Comfrey

This is a plant I have been curious to get to know. I have had multiple farmers offer me a patch of comfrey on their land. Often pointing them out, and saying something along the lines of “this is comfrey, I know they are good for something.”

And this is where the herbal practice comes in. Having the wisdom to not get over excited at harvesting all the plants- especially before knowing how to truly work with and commune with them.

This why plant relationship is such a big part of my work. And the importance of this has been taught to me by all of my herbal teachers. This involves deep listening to the cues we get from plants. And the first cue I got from this plant was “You don’t know me- proceed with caution.” And so I would tell those farmers- “oh yes, this is comfrey…but I don’t know enough about this plant to work with them.” Or- “I have been wanting to get to know this plant friend.”

That’s another thing, the plants will guide you to who (talking about the plants here) you need to learn about. So, I’ve never harvested comfrey and I have solely been getting to know them. Being in relationship with them, simply by being around them, observing them- and getting curious. Sound familiar?

Yup, plant relationship is a lot like our relationship with people. I have a teacher who calls the plants “plant people.” And I love that.

So when I finally opened the books and begin learning about their uses medicinally, I wasn’t surprised they were known for their toxicity. Because in a way- the plant told me so.

This a plant that has a lot of controversy around them in the herbal community. There are traditional and historical uses that point to internal use, while more modern studies have discovered a liver and kidney damaging constituent. It is now advised NOT to use this plant internally and to only use them in their topical preparations.

Comfrey is used in creams, ointments, washes, poultices and salves for aches and sprains with inflammation. This plant acts as a topical analgesic (pain reliever).

It is said that the comfrey in a topical blend should not exceed 10% of the blend, and that it is not for regular use. One citation by Herbal Reality reminds us that you should only use an ointment with comfrey for 10 days at a time, and then stop.

This is something that is important with the use of many plants as medicine. Our western society has conditioned us to believe that more is better, and that frequent and everyday use of supplements (and herbal medicine) is what you are supposed to do. I have been taught and believe the opposite.

I believe less is more, and that plants are very potent healers. And thus, there are many plants that we only work with in intervals. Rather than every day use like you see with the marketing of many supplements.

So while there is still some controversy over this plant it is important to note that they can make a powerful poultice, cream or ointment if you are experiencing a sprain or severe inflammation to an injury.

I have also read that it is important not to use comfrey on open wounds. Which can be misleading if we just read the herbal actions and learn that they are a vulnerary (wound healer). Another reason it is important to check multiple sources when learning about any plant.

Comfrey contains allantoins which is a constituent that supports the repair of cells- making them a great ally for injuries and sprains.

Symphytum officinale

Family:Boraginaceae

Native habitat: Eurasia; There is a wild comfrey native to North America; Cynoglossum virginianum

Parts Used: leaves, roots

Notes: 

• Comfrey is known to help with sprains and different pain ailments

• This herb is used topically in ointments, salves, washes and creams. 

• There is historical use pointing to the roots being used as a wash or ointment topically for pain and inflammation.

• There is contention in the herbal community around whether this plant can or can not be used internally.

• The FDA advises against internal use of this herb as it contains constituents called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)

• The allantoin constituent in Comfrey is what makes them so powerful at repairing tissues while maintaining moisture in the skin.

• Comfrey should not be used on open wounds. 

• It works to act below the surface of the skin by penetrating the skin and absorbing into pores. 

Identification:

• Leaves:

  • Alternate along the central stem

  • Leaves are fuzzy, large and lance shaped

  • Leaves have pointed tips and smooth, entire margins

  • Lower basal leaves feature winged leaf stalks (pitioles)

  • Leaves decrease in size as they ascend the stem

  • Upper stem leaves lose their long stalks

• Flowers:

  • Flowers are small, tubular or bell shaped hanging downward in clusters

  • Can be purplish, pink, cream, white or blue

• Stems:

  • Thick, hairy, growing upright 2 to 4 ft tall

• Roots:

  • Thick dark brown or black taproots that grow deep into the soil

Herbal Energetics: 

cooling & moistening

Herbal Actions:  

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, vulnerary, cell proliferant

Tissue State Indications:

• dry/atrophy

• heat/excitation

• tension/constriction

Contraindications:

• Not to be used internally

• Not for people with liver or kidney disease

• To be used with caution topically and only make up 10% of a blend

• Use only for a short period of time, no more than 2 weeks

Please remember to always use at least 3 identification sources when wildcrafting. Also be mindful of where you are harvesting. For example, making sure the plants are not near roadways or somewhere they can become polluted by exhaust or pesticides.

Disclaimer: These articles are for educational purposes only, they are not a substitution for professional medical advice, and as the reader you are responsible for your own health decisions.