Comfrey - Σύμφυτο - Symphytum Officinale
Each pack contains ½ cup (125ml) of the Herb. The weight varies due to the density of each herb.
Basic Medicinal Properties:
Comfrey is a renowned healing herb with potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and cell-regenerating properties. It is widely used to accelerate wound healing, support bone and joint health, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation. Traditionally, it has been used as a remedy for fractures, sprains, bruises, and skin conditions.
Additional Details
Promotes Wound Healing and Skin Regeneration
Comfrey contains allantoin, a compound known for stimulating cell regeneration and tissue repair. It has been used in salves, poultices, and creams to speed up the healing of cuts, burns, ulcers, and abrasions.
Supports Bone and Joint Health
Historically referred to as “knitbone,” comfrey has been used to aid in the healing of broken bones, fractures, sprains, and joint injuries. It helps reduce swelling and supports tissue regeneration, making it beneficial for arthritis and rheumatic pain.
Relieves Muscle Pain and Inflammation
The anti-inflammatory properties of comfrey make it an effective natural remedy for muscle strains, back pain, and sports injuries. Applied as a compress or ointment, it helps soothe soreness and improve mobility.
Aids in Skin Conditions
Comfrey’s soothing properties make it an excellent treatment for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It hydrates and protects the skin, reducing irritation and promoting faster healing.
Not Recommended for Internal Use
Although historically used as a tea or decoction for ulcers and digestive issues, comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can be toxic to the liver if consumed in large quantities. Today, it is primarily used in external applications.
About the Herb
Historical and Folklore Uses
Comfrey has been valued in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years. The ancient Greeks and Romans, including the physician Dioscorides, documented its use in treating wounds, broken bones, and respiratory ailments.
In medieval Europe, comfrey was widely used by herbalists to promote bone healing, earning it the nickname “knitbone.” Monks and traditional healers often cultivated it in monastery gardens for medicinal purposes.
Folklore and Symbolism
Comfrey has long been associated with protection and restoration. In some traditions, it was carried to provide safety during travel or sewn into clothing to prevent harm. It was also believed to strengthen relationships and bring reconciliation between quarrelling individuals.
Traditional and Modern Uses
Comfrey leaves and roots were historically used in poultices and compresses to treat fractures and bruises.
It was a staple in European folk medicine for treating sprains and joint ailments.
Today, comfrey is commonly found in natural skincare and pain relief ointments.
Interesting Facts
The name Symphytum comes from the Greek word symphyo, meaning “to unite or grow together,” referencing its historical use in healing wounds and bones.
Comfrey grows in damp meadows and riverbanks, thriving in nutrient-rich soil.
It was once used in herbal beers and tonics, although internal use is now discouraged due to its alkaloid content.
Modern studies have confirmed comfrey’s effectiveness in reducing pain and inflammation in musculoskeletal conditions.