Nature's Pharmacy: ancient knowledge, modern medicine

Comfrey (knitbone)
Symphytum officinale

Name, Habitat and Appearance
The Latin word symphytum means "grown together," or "to heal." The word Comfrey may originate from the Latin confera which means "knitting together." Both terms refer to the way in which Comfrey was used, to help heal wounds and mend bones more quickly.

Comfrey is a perennial that prefers wet habitats. It grows up to 3 feet high with oval, alternate dark green leaves on erect hairy stems. The lower leaves may be 10 inches long; the upper ones smaller. Bell-shaped flowers are borne in clusters ranging in color from pale yellow to purple.

History
Comfrey was native to Europe and introduced to North America by English settlers. It has been cultivated since about 400 B.C.E. as a healing herb. Greeks and Romans 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. It is now naturalized in eastern North America from Newfoundland and Canada to southern Louisiana.

Historical Uses

• To help heal wounds, broken bones, bites, stings and burns Poultice on wounds and fractures
• Internally to stop bleeding and soothe the gastrointestinal tract
• To aid in healing respiratory ailments, anemia, arthritis, mucous membrane and lung ailments

Warnings
When not in bloom, Comfrey can be mistaken for Foxglove, a deadly poisonous plant. Comfrey was once cultivated as a food crop, but according to recent scientific studies, if taken internally for prolonged periods of time, it may be carcinogenic. The roots are high in toxic alkaloids and should not be taken internally or on broken skin. Avoid using Comfrey if you are pregnant or nursing.

Modern Medicinal Uses
The active ingredient in Comfrey is Allantoin, which assists in healing wounds, sores, burns, swollen tissue and broken bones. Allantoin, found in the milk of nursing mothers, appears to affect the rate of cell multiplication; wounds and burns seem to heal faster when Allantoin is applied due to a possible increase in number of white blood cells. Because of its mucilage content that moisturizes and soothes, Comfrey is reported to promote healthy skin.