If you hear the name comfrey, the keyword 'medicinal plant' probably immediately pops into your head. But is that really the case: Can comfrey be consumed carelessly or is it poisonous?
Is comfrey poisonous?
Comfrey can be toxic if consumed in high quantities or for long periods of time due to the pyrrolizidine alkaloids it contains. Therefore, comfrey should only be used externally and not consumed to avoid possible liver damage.
Alkaloids contained damage the liver
In addition to positive active ingredients such as allantoin and mucilage, comfrey contains so-called pyrrolizidine alkaloids. When consumed in large quantities and over time, these alkaloids damage the liver. For this reason, you should only use comfrey externally and not eat it. But don't panic: a leaf or a few flowers as decoration for the salad won't hurt.
If consumed in excessive quantities - both fresh and dried - comfrey can cause the following symptoms due to its toxic alkaloids:
- Shortness of breath
- Blood pressure drop
- Rash
- Nausea
- Disorientation
Tip
Attention: When planting comfrey, you should remember that it is also poisonous to grazing animals such as horses, cows, sheep and goats etc.