Latin name: Symphytum officinale
Other names: ass ear, blackwort, boneset, bruisewort, knitback, knitbone, slippery root
What is Comfrey?
Comfrey is a perennial herb native to Europe. It has long been a staple of Western herbal medicine. It grows easily, and if a gardener is not careful, the plant can spread wildly. The leaves of this plant are most often used in herbal treatments.
What are the health benefits of Comfrey?
The primary use of this herb is given away in its other names, including bruisewort and knitbone. Comfrey is used to assist in the healing of traumatic injury, such as bruises, fractures, and tendon and ligament injury. It has components that speed the replacement of cells, thus speeding the healing process. Comfrey is also used to help heal skin problems, such as eczema, dermatitis, ulcers, and viral infections. There is some evidence that long-term use is harmful for the liver. However, if you are continually getting bruises and fractures, you might reconsider your lifestyle!
Where can I find Comfrey?
Comfrey is available raw, in tinctures, as a paste, as ointment, and in poultice form. It can be found at health food stores, as well as in the offices of Western herbalists, homeopathic practitioners, and naturopaths.
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