Comfrey (Symphytym officinal)
The Power of Phytochemicals: How Comfrey Became Known as Knit Bone
Comfrey, also known as Symphytum officinale, is a powerful herb that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. This plant, with its delicate purple and white flowers, is commonly found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Its leaves have a distinct smell, reminiscent of cucumber and borage, making it a popular addition to herbal gardens. However, it is not just its fragrance that makes comfrey stand out. Its high concentration of phytochemicals, or plant-based chemicals, has earned it the nickname "knit bone" due to its ability to heal bones and wounds. We will explore the fascinating history and uses of comfrey and how its phytochemicals have made it a powerful healing agent.
Exploring Symphytum officinale:
A Detailed Look into Comfrey
Comfrey is a perennial plant that is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It grows in damp meadows and along riverbanks, thriving in moist soil. The plant itself is known for its hairy, lance-shaped leaves and its delicate purple and white flowers
One interesting aspect of comfrey is its fragrance. When you crush its leaves, you are immediately greeted with a scent reminiscent of cucumber and borage. This unique aroma sets it apart from other herbs in the garden.
But what makes comfrey truly remarkable are its healing properties. For centuries, comfrey poultices have been used to treat a wide range of ailments, including broken bones, wounds, sprains, and arthritis. Its effectiveness in promoting the healing process has earned it the nickname "knit bone."
So how exactly does comfrey work its magic? Stay tuned as we uncover the healing powers of comfrey poultices in the next section.
Comfrey poultices have been used for centuries to treat various ailments, and their healing powers are truly remarkable. When applied to the skin, these poultices work by drawing out toxins and promoting the regeneration of new tissue. The mucilage present in comfrey helps soothe inflammation and relieve pain, making it an excellent remedy for bruises, sprains, and strains.
Comfrey poultices have also been found to be effective in promoting the healing of wounds, ulcers, and burns. The allantoin found in comfrey stimulates cell growth and accelerates the repair process, allowing wounds to heal faster. Additionally, comfrey poultices can be used to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, reducing inflammation and easing joint pain.
To make a comfrey poultice, simply crush fresh comfrey leaves and apply them directly to the affected area. You can also mix the crushed leaves with a carrier oil to create a healing salve. However, it's important to note that comfrey should not be used on open wounds or taken internally, as it can be toxic.
Incorporating comfrey poultices into your healing regimen can be a natural and effective way to promote the body's own healing process. Its powerful properties make comfrey a valuable herb for anyone seeking natural remedies for various ailments.
Knit Bone:
Understanding the Nutrient Rich Composition of Comfrey
Comfrey has earned its nickname "knit bone", due to its exceptional nutrient-rich composition. This powerful herb contains a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that contribute to its healing properties.
Comfrey is particularly rich in allantoin, a compound that promotes cell growth and accelerates the healing process. It also contains mucilage, which helps soothe inflammation and relieve pain. Additionally, comfrey is a great source of vitamins such as A, C, and E, as well as minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
These nutrients work together to support the body's natural healing mechanisms, making comfrey an invaluable herb for addressing various ailments, including broken bones, wounds, sprains, and arthritis.
By incorporating comfrey into your healing regimen, you can harness the power of its nutrient-rich composition and experience its remarkable healing benefits.
The Final Verdict:
Why You Should Incorporate Comfrey in Your Healing Regimen.
It is a herbal powerhouse that offers a multitude of healing benefits. From its distinctive to its nutrient-rich composition and abundance of phytochemicals, comfrey is a natural remedy that deserves a place in your healing regimen.
First and foremost, comfrey poultices have been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including broken bones, wounds, and arthritis. Their ability to draw out toxins, promote tissue regeneration, and soothe inflammation is truly remarkable. By incorporating comfrey poultices into your healing routine, you can support the body's own healing process in a natural and effective way.
But it's not just the poultices that make comfrey a valuable addition to your herbal toolkit. The nutrient composition of comfrey, with its vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, works in synergy to support healing mechanisms. These compounds, like allantoin and mucilage, contribute to the healing process and alleviate pain and inflammation.
With all of these benefits in mind, it's clear that comfrey is an herb worth considering. Whether you're dealing with a sprain, a wound, or joint pain, comfrey can provide natural relief and support for your body's healing journey.
