COMFREY

(Symphytum officinale; BORAGINACEAE)

Part used:  Root (more powerful), and leaves.

Therapeutic action:

Demulcent, cell proliferant, pectoral, astringent, nutritive, tonic, expectorant, hemostatic, alterative, vulnerary, mucilage, and styptic.

Dr. Shook wrote the following:

"It does not seem to matter much which part of the body is broken, either internally or externally; comfrey will heal it quickly. It is a great cell proliferant or new cell grower, it grows new flesh and bone alike, stops hemorrhage, and is wonderful for coughs, soothing and healing the inflamed tissues in a most remarkable manner." Comfrey is one of the finest healers for the respiratory system, especially where there is hemorrhage of the lungs; it has saved thousands of lives. The root has been used reputably as both a tonic and a vulnerary from very ancient times up to the present. The root and leaves are most beneficial as a poultice in healing any obstinate or ulcerous wound. Comfrey forms an ingredient in a large number of herbal preparations, and it may be given wherever a mucilaginous or demulcent medicine is required. The chief healing element in comfrey is allantoin, a cell proliferant (promotes granulation and formation of epithelial cells in the roots and leaves)."

Medicinal uses:

Cough, ulcerated and inflamed lung conditions, bronchitis, hemorrhage, asthma (excessive expectoration), tuberculosis, pleurisy, pneumonia, inflamed stomach or bowels, ulcerated kidneys, soothe gravel bloody urine, diarrhea, dysentery, bruises, sprains, swellings, fractures cancers, torn ligaments, ruptures, broken bones, cuts, gout, gangrene, heart problems, ulcerous wounds, hemoptysis, catarrh, scrofula, anemia, leukorrhea, female debility, boils, gum boils, sinusitis, burns, and insect bites.

Preparation:

Decoction, fluid extract, infusion, powder, and tincture. The comfrey root contains a large amount of mucilage that is best extracted by water.

Decoction: (for the root) Put 1/2-1 ounce of the root in 1 quart of water. For bowel problems, use milk which has a glue-like action in attaching the healing agent to the inflamed membranes.