Comfrey Leaf
Symphytum officinale
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Restorative,
Found In: uff! (Touch + Soothe)
Comfrey is a pretty leafy shrub with mini clusters of purple, blue, and white flowers. It's native to parts of North America, Europe, and Asia—specifically Japan where the plant has been harvested as a traditional herbal treatment for over 2,000 years1. The root and leaves of the comfrey plant have been used in traditional medicine in many parts of the world. In Japan, comfrey, the plant has been harvested and used as a traditional treatment for over 2,000 years originally referred to as “knitbone”.
The roots of leaves of the comfrey plant contain chemical substances called allantoin and rosmarinic acid. Allantoin boosts the growth of new skin cells, while rosmarinic acid helps relieve pain and inflammation. Extracts are still made from the roots and leaves and turned into ointments, creams, or salves.
Comfrey roots and leaves contain allantoin, a substance that helps new skin cells grow, along with other substances that reduce inflammation and keep skin healthy. Comfrey ointments have been used to heal bruises as well as pulled muscles and ligaments, fractures, sprains, strains, and osteoarthritis2.
- Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Rena Goldman. (2017) What is Comfrey, Healthline.
- Penn State University. (2011) Comfrey, Milston S Hershey Medical Center.
