Comfrey is known as a medicinal plant and yet only a few people know what its leaves look like, what they can be used for and why they should not be eaten in large quantities. Read everything you need to know about comfrey leaves below.
What can the leaves of comfrey be used for?
Due to their nutrient composition, the leaves of the comfrey are often used to producemanureand asmulch material. In addition, people themselves can use them formedicinal purposes and, for example, make a tincture or ointment from comfrey leaves.
What do the leaves of comfrey look like?
The leaves of Symphytum areovate to lanceolateandsmooth-edged They can grow up to 30 cm long, with the lower leaves of the comfrey are the longest and the top ones are the smallest. In addition, the lower leaves are stalked, while the upper leaves are not stalked, but lie directly on the stem. As is typical for the rough-leaf plant family, the leaves also have rough hairs.
Are comfrey leaves edible?
The leaves of comfrey areedible, although only in moderation. The comfrey, as the comfrey is also called, contains so-called pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These alkaloids can be toxic if consumed in excess because they are liver-damaging. If you want to use the leaves of the comfrey for consumption, only harvest the young and tender leaves, whose pyrrolizidine alkaloid content is significantly lower. They are suitable, for example, for salads, as steamed vegetables and for tea.
What purpose can comfrey leaves serve in the garden?
In the garden, the leaves of comfrey can be used formulching vegetable plants and perennials. They are also suitable as fertilizers. To do this, you should first prepare a manure from around 1 kg of comfrey leaves and 10 l of rainwater and let it ferment for around two to three weeks before using it to fertilize vegetables, fruit etc.
What effect do comfrey leaves have on the body?
Due to the active ingredient called allantoin and many other minerals, trace elements and tannins it contains, the leaves of comfrey can have a healing effect. As a medicinal plant, comfrey promotes cell regeneration and cell formation, it soothes skin irritations, has a pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and bone-strengthening effect. What stands out is the silica, which has given comfrey its good reputation as a plant for all kinds of bone and muscle problems.
When and how do I harvest the leaves of comfrey?
Comfrey leaves are best harvestedjust before floweringby simplycutting them off. Cutting off a few leaves will not harm the comfrey as it will produce new leaves. Even if you cut off all the leaves and the stem down to the ground, the comfrey will sprout again.
Tip
Holy leaves – no cause for concern
If the Comfrey has holey leaves, you don't need to worry. This is often the case and the leaves can still be used. The holes are the work of flea beetles.