Comfrey
Comfrey is a powerful vulnerary and connective-tissue restorative traditionally used to accelerate the healing of bones, ligaments, tendons, skin, and mucous membranes. Its high allantoin and mucilage content makes it deeply soothing, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative when used topically or, with caution, internally.
Symphytum comes from Greek symphyo meaning “to unite,” referring to its fused corolla and its reputation for healing broken bones. Officinale indicates its historical inclusion as an official medicinal plant in European pharmacopeias. “Comfrey” derives from con firma, referencing its long associations with bone knitting and tissue repair.
Comfrey leaves and roots support the rapid healing of bones, connective tissues, and skin. They are used internally or externally for fractures, sprains, bruises, ulcers, cuts, abrasions, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and leg ulcers. Topical preparations reduce inflammation in tendonitis, arthritis, gout, joint pain, back injuries, and post-surgical recovery, and may soothe skin after radiation exposure. Comfrey helps staunch bleeding and can reduce passive bleeding in the digestive tract from ulcers, ulcerative colitis, or hemorrhoids.
Due to its high mucilage content, water preparations provide demulcent and emollient support for intestinal irritation, Crohn’s flares, and IBS. Enemas relieve rectal or colon inflammation. Gargles or teas soothe sore throat, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis. Root decoctions may reduce urinary tract inflammation though they are not antimicrobial.
Historically used to treat broken bones, gout, gangrene, wounds, ulcers, bruises, abscesses, and hemorrhoids. Root decoctions were taken for diarrhea, dysentery, whooping cough, pulmonary complaints, and internal hemorrhage. Leaves were eaten as spinach substitutes. In Ireland, comfrey was consumed to “nourish the blood” and support circulation.
A branching herbaceous perennial covered in coarse, bristly hairs. Hollow stems grow 30–90 cm tall. Thick, dark-skinned roots contain juicy white flesh. Basal leaves are large (30–60 × 10–20 cm), lanceolate to ovate; upper leaves are progressively smaller and decurrent. Inflorescences are scorpioid cymes with clusters of purple, reddish, or creamy-yellow bell-shaped flowers with five small recurved lobes. The superior ovary has two carpels that divide further, potentially forming up to four nutlets, though often only one matures.
Avoid internal use in youth or elderly individuals. Internal use is contraindicated for those with liver disease, regular alcohol consumption, or those taking liver-stressful medications. Avoid long-term internal use. Avoid during pregnancy and lactation.
Tincture:
Tea:
Leaf infusion or root decoction
4–8 oz up to 3× daily
Honey:
Fresh root 1:4
1 teaspoon up to 3× daily
Topical:
Poultice, fomentation, oil (EtOH intermediary), salve, cream, paste, wash, sitz bath, bath, mouthwash, vaginal irrigation, or enema
Christina Sinadinos, David Hoffman, Bryan Bowen, all relevant CHSHS lectures.