Comfrey

Scientific name

Symphytum officinale

Family

Boraginaceae

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Background

Also called black root, common comfrey, slippery root, and wallwort.

Comfrey is a perennial herb native to europe and asia, with pale yellow and purple flowers with long rough leaves.

Applicable parts used

Leaf, rhizome, and root

Sentiment

Symbolizes comfort and home sweet home

Effects

Organs & systems affected

Endocrine

Gastrointestinal

Respiratory

Integument

Musculoskeletal

Flower essence

Assist in the healing of trauma and binds and strengthens broken tissues

Mechanism of action

Alterative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, demulcent, emollient, expectorant, tonic, hepatotoxic, vulnerary and hypotensive.

Nature

Mildly bitter; cooling and moist

Plant constituents

Polysaccharides, phenolic acids, llantoin, polyphenols, amino acids, phytosterols, triterpenoids, saponins, and alkaloids

Traditional uses

Comfrey has been used orally for gastritis, ulcers, excessive menstrual flow, diarrhea, persistent cough, pleuritis, bronchitis, gum disease, and sore throat. Topically, comfrey has been used for leg ulcers, wounds, joint inflammation, bruises, sore muscles, sprains, back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, phlebitis, varicose veins, boils, and hemorrhoids.

Safety

Precaution & adverse reactions

Safest when used topically.

Interactions

Comfrey may interact with hepatotoxic drugs like tylenol, and cytochrome p450 3a4 inducers like phenytoin.

Pregnancy and lactation

Possibly unsafe when used orally or topically because it may be hepatotoxic, carcinogenic and teratogenic.

Dosing

Herbal infusion: 1 tsp of dry herb in 8-10 oz of water

Our favorite pairings

Calendula, lavender, rosemary, chamomile, roses

Disclaimer: the information contained within this website is for educational purposes only. This site merely recounts the traditional uses of specific plants as recorded throughout history. With the information provided on this website, we wish to begin the journey to educate the community based on research, african holistic health, and herbal science. This information, in no shape or form, is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent disease, or make claims against products or companies. This information provided on this site is to make public information and information acquired from research studies easily available to you. Rooted vigor, llc is giving you the opportunity to draw your own conclusions and make your own decisions from the information provided. The information on this website may or may not have been evaluated by the fda. Seek advice from a medical practitioner as necessary.

References

Https://www.motherearthliving.com/gardening/glossary-of-herbal-sentiments

Pursell, jj. The herbal apothecary: 100 medicinal herbs and how to use them. Timber press. Kindle edition.

Staiger c. (2012). Comfrey: a clinical overview. Phytotherapy research : ptr, 26(10), 1441-8.

Https://naturalmedicines-therapeuticresearch-com.ezproxy.fau.edu/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=295#mechanismofaction