Comfrey Medicinal Uses: The Herbalist’s Notebook

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PHOTO: HORTICULTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY, CORVALLIS, OR

Comfrey, Symphytum officinale

Every year comfrey leaves are a main ingredient in a healing salve we use for wounds, scratches, sunburn and a variety of other skin irritations experienced in a typically busy summer. And the leaves and roots go into tea along with other herbs for coughs and congestion–and especially for an asthma tea for my daughter.

Several years ago, when I was both working and going to school, I started to develop ulcer symptoms. Comfrey tea became part of my daily regimen and within just a few weeks, all my symptoms were gone. It’s hard to imagine our home medicine chest without comfrey in one form or another.

Comfrey Medicinal Uses

Comfrey has several medicinal actions. It is known as a vulnerary and as an astringent. These properties make it useful in the healing of minor wounds, both internal and external. Comfrey can be used for minor injuries of the skin, where it will work to increase cell production, causing wounds to heal over rapidly. It can be used internally for stomach and duodenal ulcers, where it will have the same effect. Comfrey is also demulcent, producing a mucilage that coats and soothes irritated tissues. It will help reduce inflammation, and at the same time lessen scarring.

  • Published on Jun 1, 1992
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