture in the soil.
In addition, you can create comfrey compost where you just add your comfrey leaves to your regular composting process and the nutrients and make very rich compost.
Liquid fertilizer from comfrey
- Keep the chopped comfrey in a bucket.
- Cover it with hot water.
- Let it sit for a few weeks.
- Now you spray it on the plants.
Using of Fertilizer
- Used as mulch: Add a layer of leaves to planting beds and around plants as mulch. To speed their decomposition, chop them first, or leave them whole. Wet the leaves down and add a layer of compost on top.
- Composting: You can add extra comfrey leaves and plants to your compost and still use the completed compost to benefit from the nutrients provided. The stems, which take longer to decompose, are best used in this way.
- In the soil: Place a few leaves along the bottom of planting holes and even containers before planting as usual. The leaves will slowly break down and release their nutrients while producing no smell.
- Comfrey leaves cannot be used alone to generate leaf mold because they break down into a liquid. However, when combined with other kinds of shredded leaves, they will once more work as a catalyst, speeding up the production of wonderful, earthy, nutrient-rich leaf mold.
Side Effects of Comfrey
- Abdominal pressing
- Stomach ache
- Appetite loss
- Not enough energy
- A swollen liver
- Reduced urine production
- Blockage of the liver’s small veins.
Precautions from comfrey
- Comfrey contains a poisonous substance that causes liver damage and it is also could be the reason for death. Do not take it directly in your mouth.
- Comfrey is highly poisonous so even lotions and ointments should only be applied briefly and under a doctor’s guidance.
- It should not be used on open wrongs or broken skin. Comfrey produces a large number of chemicals when it is applied directly to broken or damaged skin.
- If you have cancer, alcoholism, or liver illness, Avoid using comfrey.
- Comfrey products should not be used by young children, and also it is not recommended for pregnant and nursing women. Also, breastfeeding women should not use comfrey.
- Using of comfrey can cause liver diseases. So, if you are suffering from liver diseases avoid using comfrey.
- Comfrey increases the risk of liver, so it should not be used with other medications. Also, if you are taking any medicines ask your doctor before using comfrey.
Making of Comfrey Tea
Ingredients:- Dried comfrey leaves 1 teaspoon,1 cup of hot water, and 1 tablespoon of your preferred sweetener or sugar.
How to make
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried comfrey leaves to a teapot.
- One cup of water should almost reach boiling point.
- After that, our some water over the tea leaves.
- Give the mixture at least 10 minutes to steep.
- Tea should be strained and used appropriately (only consume if approved by your doctor).
Comfrey Tea side effects
The major risk of consuming comfrey tea is that it may do to the liver and higher risk of cancer, this tea (and herb) is divided. You should always consult your doctor before using this, especially if you have ever experienced liver disease or injury because this plant contains poisonous substances.
How to make Comfrey Salve
- To make Comfrey Salve, take a bowl or glass and keep it in a vessel and make double boiling.
- Now add beeswax and comfrey oil in a small bowl and heat till the beeswax gets completely dissolved in the oil.
- Add shea butter and allow it to dissolve well.
- Now carefully pour that mixture into a small jar. Leave the salve as it is till it sits completely
- Comfrey Salve has so many benefits, this salve is amazing for healing minor cuts and wounds.
Making of Comfrey Oil
- Take dried roots or leaves and place them in a jar.
- Fill the jar with neutral oil with leaves or roots.
- After that, leave the jar in a warm place for 4-6 weeks. Shake it well from time to time.
- After that, strain the herbs and use the oil on cuts, bruises, or sore muscles.
Making of Comfrey ointment
- Beeswax should be melted over a double boiler.
- Slightly Warm the infused oil.
- Add Beeswax to comfrey oil and mixed thoroughly.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool until it is once more warm to the touch.
- After that, add the vitamin E and the essential oils of your choosing (vitamin E is a preservative).
- Pour mixture into glass jars and allow to set.
Conclusion
Comfrey plant is sometimes used to cure minor injuries and joint pain, however oral comfrey medicines may result in cancer and liver damage. Therefore, comfrey shouldn’t ever be consumed directly. It should not be applied to open wounds either.
For a short period of time, comfrey may be safe to apply to your skin or to closed wounds. Be sure to consult your doctor before using any goods containing it. They can help in your understanding of the advantages and risks.
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