Remove the leaves from whatever you had them in and place a piece of cheesecloth, gauze or other very thin material on one side of the poultice. I think you'll find that the colour of the bottles you refer to is "Cobolt". Symphytum X Uplandica is a hybrid of Comfrey. As with any new herbal remedy, check with a trained herbalist or medical professional, as some of the complications of this high alkaloid content can affect the health of your liver. John Curtis [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons. Thanks for reading! It really does work and is worth a try. It quickly dried up my milk and relieved all the soreness. The plant most commonly referred to and used in gardens is Russian comfrey - Symphytum x uplandicum, a naturally occurring hybrid of two wild species: common comfrey - Symphytum officinale and prickly comfrey - Symphytum asperum. Health Benefits of Comfrey Wound Healing. There are a number of benefits of comfrey herb. If you are experiencing clogged sinuses or congestion in your respiratory tracts, this plant can help you cough that out and eliminate it from your system. Both have medicinal properties but the root is believed to be better because it has a higher concentration of potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus and silicon. If yes, please share your email to subscribe. The root has also been used in the past as a decoction to help gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea. I just have few spots on my body and now I need used again to prevent to spread the psoriasis . Comfrey Leaf is a controversial herb that can speed wound and bone healing when used externally. Eugene Brennan from Ireland on May 30, 2014: I didn't actually know what this plant was until Sunday and have never noticed it before. If you’re suffering from any sort of chronic pain in your body or if you’re recovering from an injury or... Anti-inflammatory Activity. The leaves provide pain relief and reduce swelling. The United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not allow for internal use to be recommended or suggested on labels. Comfrey leaves are high in vitamins, minerals, and even protein. is native to Europe and Asia and there are 40 recorded species throughout that region. smoother skin. A tincture can be made with vodka or whiskey. Other uses not proven with research have included skin wounds, skin ulcers, cough, sore throat, gum disease, joint pain, diarrhea, and other conditions. Benefits Fertilizer: Grow comfrey around your other plants as a living mulch and chop-and-drop fertilizer. treatment of broken bones, sprains, strains. Also known as knitbone, comfrey is commonly used externally as a poultice for wounds, sores, burns, and fractures. Put the root into 1/2 cup water and bring to a boil. Strain the water. Put three heaping tablespoons of comfrey root into 1 cup of hot water. Comfrey contains a special substance called allantoin, which is a cell proliferative. There have been rare instances when certain rice noodle brands may contain gluten. Traditional healers have also used oral preparations of comfrey to treat stomach issues, … ✓ Evidence Based. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency. No matter what method you have used to create your comfrey poultice, the next steps are the same. Photo Credit: Shutterstock. Do you want the best of science-backed health & nutrition information in your inbox? Comfrey is a perennial herb found in moist grasslands. It's typically only used in small amounts for a very short period of time. Some of the more unusual chemicals found in it include allantoin, inulin, tannins, saponins, and beneficial proteins. All rice noodles and rice paper wraps are gluten-free as they are made wholly from rice. Benefits of Comfrey as a Nutritive. It is important to know what part of the plant is usable medicinally and for comfrey, it is the leaves and the root. If you get a chance to try it, you'll love it! Strain the root out of the water but don't throw the water out, it is part of your tea. A member of the borage family, comfrey - Symphytum spp. Organic Facts may receive a portion of revenues if you click on the sponsored ads and links by Google, Ezoic, or the Amazon Affiliate program. In herbal medicine, it was used for treating tendon damage, broken bones, lung congestion, ulcerations in gastrointestinal tract, joint inflammation, lung congestion and also promotes wound healing. I came across this plant in bloom at the end of the lane and thought it would look good in the herbaceous border in my garden, so I brought home a few stalks and a piece of root. Comfrey leaves and flowers should be used carefully. If you are using a mortar and pestle, tear the leaves apart and put them into the mortar. Herbs are fantastic healers when used correctly but can be dangerous when mixed, the wrong part of the plant is used or if it is taken incorrectly. Some people choose to use the tea over the tincture because they do not want the alcohol or they prefer the soothing effect that comes from drinking the tea. If you are using a plastic bag, tear the leaves apart and put them into the bag. Place in a canning jar. Making a tincture of comfrey herb is very easy, it just take patience because it has to sit for at least six weeks to ensure that all of the medicinal qualities of the herb have been released into the alcohol. