Comfrey is also known as 'knit bone' for its ability to speed the healing of broken bones. However, comfrey has many more health benefits. It contains agents that help heal the skin, reduce bruising, decrease inflammation and reduce pain.

Key Health Benefits of Comfrey

Topical comfrey is commonly recommended by natural health practitioners for the following conditions: 

  • Broken bones
  • Muscle injury
  • Sprained ligaments
  • Pulled tendons
  • Bruises
  • Insect bites and stings
  • Skin ulcers
  • Eczema, psoriasis & rashes
  • Healing sunburns

Active Properties & Uses For Comfrey

Comfrey root contains more active ingredients than the leaf. In Canada, the sale of comfrey, in any form, is currently illegal. If you are cultivating your own comfrey you can make a decoction or tea from the leaves and root. 

It can also then be used as a wash or soaked into a poultice. Comfrey can also be used in creams and salves. Homeopathic comfrey is also used for injuries. However, ingesting homeopathic comfrey can be dangerous because the dosage needed to see medicinal effects is also close to the dosage that causes toxicity. This is why this herb isn't legal for sale in Canada because it needs close guidance from a healthcare practitioner. External use in creams or salves; however, is deemed safe. 

Final Cautions & Considerations of This Herb

Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding or those with liver disease should not take comfrey. This is because the alkaloids in comfrey may be absorbed, in small amounts through broken skin. If taken internally, comfrey can be highly toxic and should not be ingested.