Why I Use Comfrey Leaf + Benefits for First Aid, Wounds & Joint Pain

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Comfrey Leaf Uses and Benefits
Wellness Mama » Blog » Natural Remedies » Why I Use Comfrey Leaf + Benefits for First Aid, Wounds & Joint Pain

I love herbal remedies for mild ailments that we can take care of at home, and my comfrey leaf salve has been a go-to for years. Comfrey has come under some scrutiny in medical literature, so let me take you through the benefits and risks of this pain-soothing, skin-nourishing herb.

What Is Comfrey Leaf?

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a perennial herb with a black root. It has hairy broad leaves (that grow fast) and bell-shaped flowers that can vary in color.

Comfrey is native to Europe and parts of Asia but is now found in North America too.

For centuries, comfrey has been used for ailments like broken bones and other wound support. They called it “knit-bone” and “bone-set” for these abilities. In fact, comfrey’s Latin name Symphytum comes from the Greek symphis (“growing together”) and phyton (plant).

In keeping with its name, comfrey ointments have been used for centuries in folk medicine for:

  • pain
  • bone mending
  • inflammation
  • joint health
  • bruising

Comfrey contains many constituents that are thought to help with these uses. Two that are most associated with benefits are allantoin and rosmarinic acid.

Comfrey also contains nutrients such as vitamin C which is known to support collagen production in the skin and overall skin health.

Health Benefits of Comfrey

Here’s why comfrey leaves are a staple in my home, and why it’s been used for thousands of years:

Wound Care

Many cultures historically used comfrey on open wounds. It can be helpful beyond cuts and scrapes even. I’ve used comfrey for bug bites or bee stings, and to soothe a stinging nettle encounter. Science supports some of these uses as well.

A clinical overview published in 2012 shows that science backs traditional uses of comfrey for wound support. According to the overview, research suggests that comfrey can help reduce wound size as well as support collagen formation.

Additionally, “the healing time when using ointment containing comfrey extract was significantly shorter” compared to preparations with no active ingredients.

Helps Muscle and Joint Aches & Pains

As I mentioned, comfrey can help with wound healing in my experience, but its benefits to the body go deeper. Comfrey can help with pain inside of the body — either muscle or joint pain.

The 2012 overview mentioned above also found that comfrey is helpful in supporting healthy muscles and joints. Pain reduction was observed in the group using comfrey topically. In one of the studies, over half of participants suffering from joint pain found complete symptom resolution, while only about 5 percent had no improvement at all.

In another interesting study, researchers discovered that comfrey resolved symptoms more quickly than cryotherapy. Similar outcomes happened in studies focusing on lower back pain and osteoporosis pain. Overall, studies found that comfrey was helpful in supporting the relief of pain.

Supports Blunt Injury Recovery

Comfrey is most famously used as a poultice for broken bones. Allantoin is the constituent thought to be responsible for this benefit. Allantoin can diffuse through the skin and tissues to reach the affected area. Studies also suggest it supports tissue formation.

I once broke my pinky toe (actually, this has happened more than once thanks to late-night stumbling in the hall to get water for kids) and was told that this is not an injury that doctors can really help and that it would have to heal on its own.

I decided to research natural options to help with the pain and stumbled on information about comfrey in the process. After more research, I decided to make a poultice of comfrey leaf and plantain and apply to my broken toe several times a day.

Since I’d had this type of injury before, I knew that it often took several weeks at least to heal and that the pain often lasted this long. With twice-daily comfrey and plantain poultices, I noticed a reduction of pain within a few days and the pain was almost not-noticeable after one week!

By the second week, I was back to wearing whatever shoes I wanted! Now I’m a believer in the benefits of comfrey.

