Comfrey ~ Symphytum officinale

Comfrey

Latin name: Symphytum officinale

Family: Boraginaceae

Part used: root, leaves

Habitat: moist places in Britain, Europe, USA

Main constituents: allantoin; pyrrolizidine alkaloids (primarily in fresh plant, primarily in root); tannins; phenolic acids

Energetics: cooling, moistening

Main herbal actions: demulcent, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary

Minor herbal actions: mild analgesic

Main medicinal uses: connective tissue healing, sprains, wounds, burns, arthritis, dislocations, contusions, hematomas, ulcers, glandular swellings

Minor medicinal uses: periodontitis and pharyngitis (gargle); eczema, psoriasis

Preparations: external: poultice, paste, fomentation

Contraindications: internal use (possible), pregnancy, nursing

Toxicity: internal use may cause veno-occlusive disease (possible)

Notes: considerable controversy over pyrrolizidine alkaloid content and potential liver damage

Sources: Sharol Tilgner, N.D.: Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth; Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations