Comfrey
- Nicole Dawson Cullinan
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
Let's go on a plant safari... growing with the seasons and learning with plants ;)
Meet the common Comfrey... it is also called Knitbone, Boneset, Consolida, Healing Herb and Bruisewort. Its Latin name is Symphytum officinale.
I have some growing in my garden. And during a trying time where my dog Rosy tore her cruciate ligament and required surgery to fix it, I noticed that she started to eat it. At first I thought she was chasing the the bumblebees which love the flowers. She WAS chasing them but she was also grazing on the leaves. I would have stopped her had I not known about Comfrey's medicinal benefits in treating strains and helping mend fracture and broken bones.
This experience reconfirmed to me that our medicinal plant allies grow all around us and impressed on me how intelligent my Rosy is ;)
some facts
The ‘Naturalis historia’ of the Pliny the Elder (23?–79 AD) is one of the most important testimonies of ancient phytomedicine. Comfrey is mentioned for the first time for the treatment of bruises and sprains, and a syrup of the herb or a decoction of its root are used.
Another historical highlight from the middle ages comes from Nicholas Culpeper wrote extensively about Comfrey. In the 17th-century work, The English Physitian (later famously known as Culpeper's Complete Herbal), he praised Comfrey as one of the most powerful healing agents available.
Culpeper stated: “It is said to be so powerful to consolidate and knit together; that if they be boyled with dissevered pieces of flesh in a pot, it will join them together again, and a Syrup made thereof is very effectual for all those inward Griefs and Hurts; … and for outward Wounds and Sores in the Fleshy or Sinewy part of the Body whatsoever … A Decoction of the leaves hereof is available to al the purposes, though not so effectual as the roots.”
Modern herbalists strictly avoid using comfrey internally due to toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can damage the liver, restricting its modern usage purely to topical salves and poultices.
Comfrey leaves contain a rich mix of beneficial plant compounds—like allantoin, rosmarinic acid, and tannins—alongside essential plant nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium). However, they also contain toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
Allantoin: A compound that promotes cell regeneration and wound healing, traditionally used to help "knit" bones
Rosmarinic Acid: Provides strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Mucilage & Tannins: Soothe irritated skin
medicinal forms
There are many medicinal forms available from Herbal infusions, tinctures, capsules, tablets and Homeopathic remedies made from Symphytum officinale.
caution
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids: Comfrey leaves contain varying levels of these compounds, which are known to cause severe liver damage and other health risks. Because of this, medical experts widely advise against consuming Comfrey longterm, recommending it primarily for short term, external use as a poultice, salve, or ointment.
If you want ot know more about other common medicinal and edible plants, read my blogs on 'wise weeds' HERE
So let's go on a plant safari... growing with the seasons and learning with plants ;
From my wild heart to yours
nicole
By leaf and root, by earth and bone, what's broken mends, what’s lost comes home.” - An incantation used in modern green witchcraft and folklore practices - Anon
My Books
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Sources
#comfey
#symphytumofficinale #boneknit #ethicalforaging #allantoin #herbalism #wiseweeds #plantsafari #wildspring #wildsummer #wildseasons #wellnessplaceint
Disclaimers
Please note that the information in this blog is not intended to diagnose illnesses or replace the advice of a qualified health professional. It is intended as an introductory guide for my community and complementary info for the clients I work with. I can in no way be held responsible for any adverse effects and negative consequences that arise from ingesting wild plants or using medicinal products made from them, or for errors in plant identification and self -diagnosis. Please seek qualified help if you are concerned about your health.
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