Uses for Comfrey

Comfrey clearly has many benefits and has earned a place in my natural remedy cabinet. Here are some of the best ways to use comfrey:

  • As a poultice for bone breaks and ankle sprains, or muscle and joint pain. (A poultice is a paste made from herbs (and sometimes clays or other ingredients) that is put directly on the skin and covered with cloth.) This is the safest way to use herbs on the skin and is what I used on my broken toe.
  • Ointment or healing salve for topical wound dressing – I use healing salves or liniments for wounds to keep them clean and help them close faster.
  • Lip salve – I add herbs to lip balms and salves for the health benefits. In this case, adding comfrey can help support healthy lips and avoid chapped and cracked skin.
  • Black drawing salve – I learned about this remedy from an Amish farmer who said it worked well from drawing out splinters and even spider venom. It’s a bit complicated to make but is very effective.
  • After birth sitz bath – Recovery from childbirth can be difficult (especially if you struggle with a sick baby or postpartum depression). Add this herbal remedy to a bath or Peri Bottle to soothe soreness.

Some herbalists who still recommend internal use of comfrey (under specific guidelines) will use comfrey tea for digestive issues, respiratory issues, and urinary issues. I would not personally use it internally and recommend further research and checking with your doctor before you do.

Why? Read on…

Is Comfrey Safe?

Used externally, comfrey is generally considered safe for children three or four years old and older as well as most adults.

As I mentioned earlier, comfrey has come under some scrutiny. The reason is that studies have pointed to comfrey having side effects when taken internally. This is based on the fact that comfrey contains a number of pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage and liver disease.

Some herbalists argue that many studies that came to this conclusion isolated the pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) and injected or fed them to animals at higher levels than herbalists would recommend. In the cases where people had negative health effects from ingesting comfrey, the intake of comfrey was also well above the recommended dosages.

Since the jury is out, to be on the safe side:

  • Do not use comfrey on any type of broken or irritated skin.
  • Do not use if pregnant, even for external use.
  • Avoid it if you have liver problems or cancer.
  • Do not use comfrey in combinations with anything else that affects the liver, such as pain relievers, alcohol, and prescription medications
  • Do not use in combination with herbs such as kava, skullcap, valerian, or CBD oil.

That being said, I like to err on the side of caution and avoid internal use of comfrey if possible. One reason is that there is likely another safer herb I can use in place of comfrey in ingestible preparations.

As always, consult a doctor and/or qualified herbalist before using this or any herb!

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Walker, an internal medicine physician. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor or work with a doctor at SteadyMD.

Ever used comfrey to help a broken bone or other use? Share below!

Sources
  1. Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866. Published 2017 Aug 12. doi:10.3390/nu9080866
  2. Staiger C. Comfrey: a clinical overview. Phytother Res. 2012;26(10):1441-1448. doi:10.1002/ptr.4612
  3. Mei N, Guo L, Fu PP, Fuscoe JC, Luan Y, Chen T. Metabolism, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity of comfrey. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. 2010;13(7-8):509-526. doi:10.1080/10937404.2010.509013

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Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

165 responses to “Why I Use Comfrey Leaf + Benefits for First Aid, Wounds & Joint Pain”

  1. Julie Avatar

    A neighbor broke his foot in March. As he agreed to try comfrey ointment, I went to the pharmacy and bought a jar. Three times a day he applied it and in a week, this 67-year-old went back to the hospital for his appointment and the doctor couldn’t find any sign of a break.

    Another friend, in his mid-twenties, broke his collar bone in six places after an off-road motor bike fall. Two days later he was applying comfrey cream after I told him how good it was for broken bones. One week later he had good movement with the arm and was sleeping well. It is now two weeks later, and he has full movement of his arm without pain and the feeling has come back in his hand. He and his family are absolutely delighted, as they were fully expecting a 6-8 week healing time, if everything went to plan.

    I strained my arm and shoulder last week. After several days of applying various remedies which normally work, and didn’t fully this time, I decided to turn to comfrey. It was effecting my sleep and I couldn’t straighten my arm without considerable discomfort. I applied the ointment around the shoulder and down the arm one morning. All day I had relief and I could straighten the arm and there was no muscle pain in anywhere. That night I did it again, just for good measure. The pain has not returned.

    I would advise against using the raw leaf on the skin. In my case, years ago I did and had considerable damage done to the skin by the leaf hairs. If you want to use it, make a tea and while nice and warm, saturate some cloth, squeeze out the excess liquied and sit it (the cloth) on the location and cover with plastic and then apply a stretch bandage, to hold it in place.

