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Information about the herb Comfrey
Symphytum officinale , also known as Blackwort is part of the Boraginaceae plant family. A native of Europe and temperate Asia and is common to England and
the United States of America.
Botanical Name: Symphytum officinale
Plant Family: Boraginaceae, which includes Borage and Forget-Me-Not
Common Names: Blackwort, Boneset, Bruisewort, Consolida, Consound, Gum Plant, Healing Herb, Knitback, Knitbone, Nipbone, Salsify, Slippery Root, Wallwort
History: The name Comfrey comes from con firma, 'to unite' and the Greek Symphytum comes from sympho, 'to unite' and the French conserve from the Latin conserva, 'healing', 'to boil together'.
Tradition: Comfrey was placed by the astrologers 'under the dominion of Saturn, the sign of service in helping others'.
Contains:
- Allantoin (0.6-0.8%) which strengthens epithelial formations
- calcium
- mucilage
- starch
- tannin
- Vitamin B12
Action:
- anodyne [an agent that soothes or relieves pain]
- astringent [a binding agent that contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges of mucous and fluid from the body]
- demulcent [a substance that soothes inflamed mucous membranes and protects them from irritation]
- emollient [an agent used externally to soften and soothe]
- expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous and secretions from the respiratory passages]
- hemostatic [an agent that controls bleeding]
- refrigerant [an agent that lowers abnormal body heat, relieves thirst and gives a feeling of coolness]
- vulnerary [a healing application for wounds]
Medicinal Parts Used: Roots, leaves
Comfrey is used for:
Blood Conditions
- anemia
- bleeding from the lungs
- hematuria (blood in the urine)
- internal hemorrhages
- spitting of blood
Cardiovascular Conditions
- defective circulation
- pulmonary complains
Female Conditions
- excessive menstrual flow
- leucorrhea
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- diarrhea
- digestive and stomach problems
- disorders of the digestive system
- dysentery
- intestinal difficulties
- ulcers of the stomach and duodenum
Inflammatory Conditions
- calms inflammation
- rheumatism
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- asthma
- bronchitis
- lung conditions
- persistent coughs
- tuberculosis
- whooping cough
It is used as a gargle for:
- bleeding gums
- hoarseness
- throat inflammation
Other
- general tonic, with Alfalfa and Parsley
- stimulates the growth of new cells, by speeding up the stage at which DNA is produced
Externally it is used in ointments/fomentations/poultices for:
Blood Conditions
- severe cuts
- stops bleeding
- varicose ulcers
- varicose veins
Female Conditions
- sore, swollen breasts
It is used as a douche for:
- leucorrhea
Genitourinary Conditions
- gout
- relieves the pain of gout
Inflammatory Conditions
- any inflammation
- relieves the pain of arthritis
- relieves the pain of rheumatism
Muscular System
- bruises
- contusions
- joint pains
- painful amputation stumps
- pulled tendons and ligaments
- sprains
- swelling of joints
Nervous System Conditions
- paralyzed limbs, caused from over exertion, dislocation, sprain or shock
- paraplegia
Respiratory Conditions
- bronchitis
- pleurisy
Skeletal System
- broken bones
- neck pains
- slipped discs
Skin Conditions
- abscesses
- acne
- boils
- burns
- gangrenous ulcers
- insect bites
- obstinate ulcers
- running sores
- swellings
- tissue damage
- wound healing
It is used as a bath for:
- regenerating aging skin
Other
- excessive mucous
Other Uses:
- used as a green manure in composting
- used in leather tanning
- used when the shoots are very young for salads and soup
Caution:
- Should only be taken externally under strict medical supervision
Global Herbal Supplies has Comfrey available in the following forms
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
