Comfrey is actually a broader genus scientifically known as Symphytum, which is used extensively in herbal medicine. The flowers can range in colour from white to purple, and the plant can mainly be found in northern Europe. Interestingly enough, there is a decent amount of debate regarding the safety of using comfrey, as some of the volatile chemical components can be potentially dangerous to human beings when consumed improperly. Most people only recommend topical use of comfrey, as there have been some traditional suggestions of internal use when done properly. The United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not allow for internal use to be recommended or suggested on labels.

However, many of the organic compounds found in comfrey are able to transfer their benefits via topical application in various salves and lotions. Some of the more unusual chemicals found in comfrey include allantoin, inulin, tannins, saponins, and beneficial proteins. Many people have been turned off of comfrey due to its dangerous chemicals when ingested, but in reality, there is not any proven risk to topical application of this impressive herb.

Health benefits

Some of the most interesting health benefits of comfrey include its ability to reduce pain, eliminate inflammation, boost the immune system, promote health and growth, strengthen bones, heal skin, prevent cancer, and improve respiratory health.

Wound Healing: When you apply comfrey to your skin, it can have some serious benefits to rashes and irritations. The high content of antioxidant components, as well as vitamin C, makes comfrey pastes and salves the ideal solution for speeding up the healing of wounds. Antioxidants also help to eliminate foreign substances in the body and preventing cell death, while vitamin C’s importance in producing collagen means that it is necessary to produce new skin cells for healing.

Reduce Pain: If you’re suffering from any sort of chronic pain in your body, or if you’re recovering from an injury or surgery, applying comfrey salves and lotions to those areas can quickly soothe that main. Analgesic qualities in herbs is particularly valuable, and the many organic compounds and antioxidants found in comfrey serve that purpose quite nicely for aches and pains.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity: In a similar way as the analgesic substances in comfrey, the various organic compounds, like saponins and tannins, also serve as anti-inflammatory components of this powerful herb. If you suffer from arthritis, gout, or other inflammatory disorders, use comfrey salves as often as necessary. The lotion is so potent, however, that you can afford to be quite frugal with the oils and creams.

Immune System Health: As mentioned earlier, vitamin C is a major component of comfrey, and ascorbic acid’s primary role in the body is to stimulate the production of white blood cells, which is the first line of defence of the body’s immune system. By increasing the strength of your immune system, even from topical applications, you can improve conditions like jaundice and various vitamin and immune deficiencies.

Bone Growth: One of this herbal remedy’s nicknames is “knitbone”, because it can help speed up the healing process for broken bones, as well as other injuries. Comfrey is also rich in calcium, which is a key ingredient in bone growth. The unique combination of organic compounds found in comfrey can stimulate the regrowth of bone minerals, by facilitating more efficient uptake and use of those minerals within the body.

Cancer Prevention: The many antioxidant substances found in comfrey also mean that it has the potential for anti-cancerous activities. As the largest organ in the body, and the one most exposed to the outside world, our skin can be easily damaged and be exposed to radiation that causes cancer. The antioxidants seeks out free radicals, the dangerous by products of cellular metabolism, and eliminate them from the system, preventing them from causing other cells to mutate or die. Although this research is still in the early stages, any advances in herbal cancer treatments are exciting!

Respiratory Health: Again, it must be stressed that comfrey should not be consumed, but even inhaling comfrey or rubbing it on the chest can act as an expectorant. If you are experiencing clogged sinuses or congestion in your respiratory tracts, comfrey can help you cough that out and eliminate if from your system. Those phlegms and fluids can catch bacteria and other pathogens, extending or worsening illnesses, but not if comfrey is administered!

Insect Bites and Skin Conditions: If you are suffering from anything from a spider bite to a bad case of eczema, comfrey can help to alleviate the symptoms and reduce irritation. A combination of vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds makes this the perfect solution for skin irritations of all kinds, from psoriasis to acne.

A Final Word of Warning: There is a high concentration of specific alkaloids in comfrey that makes them controversial and potentially toxic when used inappropriately. These alkaloids are particularly potent when consumed, which is why many medical professionals do not suggest any internal use, and only limited topical use. As with any new herbal remedy, check with a trained herbalist or medical professional, as some of the complications of this high alkaloid content can affect the health of your liver. Use of comfrey is restricted in some countries such as UK and U.S. so consult your local health specialist before use.