COMFREY

Comfrey grows in moist ground in valley and meadows in regions from Newfoundland south to Georgia and west to Louisiana. Comfrey can also be found growing in similar climates and geographies in Europe. Comfrey is large plant that can reach up to 5 feet in height. The narrowly oval, alternate, dark green leaves grow on the erect, upper branching stem with downy, pale yellow to purplish bell-shaped flowers that bloom from May through September. The comfrey root is black on the outside, fleshy and cream colored on the inside, and contains a glutinous juicy substance.

Medicinal Indications

Mucilage and allantoin are the primary constituents in comfrey which are responsible for the herbs soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. Comfrey has a wide range of medicinal uses for both internal and external ailments. Its actions are anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory. Comfrey is an anodyne (alleviates pain), astringent (constricts blood vessels), expectorant (expels mucous), emollient (used to soften body tissues including skin), haemostatic (helps blood clotting), proliferant (increases cells growth), refrigerant, mild sedative, and vulnerary (ability to heal injuries). Dried comfrey leaves are especially popular when used in connection with internal disorders, such as lung ailments, and when used as an expectorant. Comfrey acts as a natural laxative and the mucilage as a gum-based substance relieves diarrhea and also helps with the digestion of food, a great benefit to people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. Reports indicate that comfrey is useful for individuals suffering from ulcers and diabetes. Mucilage created by comfrey delays the emptying of the stomach and reduces after-meal peaks of glucose and insulin. It also helps to remove cholesterol, and the high nutrient content helps people feel better.

Dried comfrey leaves are especially popular for treating internal disorders such as lung ailments and is considered a power expectoran. Comfrey acts as a natural laxative and the mucilage, a gum-based substance relieves diarrhoea and also helps with the digestion of food (a great benefit to people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome). Reports indicate that comfrey is useful for individual suffering from ulcers and diabetes. Mucilage created by comfrey delays the emptying of the stomach and reduces after-meal peaks of glucose and insulin. It also helps to remove cholesterol, and the high nutrient content makes one feel a whole lot better.

Comfrey is most commonly used in connection with the following conditions:

• Bruises
• Sprains and Strains
• Dislocations
• Wounds

• Protein
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B12 (There are only two plants that contain Vitamin B12 naturally Alfalfa and Comfrey)
• B Complex Vitamins
• Mucilaginous fibre
• Calcium
• Potassium
• Phosphorus
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Sulphur
• Copper
• Zinc
• Selenium
• Germanium