Comfrey leaf and roots, sometimes called knitbone, has been valued for many years for its wonderful ability to promote the repair of wounds, ulcers and broken bones. Used externally it is a good first aid treatment for healing cuts & wounds, burns & scalds, sores & ulcers. I have made an ointment with it using petroleum jelly which heals those painful splits at the corner of fingers.
The leaf made into a tea treats inflamed, ulcerated digestive tracts and coughs. The herb contains allantoin, a cell proliferant that speeds up the natural replacement of body cells. This means that it will promote the swift healing of damaged or injured tissues, as well as maintaining cell growth and preventing diseases.
Comfrey has been used to treat a wide variety of ailments ranging from
- bronchial problems (taken internally)
- broken bones
- sprains
- arthritis
- gastric and varicose ulcers
- severe burns
- acne and other skin conditions.
It is also said to have bone and teeth building properties in children, and have value in treating many ‘female disorders’.
Use comfrey roots for topical teas and salves. You also can use the raw root topically. While teas are easy to prepare, comfrey is a bit tricky to make into homemade salves; it tends to mold. Apply cold grated comfrey root or a cloth soaked in cool comfrey tea to sunburns or other minor burns. Apply comfrey poultices to wounds.
Comfrey is safe to use topically, even on infants, the elderly, or pregnant women.