COMFREY LEAVES

Symphytum officinalis

Many fantastic stories are told about this incredible herb, and its common names, bone-knit, boneset, bruisewort, knit bone and the like attest to its healing power. Comfrey, a member of the Borage family, has long been a standard first aid remedy in any herbal medicine chest. Yet, recent research by the Henry Doubleday Foundation that studied the viability of Comfrey as a food crop, has brought Comfrey into the crossfire. It was found that Comfrey (though it is unclear which species of Comfrey was tested) contains certain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which, it appears, caused rats that had been fed on a diet of Comfrey for 6 months to develop liver cancer. PAs are naturally occurring in over 6,000 plant species and are thought to be produced by plants as a defence mechanism against herbivores. Although the quantities contained in a normal dose of Comfrey are extremely small, they may act cumulatively and so caution is advised and the regulatory authorities recommend that both Comfrey leaf and root are not taken internally.

Traditional
Comfrey leaves can be used as a poultice for all manner of bruises, sprains or other damage to the connective tissues, including broken bones and badly healing ulcers and sores as well as for inflammatory swellings. Traditionally, Comfrey leaves were taken internally to treat stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and piles, as well as for bronchial afflictions. Comfrey leaves have also been used to treat problems of the mouth: sore, inflamed or bleeding gums and sore throat or hoarseness.

Magical
In Medieval times Comfrey was used in sympathetic magic for healing bones. In modern magical herbalism it is recommended for safe travels and also to safeguard one's luggage.

Cautions
Not all herbs are suitable in pregnancy, breastfeeding or for young children, or if you are unwell, or taking any medication. If in doubt, please ask a medical herbalist or healthcare practitioner.