Comfrey Root (Symphytum officinale)
Information about Comfrey Root
The use of Comfrey spans at least 2,000 years in southeast Asia. Cut and sifted Comfrey root is often used to make salves, ointments and poultices for topical use because of the high degree of mucilage present in the leaf although it should not be applied to broken skin.
While Comfrey was once a common medicinal herb, today oral products that contain comfrey are banned in the U.S. and most of Europe due to alkaloids that make comfrey root unsafe for internal use.
Comfrey is widely used in southeast Asia. The plant was also widely used and cultivated by Europeans, who introduced comfrey to the New World in the 17th century. It is also often grown as an ornamental garden plant.
Although comfrey was used to produce teas and infusions for hundreds of years, the presence of more than half a dozen pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the leaf and root pose a risk of liver toxicity to animals and people. The root, in fact, contains up to 16 times more pyrrolizidine alkaloids than the leaf.
Origin: Bulgaria
Active Compounds: Allantoin, phenolic acids, asparagine, tannins, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, triterpenoids
Plant Part Used: Root
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container away from direct heat, light and humidity.
Appearance And Aroma: Woody and fibrous.
Cosmetic Uses: Comfrey make salves, ointments and poultices for topical use.
Safety: Do not use on broken skin or take internally. Not for culinary use.
Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.
This information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by Health Canada or the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.