Used with care, comfrey can reduce the healing time of minor injuries, say Sarah Stacey and Dr Sarah Brewer

For thousands of years, herbalists have used the perennial herb comfrey (Symphytum officinale) with its thick grey-green leaves and bell-like white pink and mauve flowers to help heal bruises, sprains, fractures and broken bones. It?s common name is `knitbone? and a comfrey compress, applied immediately to a sprained ankle, can significantly speed healing after an injury. Its main active component is a substance called allantoin, which boosts the production of new cells.

This evergreen European native, which likes moist marshy places and now grows in all temperate areas of the world, is also good for healing wounds. In 1734, K’Eogh in his Irish herbal wrote that it ‘heals all inward wounds and ruptures’. Comfrey oil or ointment is used to treat acne and boils, and to relieve psoriasis and soften scars.

Toxic warning
This herb is highly regarded for its healing properties but users should note that there have been formal warnings from both British and American regulatory bodies to manufacturers about the toxicity of compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the comfrey root if taken internally. These substances can damage the liver, affect the circulation and have also been linked with an increased risk of cancer in rats.

The experience of most herbalists is that a tincture of infusion of comfrey leaves is safe and beneficial for conditions such as stomach ulcers when prescribed by a qualified professional and used for limited periods of time (a maximum of six weeks is advisable). Applying comfrey externally in the form of oil, tincture, ointment, cream or a poultice of chopped leaves has not provoked such warnings.

General uses
Acne and boils: apply comfrey ointment or cream to the pus-filled area twice a day.

Inflamed skin rashes: apply comfrey ointment or cream to the affected areas two to four times a day. Or make an infusion with one tsp of the dried herb to a cup of hot water, and then apply on cotton wool.

Minor wounds and bruises: apply comfrey ointment at the edges of the wound or use a comfrey poultice once a scab has formed. For the poultice, take enough fresh or dried herb to cover the area, simmer in a pan for two minutes, and squeeze out excess liquid. Rub a little oil on to the area to prevent sticking then apply the hot herb. Bandage securely in place using gauze or cotton strips and leave for up to three hours.

Sprains and fractures: gently rub on comfrey ointment, cream or infused oil at least three times a day on the affected area. Make comfrey oil with 250 g dried comfrey of 500 g fresh herb and 750 ml of olive, sunflower or other good quality vegetable oil. Simmer, covered, in a glass bowl over a pan of boiling water for two–three hours. Cool and strain through gauze or muslin. Pour into clean dark bottles and label.

Please note: you should always seek professional treatment for broken bones, fractures and severe sprains.

Stiff and aching joints: mix two and a half tbs of comfrey oil with 20–40 drops of lavender essential oil and gently massage into the affected area.

Caution

• Do not take preparations containing comfrey root internally
• Do not use comfrey preparations on broken skin; for wounds apply around the edges only