Comfrey Plant

“Symphytum officinale”

Plant Availability: From Early Spring to Late Autumn

Pot Size: 1L

Benefits

With a history of traditional use stretching back thousands of years, Comfrey has been cultivated as a healing herb since at least 400 BCE. The Greeks and Romans commonly used Comfrey to stop heavy bleeding, treat bronchial problems and heal wounds and broken bones. Poultices were made for external wounds and tea was consumed for internal ailments. Comfrey roots and leaves contain allantoin, a substance that helps new skin cells grow, along with other substances that reduce inflammation and keep skin healthy. Comfrey ointments have been used to heal bruises as well as pulled muscles and ligaments, fractures, sprains, strains, and osteoarthritis.

Uses

Comfrey is typically used to make compresses, poultices, ointments and salves to be applied topically.The leaves can be used to make tea. The dried leaves have a much lower pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) content than the fresh leaves or the roots.

Growing Conditions

Season: Spring to Late Autumn/ Perennial

Soil: Rich and well draining

Watering: Water regularly

Position: Full sun in the cooler months, part shade otherwise

Fertilizing: Compost, Manure, Liquid feed

Use: Comfrey is typically used to make compresses, poultices, ointments and salves to be applied topically. The leaves can be used to make compost tea. It has been proven to improve the condition of the soil just by growing

Growing tips: Vigorous Grower will spread by roots, best to be grown in pots

Companion Plants: Comfrey should ideally be grown as a stand alone plant as it grows quite large and can be invasive.

CAUTIONS:

Pregnant and nursing mothers should not use Comfrey.

If you are taking pharmaceutical medications, please consult your Healthcare Practitioner before using Comfrey.