Comfrey

Symphytum officinale L.

Quick Reference

Folk Names

Energetics: Cooling, Astringent, Sweet, Softening, Moist

Latin Name

Symphytum officinale L.

Family

Boraginaceae

Parts Used

Root, Leaves

The Magickal Realm

Magickal Lore

The Herbalist’s Record

Clinical Herbal Data

Herbal Actions

Demulcent Astringent Anti-inflammatory Vulnerary

Medical Uses

DOSAGE

Tincture (Leaf) 1:5 - 0.5 - 5ml

Poultice - fresh chopped leaf or root in a muslin bag, soaked in boiling water then applied to the wound

CONSTITUENTS

Muscilage

Tannins

KEY COMPOUNDS

Allantoin.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, with hepatotoxic activity, are probably present in all parts but particularly the root.

Body Systems

The presence of mucilage, allantoin and tannins combines to make this one of the foremost topical remedies. The mucilage soothes and eases; the tannins astringe; and allantoin specifically encourages cell proliferation, stimulating the constructive activity of fibroblasts chondroblasts and osteoblasts. It is therefore widely used topically for any condition that needs healing: sprains, wounds, bruising, fractures, ulcers.
However, herbalists warn that for deep wounds with a narrow entry, there is a risk that the use of Comfrey could encourage the surface to close over whilst a focus of infection is left bubbling underneath.
The same healing effect is considered to be exerted by the use of Comfrey leaf for conditions of gastrointestinal inflammation and irritation such as peptic ulcer, gastritis, colitis, diarrhoea.
Comfrey leaf is also used for respiratory infections and irritations such as chronic coughs, bronchitis and pleurisy
The root has a higher mucilage content and is therefore more demulcent than the leaf

Safety Notes

Certain Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (P.A.s), including the ones found in Symphytum are known to cause veno-occlusive disease, a non-thrombotic obliteration of small hepatic veins leading to cirrhosis and eventually liver failure. Patients may present with either acute or chronic clinical signs with portal hypertension, hepatomegaly and abdominal pain as the main features. Liver transplantation may be required. Infants seem to be particularly susceptible. These alkaloids are also carcinogenic and the use of Symphytum has been associated with pulmonary hypertension. Therefore members of the NIMH have agreed to avoid internal use of the root and to restrict internal use of the leaf to short-term use.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using herbal remedies, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a health condition.

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