What many people don't know is that comfrey contains hepato toxic alkaloids, compounds that can cause serious damage to the liver. While comfrey can be a helpful medicine when used in small doses, it's important to be aware of the potential risks and take precautions to protect your liver.
How to Use Comfrey Safely:
Recommended Dosages and Cycles
When it comes to using comfrey safely, following recommended dosages and cycles is crucial. While comfrey can be a helpful remedy, it's important not to exceed the recommended limit. Experts advise not taking more than 4 mg of dried comfrey per day, and limiting the usage to no more than 4-5 days at a time. After this period, it's essential to take a break for at least a month before using comfrey again. This allows your liver time to recover and reduces the risk of potential damage.
Remember, everyone's body is different, so it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating comfrey into your wellness routine. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific health conditions and medications. By following the recommended dosages and cycles, you can reap the benefits of comfrey while minimizing the risks to your liver.
In the next section, we will discuss additional herbs like dandelion root and milk thistle that can support your liver health and complement the use of comfrey.
Additional Herbs for Liver Support:
Dandelion Root and Milk Thistle
While comfrey can be a valuable herb for promoting healing and reducing inflammation, it's important to remember that it comes with potential risks to the liver. To support your liver health while incorporating comfrey into your wellness routine, there are additional herbs that can be beneficial. Two such herbs are dandelion root and milk thistle.
Dandelion root has been used for centuries as a natural liver tonic. It is known for its ability to support liver function by aiding in detoxification and promoting bile production. Dandelion root is rich in antioxidants and can help protect liver cells from damage caused by toxins.
Milk thistle is another herb that is often used for liver support. It contains a compound called silymarin, which has been shown to have hepatoprotective properties. Silymarin can help regenerate liver cells, reduce inflammation, and protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and free radicals.
Both dandelion root and milk thistle can be taken in various forms, such as capsules, teas, or tinctures. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best dosage and form for your specific needs.
Incorporating these liver-supporting herbs into your wellness routine, alongside proper use of comfrey, can help you maintain a healthy liver and reap the benefits of herbal medicine. Remember, it's always important to prioritize your liver health and take precautions to minimize any potential risks.
Dispelling Myths:
Side Effects of Herbal Medicines vs Conventional Drugs
There is a common misconception that herbal medicines are inherently safer than conventional drugs and have no side effects. However, it's important to dispel this myth and understand that all medicines, whether natural or synthetic, can have potential side effects.
Herbal medicines, including comfrey, are not exempt from causing adverse reactions. While they are derived from natural sources, they still contain bioactive compounds that can interact with our bodies and medications. It's crucial to approach herbal medicines with the same caution and vigilance as conventional drug.
In fact, many conventional drugs are derived from natural sources, just like herbal medicines. The main difference lies in the standardization and regulation processes. Conventional drugs undergo rigorous testing and clinical trials to ensure safety and efficacy, while herbal medicines have varying degrees of regulation depending on the country.
It's important to note that both herbal medicines and conventional drugs can cause side effects, allergic reactions, and interact with other medications. To ensure your safety, always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, whether it's herbal or conventional.
Remember, it's not about choosing between herbal medicines and conventional drugs; it's about making informed decisions and prioritizing your health. Both have their place in healthcare, and with the guidance of a healthcare professional, you can find the right balance for your individual needs.
We have some Comfrey products you might appreciate.
Centuries of Use:
It has been used for food and medicine in many cultures
Comfrey has been and is still used for a myriad of health issues. Backed by science and by thousands of testimonials.
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These include wound healing, ligament distortion, contusions, strains, pain, functional impairment, oedema, and haematoma, to name a few.
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Wounds heal faster when exposed to Comfrey.
The types of pain that have been impacted with continued comfrey use include back pain, osteoartheritic pain, pain from strains and ligament injuries.
Comfrey has been used and prescribed by natural health practitioners for so many more conditions, including knee joint injuries and non-active gonarthrosis, as well as in the treatment of tendinitis syndrome, insect bites, inflammation of breast, fractures, skin inflammation, multiple abscesses of sweat glands, gangrenous ecthymas, boils, dicubital ulcers and chronic varicose ulcerations.
