Comfrey
Latin name : Symphytum officinale
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a sturdy, perennial herb that typically reaches a height of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm).
Comfrey’s broad, hairy, lance-shaped leaves can vary in colour from deep green to slightly grayish-green. In late spring or early summer, comfrey produces clusters of bell-shaped, tubular flowers that come in hues of purple, pink, or white.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a well-known wild medicinal plant with a rich history of use.
Though it’s native to Europe and Asia, it grows throughout the Salish Sea Bioregion.
Comfrey thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with full to partial sunlight and consistent moisture, making it adaptable to a variety of growing conditions.
”Arrived in this part of the world along with the settlers, and seems to be as delighted to be here as the descendants of the settlers. It is a sturdy plant that comes back each spring with large somewhat hairy leaves growing about 3 feet tall and producing attractive curled light blue flowers. The leaves have been used for thousands of years to heal ulcers and other gastric problems. Currently, it is used primarily externally, where it is very useful to heal broken bones, using compresses of the rhizome. It has a mucilaginous quality and can be sliced and stored in the freezer until it is needed.”
— Dora
Comfrey is often called "knitbone" due to its remarkable ability to promote tissue regeneration. Comfrey is used topically in poultices and salves to heal wounds, fractures, and bruises. It contains allantoin, which stimulates cell growth and aids in the healing process.
Use comfrey externally only unless you are working with a experienced herbalist.
