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| Common Names |
| Comfrey , |
| Botanical Name |
| Symphytum officinale |
| Family |
| BORAGINACEAE Borage Family |
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| Properties: |
Astringent*
Emollient*
Expectorant*
Vulnerary*
Demulcent*
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| Parts Used: |
root, leaves |
| Constituents: | annin, rosmarinic acid, allantoin, steroidal saponins, mucilage, inulin, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, Gum, Carotene, Glycosides, Sugars, Beta-sitosterol, Triterpenoids, Vitamin B-12, Protein, Zinc. |
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Comfrey root extract can reduce the pain of osteoarthritis
Comfrey relieves pain and inflammation caused by injuries and degeneration, especially the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Comfrey creams and oils can be used in arthritic pain relieving massages.
Comfrey is a marvelous herb and is one of the best-known healing herbs of all times. Its very name, symphytum, means to heal. Comfrey has been used for centuries for its bone mending qualities, for its healing effects on ulcers, and for its general soothing effect on the mucous membranes, making it invaluable in soothing sore throats and coughs.
Comfrey salves, ointments and teas are best know for the topical treatment of burns, skin ulcerations, abrasions, lacerations, flea and insect bites, and just about any skin irritation. Likewise a poultice, salve or infusion of the leaves can be applied to bruises, fractures, sprains, and other closed-tissue injuries. Well known and widely used by early herbalists, science now confirms the healing effects of comfrey are attributable to allantoin, a compound shown to speed cell production both inside and outside the body. Comfrey works so fast that many herbalists will add antibacterial herbs such as goldenseal or thyme to comfrey salves to prevent sealing bacteria inside a fast healing wound. |
Prep Methods :Water infusions, salves and ointments.
Blister Balm*
Blood purifying tea*
Bronchitis Soother*
Comfrey - Coconut Healing Salve*
Comfrey Honey Cough Mixture*
Comfrey poultice*
Comfrey root oil*
Digestive Tonic*
Flu tea*
Garden Blend Organic Shampoo*
Herbal compress for eczema*
Herbal Slippery elm cough syrup*
Midnight Beauty Shampoo*
Poultices for burns*
Vein and Hemorrhoid Blend*
Vita-Root Tea*
Winter comfort tea*
Winter Tisane 1*
Winter Tisane 2*
Winter Tisane 3*
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Lungs/Respiratory |
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Literally a one-herb pharmacy - healing for any kind of respiratory disease. It is a cell proliferant, and is healing for internal and external use. This wonder plant contains potassium, calcium, phoshorus, iron, magnesium, and cobalt. It is rich in Vitamin B and C and E. (Dawson,Adele ) |
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Sexual tonics |
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Comfrey has been shown to affect the sex hormones which stimulate the ovaries and testes. Such a hormonal effect is also indicated by traditional belief. (Mabey, Richard 32) |
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Diabetes |
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Comfrey's astringent tannins form a protective surface over wounds that promotes healing.You may want to try comfrey or allantoin skin creams for diabetic sores. |
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Cough |
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The root is more effectual than the leaves and is the part usually used in cases of coughs. It is highly esteemed for all pulmonary complaints, consumption and bleeding of the lungs. (Grieve, Maude ) |
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Osteoarthritis |
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The results of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee treated with comfrey root extract in an ointment showed a reduction in pain , mobility of the knee improved and quality of life increased
: . . Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. radix). (2007 Jan;14(1):2-10), Phytomedicine |
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Eczema |
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For weeping eczema, make a tea of comfrey and apply the liquid as a compress. Comfrey relieves pain and speeds healing of pus-filled wounds, and accelerates tissue healing in cases of insect bites. |
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| Side Effects: |
| In the late 1970s experimental data showed lab rats fed comfrey 3 to 4 times their body weight over a long period of time developed liver damage. It would take a human drinking 3 to 4 cups of comfrey tea for 140 years to acheive the same effect, still it must always be considered that what is safe for the majority can cause allergic reactions in a few. Herbalists are divided on the use of this age old herb, some say it should only be applied externally, others point to the fact that a cup of comfrey contains less cancer causing potential than a can of beer. |
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The plant grows two to three feet high. The lower leaves are large, ten to sixteen inches long, ovate, lanceolate, pointed and slightly wavy, hairy, with veins and veinlets clearly defined. The upper leaves are smaller, the stem branched, terminating in one-sided cluster of drooping, bee-shaped flowers that grow on only one side of the stem
Comfrey does best in part shade in dampish soils. If you grow it in the full sunshine, it will thrive in excellent soils that are well watered. Established plants self sow, and can be propagated by root division and cuttings. Seeds can be started in pots indoors in January for spring planting when soil temperatures rise. Barely cover seeds, needs light to germinate.
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This is an herb of Saturn, and I suppose under the sign Capricorn, cold, dry, and earthy in quality... the root boiled in water or wine, and the decoction drunk, helpeth all inward hurts, bruises, and wounds, and the ulcers of the lungs, causing the phlegm that oppresseth them to be easily spit forth Nicholas Culpeper |
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