Ways to Use Comfrey

Comfrey is is an effective healing herb because it contains allantoin, a substance that accelerates the production of new cells and speeds up the healing process in wounds.There's evidence that comfrey shouldn't be taken internally and its topical use should be limited, The alkaloids might cause tumors and liver damage. It is, of course, a good idea to do everything in moderation when questions arise about a substance's safety.

Uses

• Comfrey is an excellent healer when you need something to heal quickly. Dr. John Christopher formulated an ointment called Complete Tissue & Bone Ointment that contains comfrey as a base with the addition of eight other herbs, and it is useful for deep tissue massage. A few common names for comfrey are knitbone, healing herb and wound wort. Sprained ankles, broken bones, burns and blisters can benefit from the application of comfrey.

  Farmers use it as fertilizer to grow hay for livestock because it is high in protein, potassium, calcium and vitamins C, B12 and A. Comfrey, being high in nitrogen, is also ideal as a composting activator, and as a mulch you can dry it out and put it around the vegetable garden.

Cautions

• in 2001 the FDA required that all comfrey-containing products intended for ingestion be taken off the market due to the toxicity of the alkaloids it contains. These alkaloids can also be absorbed through the skin, so people should not overuse ointments containing it, or use it on broken skin. Do not use comfrey if you are pregnant, and children and babies should not use it either. Remember, moderation is the key word when using comfrey.