Comfrey
Energetics:
Bitter, Sweet, Cool, Moist
Common Names:
Comfrey, Blackwort, Boneset, Bruisewort, Gum Plant,
Knitback, Knitbone, Nipbone, Slippery Root, Saracen's Root,
Wallwort
Latin Name:
Symphytum officinale
Family Name:
Boraginaceae - Borage family
Functions:
Anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent,
demulcent, emollient, expectorant, hemostatic, refrigerant,
vulnerary
TCM Functions:
- Tonifies yin, moistens dryness, generates fluids,
benefits the throat
* dry mouth, unproductive dry cough, dry vomiting, ulcerative colitis, dry hard stool - Tonifies the blood
* fatigue, weakness, pale skin, amenorrhea - Clears damp heat
* painful urination, hiatal hernia, joint and bone pain - Promotes tissue repair
* fractures, wounds, ruptures, bruises, chronic ulcers, boils and acne
Therapeutics: Used for acne, boils, bronchitis, cough, fractures, inflamed skin rashes, internal bleeding and ulcers.
Notes:
The moist, demulcent properties of Comfrey are very useful
for dry, inflamed conditions and in soothing the internal
organs by providing a protective coating for the mucosa.
The most famous usage of Comfrey has been to promote tissue
repair from trauma.
Tradition:
The name Comfrey is derived from the Latin, con fera,
meaning `with strength' or `made firm'. The genus name,
Symphytum, means `grown together' or `to unite'. K'Eogh in
his Irish Herbal (1735) wrote that it "heals all inward
wounds and ruptures."
UpS Alternatives:
Use Comfrey as an analog to endangered species Arnica
(Arnica sp. ).
Contraindications:
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids may cause hepatic toxicity, also
known as veno-occlusive disease. Use only under a
professional's guidance. Avoid any use during pregnancy and
possibly nursing. Avoid prolonged internal and external
use.