Comfrey - Herbs for Healing Newsletter

Modern science confirms that comfrey can have a positive effect in mending bone fractures. It contains a substance called allantoin, which speeds up the natural mending and replacement of body cells.

The leaves can be harvested while they are still fresh looking, and dried as well. One of the common names for comfrey is ‘knitbone’, a reminder of its traditional use in healing bone fractures.

Comfrey was and is still used to treat a variety of ailments ranging from bronchial problems, broken bones, sprains, arthritis, gastric and varicose ulcers, severe burns, acne and other skin conditions.

As well as allantoin comfrey also contains mucilage, steroidal saponins, tannins, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, inulin, and proteins.

“Trials undertaken by Henry Doubleday Association members, (also) showed that it is a valuable plant for pain relief. Reports submitted by Dr. S. J. L. Mount, Berkshire, U.K., who supervised the trials in 1983, tested 90 members with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Members took comfrey, as either 4 cups of tea or 9 tablets, daily. Dr. Mount reported there were no side effects from this dosage, whatsoever, and no reports of any symptoms, which could be construed as liver symptomatology. Patients reported improvement in well-being, with 23-35% pain relief and mobility”.

Comfrey root contains a special kind of alkaloid which can affect the liver when taken in excessive high doses. It is however safe to use the root
for making a cream.

A newsletter in association with the Sturminster Newton Transition Town Group. Part of the Transition Town Network.

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