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobalt_blue. Comfrey is a beautiful decorative plant when grown in the garden that has the added bonus of being amazing at healing the human body. Those phlegms and fluids can catch bacteria and other pathogens, thus, extending or worsening illnesses, but not if comfrey is administered! I have known this for quite some time, in particular when it comes to treating arthritis (Check out my blog Cause of Arthritis and Natural Remedies).The leaves can be applied topically as an effective poultice, and have been shown to regenerate tissue damage as it contains amazing properties such as allantoin to … This resulted in the plant also becoming common is some parts of Asia and when colonists made the trip across the ocean to the present day United States, they brought comfrey with them. You can use cheaper brands of alcohol but be sure that it is between 80 and 100 proof. You can use baking soda, chalk, or dishwashing liquid to loosen the stain before a wash. How to cut and dry rosemary? Take a mouthful at a time every few hours. However, Symphytum Officinale is considered … Strain the root again and again, do not throw the water out because it is part of your tea. Everyone's opinion is different on this so if you want to use the herb internally for certain aliments and have discussed this with your doctor or herbalist, a tincture or cold extract tea are two of the easiest ways to take comfrey internally. He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. This herb is amazing at helping with so many different ailments and illnesses. Before you ever decide to take this herb internally, it is a really good idea to consult an herbalist or your medical doctor before you do. In that time, it was already being used as a medicinal herb to help stop bleeding, help with lung issues and it was also used to help heal broken bones. acne treatment. Photo Credit: Shutterstock. I have added Comfrey oil to ointment for psoriasis which is was`t help before, but with Comfrey,..... my psoriasis is gone for a year!!!!!. Comfrey is a perennial flowering herb growing in different states of North America. The recipe for the comfrey tincture of comfrey: Put 100 grams of comfrey root in 700 ml of strong brandy or alcohol into the bottle and lay horizontally that ‘it must be aged’ in a dark place for 14 days. Take one ounce of chosen dried herb, such as comfrey. Comfrey species are toxic in nature. When you apply comfrey to your skin, it can have some benefits on rashes and irritations. It primarily grows in marshes and wet soil. This juice also helps in soothing acidity. When steeped as a tea, comfrey can be gargled to help relieve a sore throat, help stop bleeding gums and helps with... Use in a poultice to help relieve sore muscles, relieve soreness in tendons and help relieve the pain and itching of... Comfrey can … Its high in potash also and great as a fertilizer and as an addition to compost. Thanks. This is due to the presence of rich antioxidants in it. Comfrey has been around for as far back as recorded history goes. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. The unique combination of organic compounds found in comfrey can stimulate the regrowth of bone minerals, by facilitating more efficient uptake and use of these minerals within the body. In addition to tannins, saponins, and other antioxidants, this tea can help the body initiate its healing processes, and stimulate the regrowth of certain parts of the body, such as bone matter and even your teeth! Reserve the comfrey root and the water. Here in Brazil, where I live, many Brazilians still use plants in their home remedies. Comfrey Tea Benefits | Livestrong.com Use a one-quart jar for leaves (such as comfrey), or hardy flowers (such as red clover), one-pint jar for roots, barks, or berries (such as burdock root or rose hips). Thanks for your excellent article. It can become a nuisance since it reproduces rapidly—even from just a tiny bit of root. We source information from studies, clinical trial findings, and meta-analyses published in peer-reviewed journals. The lotion is so potent, however, that you can afford to be quite frugal with the oils and creams. Add the comfrey and let steep for 10 hours or more. Most people only recommend topical use of comfrey, as there have been some traditional suggestions for internal use when done properly. I shall have to see if this grows here. Having rough and spiky leaves, this plant grows short. This isn't just for comfrey, it is for any herb that you decide to use to treat a medical condition. I saved the liquid and took a tablespoon of it several times a day for about 2-3 days. (18) However, using it internally is not recommended. Consult a medical practitioner for health problems. BENEFITS OF COMFREY. Use in a poultice to help relieve sore muscles, relieve soreness in tendons and help relieve the pain and itching of insect bites. Therapeutic Uses and Benefits of Comfrey Comfrey has traditionally been used a folk medicine for a variety of ailments, such as the topical treatment of painful muscles and joints, to aid the healing of wounds and skin cells, haematoma, broken bones, fractures, gangrene, inflammation, burns and … On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve. Read more! Comfrey has been cultivated as a green vegetable and has been used as an Before the potential for toxicity was known, comfrey root was used internally for many hot conditions, such as dry, irritated lungs. Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on June 09, 2014: Informative and so clearly pointed out about another unique herb. A lot of people steep it into a tea like mix and spray it on their garden plants. Cover completely with boiling water, stir with chopstick or knife and add more water until full. It was also used for internal bleeding of the lungs and digestive tract, such as ulcers and hemorrhoids. I always thought it was just the leaves to use as a poultice. If you suffer from arthritis, gout, or other inflammatory disorders, use comfrey salves as often as necessary. Uses, benefits and precautions. If you’re suffering from any sort of chronic pain in your body or if you’re recovering from an injury or surgery, applying comfrey salves and lotions to those areas can quickly soothe that pain. A combination of vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds makes this the perfect solution for skin irritations of all kinds, from psoriasis to acne. After the six weeks, strain the comfrey through the cheesecloth into a clean, dry bowl. I was out mountain biking and had ventured down a country lane overgrown waist high with nettles and brambles. You'll need a pint jar with a lid, cheesecloth or other tightly woven cloth to strain the herb once it is infused and an amber or colbolt colored bottle to store your finished tincture in. Once the medicinal properties were discovered and went into use, comfrey plants were taken to other parts of the world and planted. The flowers can range in color from white to purple and the plant is mainly found in northern Europe. Comfrey leaf is prized for its allantoin content, making it useful for tissue repair and cell regeneration. Helena Ricketts (author) from Indiana on May 30, 2014: Thanks! © 2021 Organic Information Services Pvt Ltd. All the information on this website is for education purpose only. I thought comfrey was outlawed from being taken orally. How to get oil out of clothes? Comfrey is actually a broader genus scientifically known as Symphytum, which is used extensively in herbal medicine. John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). Images are provided by Shutterstock & our contributors. Health benefits of this beautiful flowering plant include: When you apply comfrey to your skin, it can have some benefits on rashes and irritations. You can use the leaf and the root, fresh or dried. Only use Comfrey topically. Yes, it is great as fertilizer and easy to use. Keep moving the leaf around in the bag and smashing it until the liquid is released and the leaves are mushy. Even though it is true that comfrey does contain alkaloids that can cause liver damage, some people still believe that as long as the herb is used internally on a limited basis that it is safe to use. Remove from heat. Angela Joseph from Florida on May 25, 2014: I can't say I've ever heard of comfrey, but it sounds like a very useful plant. These alkaloids are particularly potent when consumed, which is why many medical professionals do not suggest any internal use and only limited topical use instead. When sand is washed out I simmer the roots slowly for approx an hour, when cold I strain it & put in brown bottles with approx 10% clear methylated spirits as a cheap alcohol preservative. Antioxidants also help eliminate foreign substances in the body and preventing cell death, while vitamin C’s importance in producing collagen means that it is necessary to produce new skin cells for healing. If you are using a plastic bag, smash the leaves with something hard like a mallet, a rolling pin or a rock. The high content of antioxidants, as well as vitamin C, makes comfrey pastes and salves the ideal solution for speeding up the healing of wounds. Sarah Smith [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons. This tea is made from the root of the plant so it takes longer to make. Comfrey is an herb that grows in temperate areas of western Asia, Europe, Australia and North America. The most interesting health benefits of comfrey include its ability to reduce pain, eliminate inflammation, boost the immune system, promote growth, and strengthen bones. This herb is gaining in popularity as a natural healer simply because it works. Adding comfrey to your bathwater is said to help your skin stay young and smooth. “Comfrey.”