Botanical Name: Symphytum officinale, S. x uplandicum
Family: Boraginaceae
Energetics: cool, moist, tonifying
Taste: salty, astringent, bitter (this doesn’t really matter, because comfrey should not be taken internally)
Parts used: aerial parts, roots
Affinities: mucosal & integumentary tissues, respiratory system
Actions: demulcent, astringent, vulnerary, expectorant, antispasmodic, anti–catarrhal, anti-rheumatic, anodyne, refrigerant, cell proliferant
Preparations: infusion, poultice, decoction, hydrosol, oil infusion
Cautions: Comfrey should not be taken internally, and long-term usage is not recommended.
Therapeutic Uses:
- Extremely effective as a wound healer as it helps any tissue that needs to be knit back together. However, because it is so proficient at this, it is not recommended for puncture wounds or any wound where infection might still be lurking.
- Comfrey is also excellent for healing burns due to its cooling and demulcent properties.
- When made into a salve, comfrey is extremely effective for use on cuts, scrapes, strains, sprains, burns, stings, and bone breaks.
**This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness or disease. It is for educational purposes only.