Comfrey

(Symphytum Officinale)

By Nione

Comfrey or “knit bone” as it has been known by old Crones throughout the world, is an herb used to help speed the healing of broken bones. It is a very easy herb to grow, requiring very little in the way of nourishment and actually prefers poor damp soil. It grows to about six feet tall in my garden and is very attractive, impressive plant. The genus contains twenty-five species, which are native to Europe, Asia Minor, Siberia and Iran. The common Comfrey has become naturalized throughout the United States.

It is a perennial herb with a stout spreading root which is brownish black and wrinkled. The stem is generally about three feet in height, although, as I stated earlier, I have have seen it reach six feet, with large hairy ovate or egg shaped leaves with wavy edges. It flowers in May and June with purplish-blue, yellow, white or red tubular flowers less than an inch long carried in coiled clusters with five stamens. The most common color found in the States is purplish-blue. The fruit consists of four shiny brown nutlets, which arrive in August. It is found growing by riversides or any moist areas. If planting comfrey in your garden, plant it where it can fill out. Give it plenty of room as it spreads readily. I planted mine with a border edging to prevent roots from spreading. Pick up any fallen branches as it will root wherever they touch the ground. In the fall once the foliage has died, cut the plant back to top the ground. It will surprise you with its renewed growth in the spring quickly going from a small unnoticed seedling to a full lush plant the following spring.

The leaves and the root that are used. The root contains large amounts of easily assimilated calcium, which contributes to its aiding in healing broken bones. The leaves also contain an amount of calcium, though not as much as the root. Some physicians believe that the comfrey plant can be a carcinogen, but it has been proven that the young leaves are where the problem is. There are no carcinogens contained in the larger older leaves. I generally make a very pleasant tea from the leaves and have found my old bones feel a little better when I drink a cup of comfrey tea a couple of times a week. I have heard that some osteopaths now recommend comfrey tea to their patients with broken bones or sprains due to its ability to cut the recovery process in about half. It is useful for arthritis, gallstones, stomach conditions, asthma, ulcerated tonsils, and ulceration of the kidneys, anemia, dysentery, and diarrhea.

It is easily extracted in water and a tea made from the powered leaf. Put1 teaspoon in one cup of boiling water, steep for ½ an hour and take one cup a day. Do not drink tea made from the root of the plant, only the leaves should be used for internal use, the root can be used to make poultices and salves for external use only. Use comfrey externally in a compress soaked in the tea to help with sore breasts, fresh wounds, swelling and burns. If making a tea is inconvenient at the time, a fresh leaf crushed and applied to the effected area can be used. Comfrey is a good choice in relieving pain and speeding healing of pus filled wounds. It also accelerates the healing of bug bites. Comfrey has astringent properties and contains allantoin, a compound which stimulates the growth of new cells. Do use a poultice of comfrey on babies; they have very tender skin. Do not use the salve or drink the tea during pregnancy.

Magickly, comfrey worn or carried protects and ensures safe travel. Putting some in your luggage will help prevent loss or theft. Comfrey is a feminine herb, its ruling planet is Saturn and its element is water. I have added comfrey to protection spells with success.

Whatever the reason you plant comfrey; I think you will enjoy its beauty and majestic grace. It lends softness to the garden that encourages all who pass by to touch the leaves. Doing so you will feel a healing of the soul. Comfrey will speak to you and ease your mind and heart while softening your will.

COMFREY SALVE

• 1 cup of olive oil
• 1-2 oz. dry herb

Place this mixture in the oven with the door slightly ajar at the lowest heat your oven can be set. Check this mix periodically and give it a stir. Do not let it get over 100 – 140 degrees. Let this mix sit for 3-5 hours.

Remove the infused oil from the oven and strain it through cheese cloth, squeezing the cloth to remove all of the infused oil. Place in a pot on very low heat and add 1 oz. shaved bees wax per cup of oil. Let it melt and pour into a container with a wide mouth. Let harden and use as needed.
Store this salve in the refrigerator as it contains no preservatives.

Blessings,
Nione