    I honestly didn’t know if the ointment would work with broken bones, but the above testimonials answered my question. I recommend making your own or buying some from the local pharmacy, health food store or online, and have it on hand for emergencies.

    I have since read that allantoin in comfrey rapidly stimulates the production of osteoblasts – cells that make bones by producing a collagen matrix that then becomes mineralized. It has been known to help osteoporosis for this reason.
    .
    Comfrey is truly one of God’s gifts.

    1. rich T Avatar

      What was the name of the product you bought. I cant seem to find ayone selling it?

      1. Julie Avatar

        Hi Rich

        It was Martin and Pleasance, Herbal Cream Comfrey, in Australia. However if you are in the USA, you can buy online, Dr. Christopher’s brand for one; there are many others available also. Just get one which uses the root. M & P has root tincture added to the base cream. I only mention Dr. Christopher’s brand because I have seen it in my search. I have used other products of his myself and found them to be good.

        I hope this helps.

  2. jen Avatar

    I recently broke my ulna and I didn’t want to have surgery…I found comfrey on line as my bone is not healing fast enough. The tincture is from the root, I am putting five dops in my tea twice a day. Is this too much, not enough?

    1. Marloe Avatar

      Jen. I just came across this site as researching the use of Comfrey as a medicine and herbal ally. I was wondering how you made out with the healing of your ulna and the tincture you were taking? I’ve read that for tea it is safer to use the dried leaves and the root tincture you can add to any salve or cream and apply externally. Did you notice any adverse reactions from taking the root tincture??

  3. Krishna singh Avatar
    Krishna singh

    Good evening, I have piles from one year and also pressure sore,some new small three ,four sores are coming attached to piles .I came to know about comfrey leaves miracle , do you think it will be benificial for me ,if I.will drink its tea and how can I apply to the pressure sore.

  4. Mike Jackson Avatar
    Mike Jackson

    Back before they were banned in the UK, I used to use comfrey tablets for a grumbling impacted wisdom tooth when needed: worked every time, just tucked in the mouth by the offending area.

  5. Hilary Wright Avatar
    Hilary Wright

    I grow my own Symphytum Uplandica x (hybrid by Henry Doubleday who made it safe) and make our own Comfrey oil with it. I infuse the leaves, stalks and flowers with extra virgin olive oil and use as a topical rub for aches & pains (I have OA and it helps a lot with that) and I put it on bumps, bruises, insect bites & burns. I would happily try it on anything. I was discouraged from drinking it as a tea by all the usual hype but, after reading your posts i am definitely going to make a comfrey leaf tea daily from now on and see how my sore hips respond. Thank you for the encouragement.

  6. nicole Hetherington Avatar
    nicole Hetherington

    After having a home birth I experienced vaginal lesions that were very painful and lasted for weeks after the birth. I finally called my midwife and she suggested bathing the area in comfrey tea. Back then you could still buy comfrey tea in any health food store.The lesions healed up the next day! It was almost miraculous. It’s too bad you can’t find the tea form that easily anymore but I would be willing to try it in any form.

  7. Keren titley Avatar
    Keren titley

    I have had a spiral fracture to my tibia and it is in a metal frame not a plaster cast, it has been like this for 10 months with barely any healing, I have started using comfrey oil on the fracture site as I’m can’t use the leaves due to infections if it gets near the pin sites. Would it be beneficial for me to start drinking comfrey tea too, as the ankle swells quite badly and I have nerve damage in the foot.

  8. Aubree Avatar
    Aubree

    I Love Comfrey. I grow it and make solar oil infusions, salves, and tinctures with it. It has healed many a swollen knee or ankle. It is amazing!!!

    1. Kathy Avatar

      hi there…my 10 month old gelding is lame in the right front …cant for sure pin point the injury ..knee or elbow or shoulder … my vet said its a deep bone bruise but I’m guessing hes thinks its the shoulder ..do you have anything I could purchase I could put on him and help him out ??

      1. Arielle Avatar

        If it’s a bruise, could you give him homeopathic arnica in an apple? I’ve done that before ?

