Comfrey (Symphytum officinalis)
Comfrey is an incredibly
important ally for herbalists. Its cell proliferating abilities can heal
connective tissue surprisingly fast, resulting in a much quicker healing time
for wounds, sprains, and broken bones. It heals so quickly that it is often
cautioned against applying comfrey to deep or infected wounds because it will heal the outer skin before the deeper
wound. This is why we only apply comfrey externally to clean and superficial
wounds.
Comfrey leaves can be
harvested when the plant is in full flower.
When I make an infused oil with comfrey, I like to let the leaves
wilt overnight before chopping them finely and adding oil. I know the oil is
ready when it is a rich green color.
You may have heard some bad press about comfrey lately. This highly
medicinal plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that have been implicated in
veno-occlusive liver disease. Because of this some herbalists recommend not
using this plant internally. Other herbalists rely on the fact that comfrey has
been used internally for hundreds of years, and do not see a problem with
internal use. I tend to be middle of the road. Certainly, if you have liver
disease, are a young child with a developing liver, or are pregnant or nursing,
then comfrey should be avoided internally. If you are a healthy adult, research this topic and deciding what you are
comfortable with. Historically comfrey has been used internally for soothing
ulcers and strengthening the lungs.
The roots also have healing properties. Comfrey root, minced and
mixed with a little water, can be stored in a container in the freezer for
later use on burns. I’ve used this remedy before with fast results; it sucked
the heat right out of my burned thumb.
Suppositories, or an
herbal bolus, are a form of rectal or vaginal administration of herbs popularly
used in the case of hemorrhoids or vaginal infections. The following is an
example of an herbal suppository for hemorrhoids.
Comfrey suppository
• Grind the following herbs into a fine powder:
o one part comfrey root
o two parts yarrow leaves/flowers
o one part oak bark
o one part calendula flowers
• Slowly heat (over low heat or double boiler) a carrier oil
such as cocoa butter (melts around 86o) or coconut oil (melts around 72o).
Once melted, remove from heat and
stir in the powdered herbs. You may have to play with the amounts to get the
most herbs while still having enough oil to hold it together.
• Pour this mixture into a mold. (To make a mold, fold
several layers of aluminum foil around a pencil, secure one end by twisting it,
and remove the pencil. Or you can simple wait for the oil to harden slightly
and crudely form a suppository with your fingers.)
• Rectal suppositories look
similar to a tampon (without the applicator) and are about one inch long. Keep
them in the freezer until ready to use. 
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