I’m a big fan of using herbal remedies for minor issues we can tackle at home, and my comfrey leaf salve has been a reliable choice for years. There’s been some debate about comfrey in medical circles, so let me share what I know about its benefits and potential risks.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a perennial plant with a distinctive black root. Its large, hairy leaves grow quickly, and it produces bell-shaped flowers that come in various colors. Originally from Europe and parts of Asia, comfrey is now common in North America too.
For centuries, comfrey has been a remedy for conditions like broken bones and wound healing, earning nicknames like “knit-bone” and “bone-set.” Its Latin name, Symphytum, reflects this, derived from Greek words meaning “growing together.”
Comfrey ointments have a long history in folk medicine for these purposes. It contains several compounds believed to be beneficial, particularly allantoin and rosmarinic acid. Additionally, comfrey is rich in nutrients like vitamin C, which supports skin health and collagen production.
Here’s why I always keep comfrey leaves around and why they’ve been used for thousands of years: Historically, many cultures applied comfrey to open wounds, but it’s useful for more than just cuts and scrapes. I’ve found it effective for insect bites and stings, as well as soothing reactions to stinging nettles. Scientific studies back up these traditional uses.
A 2012 clinical overview supported comfrey’s traditional uses for wound care, suggesting it can reduce wound size and aid collagen formation. It reported faster healing times when using comfrey-based ointments compared to those without active ingredients.
In my experience, comfrey not only assists with wound healing but is also beneficial for reducing pain, whether it’s muscle or joint-related. The 2012 study also highlighted its benefits for muscle and joint health, with significant pain reduction noted in those applying comfrey topically. In some studies, over half of joint pain sufferers experienced complete relief, while improvements were minimal for others.
Another interesting study found comfrey to be more effective than cryotherapy for quick relief. Similar results were seen in studies on lower back pain and osteoporosis-related pain, where comfrey helped alleviate symptoms.
Comfrey is best known as a poultice for broken bones, with allantoin being the key compound responsible for this benefit. Allantoin can penetrate the skin to aid tissue formation. I’ve broken my pinky toe a few times, and since it’s an injury doctors often leave to heal on its own, I explored natural options and found comfrey. After researching, I made a poultice with comfrey leaves and plantain, applying it several times daily. From past experience, I knew healing usually took weeks, but with the poultice, my pain lessened within days and was nearly gone after a week. By the second week, I could wear any shoes comfortably, making me a comfrey convert.
Comfrey offers many benefits, earning its place in my natural remedy stash. Here are some top uses: Some herbalists use comfrey tea internally for digestive, respiratory, and urinary issues, following specific guidelines. However, I don’t recommend internal use without further research and approval from a doctor.
Externally, comfrey is generally safe for children over the age of three or four and most adults. However, comfrey has faced scrutiny due to studies showing side effects when taken internally, attributed to pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that can harm the liver. Some herbalists argue that these studies used isolated PAs at higher doses than typically recommended. Even when negative health effects were reported from comfrey ingestion, doses exceeded recommended amounts.
To be cautious, I prefer to avoid ingesting comfrey and opt for alternative herbs when possible. Always consult with a doctor or an experienced herbalist before using any herb.
This information was reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Walker, an internal medicine physician. Remember, it’s not personal medical advice, so speak with your doctor or a professional at SteadyMD.
Have you ever used comfrey for broken bones or other purposes? Feel free to share your experience!
