Comfrey leaf is most known for its ability to promote healing and repair minor injuries like sprains and bruises. Traditionally, this herbal medicine was used to heal broken bones by early European doctors. Now, anti-inflammatory creams derived from the comfrey leaf can be found in many ambulances and first-aid kits worldwide.
Identification and History
Comfrey leaf comes from the Symphytum officinale plant and is commonly called knitbone. The comfrey leaves themselves are oval shaped and covered with bristly hairs. The leaves from the lower stem are large (10 inches) and descend in size farther up the stalk. The plant is native to Europe and parts of Asia. As far back as 400 BCE, Greek physicians used comfrey leaves to stop bleeding and treat respiratory illnesses. In Middle Ages England, people used comfrey leaves to heal wounds and mend broken bones. To further attest to this plant's long history as an herbal medicine, "comfrey" is derived from Latin "con firma," to make whole again. Also, the botanical name Symphytum is a Greek derivative of "symphyo" (to unite).
Using Comfrey Leaf
The most common use for comfrey leaf is as a healing agent for skin and skeletal wounds. According to an herbal medicine website, Herbal Remedies Info, the results of an American study confirms that comfrey leaf has healing powers. One of the main constituents of comfrey leaf is allantoin, a chemical that breaks down red blood cells to promote rapid healing of bruises and contusions. As an ointment or paste, comfrey leaf can be applied to burns, sprains, broken bones and skin lesions. The best way to consume comfrey leaf is to first dry and grind up the leaves. To make a paste, mix the dried leaves with water, aloe vera or a light, moisturizing oil. Next, apply the paste directly to the skin.
Warning Against Ingestion
In some cases, comfrey leaf is ingested to heal urinary and digestive problems. Botanical.com recommends taking an infusion of 1 pint boiling water for every 1 ounce of comfrey leaves. However, taking comfrey leaves internally is not always recommended. The debate revolves around the pyrrolizidine alkaloids found in comfrey leaves. So-called PAs can cause fatal liver damage if consumed in large amounts, but there is no conclusive evidence to show that comfrey leaves contain high amounts of the PAs (pyrrolizidine alkaloids). Some countries like Canada, Germany and Australia have placed restrictions on the comfrey leaf because of the potential dangers of the toxic alkaloid pyrrolizidine.
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