What Is Comfrey?

Comfrey is a plant native to Europe that, among other uses, has found limited popularity in alternative medicine as an herb that quickens the healing process. Although its medicinal uses are unproven, comfrey is still a useful and wide-spread plant.

Identification

• Comfrey is an herb with black roots and bell-shaped leaves that are usually colored in a lighter shade of pink, purple or cream.

Medicinal Uses

• Comfrey's main medicinal use is as a topical healing agent, and may be used to treat many different ailments, from broken bones and arthritis to burns and rashes.

Fertilizer Uses

• Comfrey is used by farmers as a fertilizing agent, as the plant has a tendency to absorb useful nutrients from the soil while it is growing.

Growing

• Comfrey tends to grow rapidly. As a fast-growing plant, using manure while growing comfrey will increase growing efficiency.

Warning

• Comfrey should never be taken internally, as this can cause health problems and has caused cancer in lab animals.