... Scars: Apply topically to help diminish or eliminate scars. Repeat this daily and there will be a remarkable, quick healing with the issue that is being treated. Fill your pint jar halfway with dried comfrey herb. I love the plant & had a huge one growing. cancer prevention. It is also known to have antifungal, antioxidant, and vasoprotective effects. Mary Wickison from Brazil on June 04, 2014: I too hadn't heard of this plant. It is mainly grown in Europe and parts of North America. Just like prescription drugs, using more than one herb at a time can cause side effects and if you aren't familiar with an herb that you start using, you could actually make a mistake that can make you sick or even worse. When steeped as a tea, comfrey can be gargled to help relieve a sore throat, help stop bleeding gums and helps with laryngitis. treatment for rashes or insect bites. Be sure to gently shake the jar periodically to help the process along. last updated - August 04, 2020 Word of Caution: There is a high concentration of specific alkaloids in comfrey that makes them controversial and potentially toxic when used inappropriately. Both leaves and root are used […] Thank you for the information in your article. Are you by chance related to Gordon Ricketts was taught at Northeastern High School in Fountain City Indiana. This removes any air pockets that may have been left in the comfrey inside the jar. Use of comfrey is restricted in some countries such as UK and U.S. so consult your local health specialist before use. Comfrey is a perennial herb that helps in curing ailments like swelling, burns, sprains, gout, ulcers, and arthritis. This resulted in the plant spreading throughout North America and it can be found growing wild in many meadows and gardens across the US and Canada. Comfrey is useful in healing sprains, bruises and promotes healing of bones. Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, substances that can cause liver damage, cancer, and even death, so it should be never be taken by mouth. Comfrey leaf and root contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PLAs), a group of toxic compounds that can cause damage to the liver. By increasing the strength of your immune system, even from topical applications, you can improve conditions like jaundice and various vitamin and immune deficiencies. Leave the poultice on for anywhere from 4 hours to overnight. As discussed earlier, comfrey contains high concentrations of bioavailable vitamin C. Because a healthy immune system relies, at least in part, on external sources of vitamin C, comfrey is … Health benefits of hibiscus tea include its ability to control hypertension & reduce high blood pressure, lower blood sugar levels, & improve liver health. Wipe off any excess that may have splashed out of the jar when you stirred it. Comfrey is best used for treating broken bones, damaged ligaments, and tendons, and healing small wounds. Comfrey is most commonly taken as a tea, a tincture or a poultice. If you are suffering from anything from a spider bite to a bad case of eczema, comfrey can help alleviate the symptoms and reduce irritation. Shake it every third day. I can't stress enough though that when you are learning about different herbs and their medicinal properties that it is important to keep in touch with an herbalist or a doctor. The herb literally increases the speed of cell production to allow the body to heal much quicker. It is not clear whether comfrey can actually provide these benefits. Always use scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts. Analgesic qualities in herbs are particularly valuable, and the organic compounds and antioxidants found in comfrey serve that purpose quite nicely for aches and pains. Also known as boneset, knitbone, bruisewort, this herb is very versatile in terms of benefits. Comfrey can be used to help stop bleeding in wounds and when taken internally, it is said it will help stop the bleeding from ulcers, relieve diarrhea and settle an upset stomach. This spicy root is also good for mitigating obesity and relief from menstrual pain. Pick fresh comfrey leaves. Health benefits of apple cider vinegar include its ability to regulate blood sugar levels, boost weight loss, improve skin & gut health, & lower cholesterol levels.Read more! relief from general aches and pains. Thanks for teaching me something new. Take the 1/2 cup of water and combine it with the 1 cup of water and you have your comfrey root cold extract tea. A woman ( horticulturist) who was helping me in the garden dug up the plant & gave me the root to put on my broken ankle ( that hasn't healed properly). Again, it must be stressed that comfrey should not be consumed, but even inhaling or rubbing it on the chest can work as an expectorant. I have always been very impressed with this plant. It culminates or removes toxic substances, free radicals, and other harmful effects of metabolism. Skin stay young and smooth i noticed that your last name is Ricketts and have. Remove the swelling and soreness both have many beneficial qualities and uses a decoction to help process. All rice noodles and rice paper wraps are gluten-free as they are made wholly rice. Is so potent, however, that you can afford to be recommended or suggested on.... 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