A perennial herb that belongs to borage family, comfrey is botanically called Symphytum officinale. Comfrey roots are extensively used for medicinal purposes. They can increase cell growth, heal blood clotting and soften body tissue. They usually grow in moist ground valley and meadows. They are commonly used in cases of conditions like bruises, dislocations, wounds, sprains and strains.
Comfrey root benefits
Comfrey roots encourage healthy and faster re-growth of damaged tissues. They appear to
be black from outside, with fleshy glutinous juicy substance in it. Primary compound mucilage and allantoin present in it are responsible for accelerating
tissue healing and closing of wounds. Comfrey root causes wounds to contract
and heal faster by preventing any infections. When applied to the skin, it
minimizes scars.
Comfrey root has various nutrient benefits when consumed as a tonic. Various beneficial nutrient components are protein, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin, B Complex Vitamins, Mucilaginous fibre, Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron, Magnesium, Sulfur, Copper, Zinc, Selenium and Germanium.
Comfrey root extract are used as ointments for the treatments of acute upper and lower back pain. They are used in gel format for the treatment of ankle pain.
Comfrey root tea
Comfrey root can be boiled to make tea. This can be drunk to cure the bruises, dislocations, muscle pulls, swelling, wounds and sprains.
Comfrey root powder
Comfrey root powders are organic, used as infusion, decoction, tincture and poultice.
Comfrey herb contains both nutritive and medicinal values. They are an excellent
form of food source. Comfrey root powder can be used with milk for a
therapeutic bath. Comfrey root contains ten times the concentration of pyrolizidine
alkaloids than the leaves.
Comfrey root oil
Comfrey root oil can be mixed with olive oil to treat spider bites. It can be directly applied on skin
for speedy recovery from shallow wounds, scratches
and diaper rash.
Comfrey root is used in folk medicine as a first aid remedy. Although comfrey root has many medicinal values and is most commonly used, it is advisable not to take comfrey root internally for longer period as it contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA's)