What Is Comfrey Leaf?

Comfrey leaf is a popular herbal remedy for healing damaged tissues. It is most commonly used topically as a salve or infused oil. Comfrey leaf works well on its own and when combined with other herbs.

How to Use Comfrey Leaf (Common Uses)

Comfrey leaf is a popular ingredient to use in herbal infused oils, ointments, poultices, and salves. Some herbalists also recommend comfrey leaf for internal use. It can be taken internally as a tea, decoction, powder, capsules, or extract, however, internal use of comfrey is somewhat controversial in the herbal community.

Medicinal Uses and Benefits of Comfrey Leaf

Comfrey leaf can be used to help heal broken bones, sprains, swelling, muscle tears, and bruises. It is excellent as a topical application, and is a popular ingredient for making herbal infused oils and salves.

Comfrey leaf has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, and acts as a mild antibacterial and antiviral herb.

In addition, its astringent and mucilaginous qualities can be beneficial for healing wounds and boils.

Some older herbalists recommend taking comfrey internally in small doses, and many people have done this without apparent issue. It is likely safe to do so, however there is research suggesting that certain compounds in comfrey may be difficult for the liver to process. This is not an issue when comfrey is used externally.

When taken internally, the high mucilage content of comfrey leaf can be helpful for conditions such as stomach and intestinal inflammation and ulcers. Comfrey leaf may also be taken internally to assist with wound or bone healing. Some herbalists also prepare a spray made from comfrey leaf for use with sore throats, dry coughs, and bronchitis.

Active Constituents in Comfrey Leaf

Allantoin, rosmarinic acid, mucilage, pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Notable Facts About Comfrey Leaf

Comfrey leaf can be added to your compost pile, where it will help to increase the speed that your compost decomposes at.

In the 1960’s and 1970’s, fresh comfrey leaf was a popular ingredient in green juices.