The Comfrey Plant

(Western Herb)

Symphytum officinale

The Comfrey plant is also known as Ass-Ear, Bruisewort, Knitbone, Knitback, Blackwort, Gum Plant, and Slippery Root.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

The Comfrey plant is a hardy compact perennial that grows up to three feet high from taproots.Its leaves are dark green, rough, and slightly hairy. Clusters of bell shaped white, cream, pink, or purple flowers are followed by small, hard, glossy black fruit.

In 2001, the United States banned all Comfrey-containing herbal products for internal consumption. Only preparations designed for topical use (where skin is unbroken) in treating bruises, swelling and some other skin conditions have been approved for sale in the United States.

This herb contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which have the potential to cause liver damage. It also contains an active agent, allantoin, which promotes the growth of new cells.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Use externally for:

* insect bites and stings

* burns

* bruises

* sprains

* bedsores

* dermatitis

* bleeding hemorrhoids

* skin rashes

* varicose ulcers

* boils

* arthritis

* gangrene

PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE:

Over the counter:

Comfrey is available in tea bags, tincture, homeopathic tablets, capsules, and tablets, salve, bulk herb and powder at health food stores.

Because the internal use of this herb is questionable, I recommend being on the safe side and use Comfrey externally only.

At home:

Poultice: Sprinkle a powder that has been made from dry Comfrey over cuts, bruises, insect bites, or wounds and cover with a clean cloth.

Parts used: Leaves and roots

Collection: The root is dug up in the Spring or Fall when the levels of allantoin levels are at the highest.

Constituents: Allantoin, mucilage, tannin,

Actions: Demulcent, anti-inflammatory, astringent

SIDE EFFECTS:

Serious: may cause liver damage if taken internally.

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