Comfrey is not a newly discovered medicinal plant. It has been known in folk medicine for centuries. Hildegard von Bingen already appreciated its healing properties. But how exactly does this plant work and how and what is it used for?
What effect does comfrey have?
The healing properties of comfrey are due to the fact that the plant contains allantoin, mucilage and rosmarinic acid. These active ingredients are pain-relieving, anti-irritation, disinfectant, promote blood circulation, anti-inflammatory and promote wound healing. Comfrey is suitable for external use for purulent wounds, joint pain, rheumatism and more.
One plant and many names that indicate its effectiveness
Comfrey is also known under the names comfrey, harmful healing root and wound damage. All of these names refer to its effect on the organism. It was also often referred to as soldier's root because it was used in wars to treat wounds.
How does comfrey work?
The substance allantoin is said to have the main active power in comfrey. In addition, mucilage and rosmarinic acid are considered extremely effective. In summary, comfrey has a pain-relieving, anti-irritating, disinfecting, circulation-promoting, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effect.
Internal use is not recommended
But be careful: comfrey should not be used internally. It contains so-called pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These alkaloids are toxic in high doses and damage the liver, among other things.
Areas of use of the medicinal plant
Comfrey can be used for various purposes. For example, it is suitable for relieving the following physical complaints:
- purulent wounds such as abscesses
- poorly healing injuries
- Joint pain
- Broken bones
- bruises
- Sprains
- Rheumatism
- Arthrosis
- Muscle pain
How to use comfrey?
You can use comfrey in both fresh and dried form. In general, the fresh form is preferable as the ingredients evaporate during the drying process. Furthermore, the roots are preferable to the stems and leaves. The reason: The active ingredients are present in a higher quantity in the root.
Comfrey is commonly used as a decoction, tincture, poultice, ointment or mouthwash. You can make these products yourself at home. A decoction or poultice is quickly made. Here are instructions for a decoction that you can also use as a mouthwash (if you have problems with your teeth).
- Scald 100 g dried comfrey root or 300 g fresh root with 1 liter of hot water
- alternatively: use 50 g dried comfrey leaves or 250 g fresh leaves
- cover and let the brew steep for 20 minutes
- Removing root pieces from the brew
- let it cool down and you're done!
Tips & Tricks
In addition to its healing power on the body, comfrey has a satisfying effect when in contact with garden plants. Used as manure, it strengthens plants and protects them from diseases.