Can we eat comfrey?
Just like Spinach has oxalates, Comfrey has pyrolyzing alkaloids. The young leaves, and roots, have the highest amounts of these alkaloids. So if you're going to eat this herb, you're going to go for the older leaves. They're fuzzy, so you're most likely going to want to boil them.
You should always pre-boil your leaves for 15 minutes, drain and discard the water. Yes, you'll loose a fair bit of nutrients, but you'll also diminish the alkaloid content.
After pre-boiling, you can sauté them with your favorite stir fry ingredients, or add it to stews and soups.
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Comfrey should not be consumed as a tea or food source on a daily basis as it could cause severe liver damage.
Nutritional information
Comfrey leaf include 18 amino acids, and is rich in minerals and particularly high in potassium, calcium, phosphorous, iron and copper, zinc, manganese, calcium, magnesium, and sodium, leaf meal contains 18.37% crude protein, 11.87% nitrogen free extract, 5.25% ether extract, 47.12% fiber and 6.90% ash. Comfrey also have alkaloids (5.40%), flavonoids, saponins and tannins.[7]
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It is said to have Vitamins A, C, B2 and B12, and but good luck in trying to find any studies reporting the amounts of vitamins in this plant.
I’m not saying its open season on eating Comfrey, but I am willing to eat it myself.
Just in moderation and when needed.
Drug Interaction:
Caution should be employed when using Comfrey
As mentioned above, you could develop liver issues if you consume to much of this plant.
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That being said, you will need to consider the medications you take.
Do not consume Comfrey if you are on any of the following medications:
These are some of those medications:
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acetaminophen (Tylenol and others),
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amiodarone (Cordarone),
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carbamazepine (Tegretol),
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isoniazid (INH),
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methotrexate (Rheumatrex),
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methyldopa (Aldomet),
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fluconazole (Diflucan),
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itraconazole (Sporanox),
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erythromycin (Erythrocin,
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Ilosone, others),
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phenytoin (Dilantin),
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lovastatin (Mevacor),
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pravastatin (Pravachol),
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simvastatin (Zocor), and many others
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Speak to your doctor or medical herbalist before using comfrey, as like other herbs, it may compete with the drug in your liver, the combination of which can cause side-effects. Especially if you are on one of the following medications:
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carbamazepine (Tegretol),
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phenobarbital,
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phenytoin (Dilantin),
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rifampin, or
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rifabutin (Mycobutin)
I'll continuously be updating my list.
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1.Stickel, Felix, and Helmut K. Seitz. "The efficacy and safety of comfrey." Public health nutrition 3.4a (2000): 501-508.
2.Staiger, Christiane. "Comfrey: a clinical overview." Phytotherapy Research 26.10 (2012): 1441-1448.
3.Rode, Dorena. "Comfrey toxicity revisited." Trends in pharmacological sciences 23.11 (2002): 497-499.
4.Predel, H-G., et al. "Efficacy of a Comfrey root extract ointment in comparison to a Diclo-fenac gel in the treatment of ankle distortions: Results of an observer-blind, randomized, multicenter study." Phytomedicine 12.10 (2005): 707-714.
5.Kuchta, Kenny, and Mathias Schmidt. "Safety of medicinal comfrey cream preparations (Symphytum officinale sl): The pyrrolizidine alkaloid lycopsamine is poorly absorbed through human skin." Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 118 (2020): 104784.
6.Hirono, Iwao, Hideki Mori, and Masanobu Haga. "Carcinogenic activity of Symphytum officinale." Journal of the National Cancer Institute 61.3 (1978): 865-869.
7.Esiegwu, A. C., and T. K. O. Obih. "Growth Performance, Haematological, Serum Indices and Histopathology of Finisher Broiler Chickens Offered Nutritional Supplement of Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L) Leaves Extract." Asian Research Journal of Agriculture 15.4 (2022): 254-265.
8.Anderson, P. C., and A. E. M. McLean. "Comfrey and liver damage." Hum Toxicol 8 (1989): 68-69.
9. Robinson, Robert G. "Comfrey-A Controversial Crop." (1983).
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