Comfrey

Comfrey

Comfrey contains allantoin, a cell proliferant that speeds up the natural replacement of body cells. Comfrey was used to treat ailments ranging from bronchial problems, broken bones, sprains, arthritis, gastric and varicose ulcers, severe burns, acne and other skin conditions. Internal usage of comfrey should be avoided because it contains  hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)...

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Botanical Name: Symphytum officinale.

Common Names: Slippery root, knitbone, blackwort, bruisewort, healing herb.

True Comfrey

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Common Uses: Frequently given whenever a mucilaginous medicine is required and has been used like Marshmallow for intestinal troubles.

Qualities & Properties: Demulcent, mildly astringent and expectorant.

Russian Comfrey Flowers

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Used as an infusion, decoction, tincture and poultice.

The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Comfrey herb for 'External: Bruises, sprains.

Note: Application should only occur on intact skin.

During pregnancy use only after consultation with a physician.'

'Dosage: Ointments and other preparations for external application with 5 - 20 percent dried drug; equivalent preparations. The daily applied dosage should not exceed 100 µg (mcg) of pyrrolizidine alkaloids with 1,2-unsaturated necine structure, including their N-oxides.

Mode of Administration: Comminuted herb and other galenical preparations for external use.

Duration of Administration: Not more than 4 - 6 weeks per year.

Russian Comfrey Growing

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Action: Antiinflammatory.' Comfrey has an ancient reputation as a wound-healer.

Comfrey abounds in the healing agents mucilage and allantoin.

A water extract of comfrey has been shown to stimulate production of protective substances known as prostaglandins in the stomachs of experimental animals, thus confirming comfrey’s ancient reputation. These same constituents make it useful for bronchitis and diarrhea.

Note that, unlike the old herbalists, the Commission E recommends external Comfrey use only.

Comfrey Plant

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The FDA warns of the potential for liver damage: 'The pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are present in comfrey, in addition to being potent hepatotoxins, have also been shown to be toxic to other tissues as well. There is also evidence that implicates these substances as carcinogens. Taken together, the clear evidence of an association between oral exposure to pyrrolizidine alkaloids and serious adverse health effects and the lack of any valid scientific data that would enable the agency to determine whether there is an exposure, if any, that would present no harm to consumers, indicates that this substance should not be used as an ingredient in dietary supplements.'

Russian Comfrey Flowers

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Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'As the plant abounds in mucilage, it is frequently given whenever a mucilaginous medicine is required and has been used like Marshmallow for intestinal troubles.

It is very similar in its emollient action to Marshmallow, but in many cases is even preferred to it and is an ingredient in a large number of herbal preparations.

Russian Comfrey Growing

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It forms a gentle remedy in cases of diarrhoea and dysentery.'

'A decoction is made by boiling ½ to 1 oz. of crushed root in 1 quart of water or milk, which is taken in wineglassful doses, frequently.

For its demulcent action it has long been employed domestically in lung troubles and also for quinsy and whooping-cough. 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.

A strong decoction, or tea, is recommended in cases of internal haemorrhage, whether from the lungs, stomach, bowels or from bleeding piles -to be taken every two hours till t....

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