Symphytum officinale flower close-up
Comfrey
[Symphytum officinale]

Comfrey: the powerful medicinal plant for body and healing

Comfrey is a tried and tested medicinal plant that has been valued for centuries for its many uses. Comfrey is particularly well known for its outstanding effect in supporting the healing of bones, joints and tissue. Whether for bruises, sprains or broken bones, comfrey is often used as an external remedy in the form of ointments or compresses to promote regeneration and relieve pain. As comfrey grows in moist soils along riverbanks and in meadows, it is particularly common in temperate climates in Europe. Here too, the plant should be admired in the wild, but not picked in the wild. It is important to care for and protect this valuable medicinal plant so that its positive properties can continue to be used in the future.

Facts about true comfrey

Did you know that...

Comfrey was once used in dried form as an insulating material in houses to keep moisture out?

 

comfrey was often referred to as a "wound herb" in the Middle Ages because it was supposed to speed up the healing of deep cuts?

the plant was also used in the past in animal medicine to treat injuries in animals?

the roots and leaves of comfrey contain valuable ingredients such as allantoin, which supports cell regeneration?

What is real comfrey?

Comfrey is a robust, perennial shrub that prefers moist, nutrient-rich soil. It grows particularly well in sunny to semi-shady locations along riverbanks and in damp ditches. Comfrey can grow up to 100 cm tall and is characterized by its rough, hairy leaves, which are lanceolate and large. The most striking part of comfrey is its tubular, mostly purple to pink flowers, which appear in hanging clusters from May to July. Comfrey is valued therapeutically above all for its strong healing effect on bones, joints and tissue. The plant contains allantoin, which promotes cell regeneration, as well as mucilage and tannin-like compounds that help to heal bruises and sprains. Comfrey is widely available in nature, but its use should be done responsibly to ensure the plant's continued existence. 

General information and healing properties of comfrey

The basic knowledge

Anti-inflammatory

The anti-inflammatory properties of comfrey make it a popular remedy for chronic joint complaints such as arthritis or rheumatism. Comfrey is used externally to relieve pain and improve joint mobility.

Decongestant

Comfrey is often used externally to treat inflammation of the skin, poorly healing wounds or ulcers. The plant also has a strong decongestant and healing effect on swelling or bruising. Applied in ointments or compresses, comfrey relieves pain and promotes blood circulation.

Regenerating

Comfrey is primarily known for its outstanding effect in healing bone and tissue damage. In naturopathy, it is often used for bruises, sprains, broken bones and muscle injuries. Its active ingredients, especially allantoin, promote the formation of new cells and accelerate the regeneration of injured tissue.

Symphytum officinale: Ingredients

Comfrey contains several active ingredients that have a healing effect on the body in potentized form. You will find the following ingredients in the medicinal plant:

  • Allantoin

  • Mucilage

  • Rosmarinic acid
  • Inulin

  • Saponins

  • Chlorogenic acid

Comfrey: effects for body and mind

Comfrey is a powerful medicinal plant that is particularly effective for physical injuries and tissue damage. It is used to support the healing of broken bones, bruises, sprains and other injuries to the musculoskeletal system. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and regeneration-promoting properties, comfrey helps to accelerate wound healing and alleviate pain. Comfrey can also be helpful for complaints such as arthritis, rheumatic pain or tendon irritation. On an emotional level, the use of comfrey can promote a feeling of stability and grounding, especially for people who feel weakened by injuries or physical limitations. Metaphorically speaking, comfrey gives the body back the strength to heal itself and emerge stronger from injuries by supporting the natural regeneration processes.

Properties of true comfrey

  • Analgesic
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antioxidant
  • Moisturizing
  • Promotes healing
  • Mucous membrane protective

Fields of application in naturopathy:

[Symphytum officinale]

Comfrey is one of the wound remedies used in naturopathy and its areas of application are based on this.

Comfrey for broken bones

Musculoskeletal injuries are common complaints, especially sports injuries, broken bones or sprains. Comfrey is known for its outstanding ability to promote bone and tissue healing. Comfrey helps to relieve pain and swelling by accelerating the healing process and regenerating tissue. It is particularly helpful for bruises, sprains and muscle injuries, as it penetrates deep into the tissue and supports cell renewal.

Comfrey for arthritis

Joint pain and arthritis also benefit from the healing properties of comfrey. People who suffer from chronic joint complaints such as arthritis or rheumatic pain can experience relief from the anti-inflammatory properties of comfrey. The plant has a decongestant and pain-relieving effect and helps to improve joint mobility.

Comfrey for wound healing

Wound healing, especially for poorly healing or chronic wounds, is another area of application for comfrey. Thanks to the high concentration of allantoin, it accelerates tissue regeneration and helps to heal ulcers and other skin injuries. Comfrey can be applied to wounds in the form of ointments or compresses to promote the healing process and prevent infections.

Comfrey for swelling

Hematomas and swelling often occur after falls or injuries. Comfrey helps bruises to heal more quickly and reduces swelling. It supports the regression of blood accumulations under the skin and ensures that the affected areas are less painful and regenerate more quickly.

Notes on the use of Symphytum officinale

For external use, care should be taken to ensure that comfrey is not applied to open wounds or injured skin in order to avoid possible absorption of the alkaloids. Comfrey ointments or compresses should only be used for a limited period of time, usually a maximum of six weeks per year. If skin irritation or allergic reactions occur, use should be discontinued immediately and a doctor consulted if necessary.

Comfrey during pregnancy & breastfeeding

Comfrey should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Comfrey can be used externally in the form of ointments or compresses for short periods of time for complaints such as muscle or joint pain, but this should always be done under the guidance of a doctor or alternative practitioner to minimize possible risks.

Comfrey for allergies

It is possible to have an allergic reaction to comfrey, especially if you have sensitive skin. As comfrey is rich in active ingredients, some people may experience contact allergies or skin irritation if the plant comes into contact with the skin in unprocessed form.

Comfrey complex

100% Comfrey for spraying!

24,99€

incl. VAT, base price: 24,99 € / 30ml

Use the healing power of real comfrey and our other 100 Healingplants for the natural relief of your ailments. Improve your well-being and support your body, mind and soul! With the help of our Configurator Your personal Spagyric spray that is tailored to your needs and accompanies you on your natural path to improving your body, mind and soul.

Profile

Name

Comfrey

Botanical name

Symphytum officinale

Plant family

Broadleaf plants

Other designations

Comfrey, comfrey

Flowering

May till July

Harvest time

Spring to fall

Location

sunny to semi-shady

Origin

domestic

Flower color

purple, pink, white

Flower shape

tubular to bell-shaped

Leaf color

dark green

Leaf shape

lanceolate, elongated

Sheet properties

rough, hairy

Soil type

loamy and nutrient-rich

Soil moisture

damp to wet

ph-value

neutral to slightly acidic

Lime compatibility

moderately lime tolerant

Nutrient requirements

high

Toxicity

toxic

Sign up for our newsletter now!

Receive relevant content around the topic of hollistic health


Zimply Natural Newsletter

Subscribe now and save 10%!


Subscribe to our newsletter now and get 10% discount on your first order! Receive exclusive information about Zimply Natural and the world of naturopathy.