    2. Shari Avatar

      Can a comfrey salve penetrate down to the bone? Seems the beeswax would form a shield on the skin and prevent absorption. I’ve used comfrey salve for kitchen burns and it is amazing. Stops pain immediately and the next morning there is no evidence of a burn. But I’m confused about using it for broken bones.

  9. Marilyn Avatar

    I used comfrey 40 years ago for an ulcer and sensitive, easily nauseated stomach. For several years I couldn’t eat raw vegetables on an empty stomach without pain. Two cups of comfrey tea for a couple of months, one cup morning and night, completely cured my ulcer and stomach issues. Since then was scared away by the claims it would cause liver damage. I always wondered if it was just scare tactics by the pharmaceutical companies. I am ready to try it again to see if it will heal leaky gut and food allergies.

    1. Julie Avatar

      The tests done on rats and mice was with ISOLATED Pyrrolizidine alkaloids in higher concentrations than those found in the whole plant. When in balance with the other properties of the leaf, these alkaloids don’t pose a problem.

      In my opinion, tests such as these are misleading to the public and are very effective in turning people away from natural remedies which work. Big Pharma wants 100% of the market and is working hard to discredit and destroy their competition. It is simply called G-R-E-E-D!

      As mentioned elsewhere on this site, the root has a higher level of these alkaloids and is not recommended for internal use, but the leaf is SAFE if taken moderately. One cup of tea with one teaspoon of dried leaf per day, is not excessive. Dr. James Duke says that one bottle of beer has the same level of dangerous alkaloids as 100 cups of comfrey tea.

      American botanist, Dr. James Duke is reported to have said that one bottle of beer has the same level of dangerous alkaloids as 100 cups of comfrey tea.

      Studies have shown that alkaloids in comfrey are not readily absorbed through the skin, external application of a crude preparation (cream or ointment of the whole plant) of the root is not harmful and is highly effective in healing broken and fractured bones, inflammation, tendon, muscle and ligament problems, etc.

      Foster Savage, an Australian farmer, grew acres of comfrey and fed it to his cows and pigs back in 1954. The cows produced more milk with lovely thick cream and he became famous for his high quality pork. Not only that, the butchers commented that they had NEVER seen such healthy pig LIVERS before. The animals were allowed to eat as much comfrey as they desired.

    2. Kimberly Avatar
      Kimberly

      Reply to Marilyn…..

      OMG!! I am with you all the way!! I think I have to close an ear to all the horrible written literature regarding the Comfrey tea taken internally. I will consume the leaves and not the root. I need desperate help with leaky gut and a 2 cm Hiatal Hernia. Where did you order your Comfrey Tea leaves? Have you started back consuming the Comfrey tea?

      Kimberly

      1. Nancy Avatar

        For anything to do with the intestine, stomach, colon, colitis, leaky gut… all those things, drink at least one glass of celery juice every day on an empty stomach! (organic celery)…. amazing things will happen.. it soothes the lining – a great healer.

        1. Kimberly Avatar
          Kimberly

          Thank you thank you thank you!!! I will try it immediately!!!

          Is there anything out there that will completely heal a 2cm Hiatal Hernia?? I’ve been taking collagen and honey. I’ve also been drinking Comfrey tea despite all the bogus warnings against Comfrey tea. It’s amazing!! There just HAS to be a remedy to close the soft tissue of the hernia…. ????

          1. Kathie Ann Avatar
            Kathie Ann

            You could try Slippery elm. Its amazing for digestive track.

        2. Mel Avatar

          What if you are sensitive to latex in foods? Celery is on the latex list. Is comfrey safe?

  10. Mallie Johnson Avatar
    Mallie Johnson

    Good afternoon, I was told that I have fibroid, also heavy menstrual bleeding, do you think it would be good for me to take comfrey?

    1. Lavonne Avatar

      I don’t have any experience with Comfrey, but I would like to share what has worked for me. I have had fibroids for over 15 years and had many years of heavy bleeding……fibroids are generally caused by excess estrogen and are very common in overweight women because the fat cells make extra estrogen. We also have many other sources of xeno-estrogens (substances that the body treats like estrogen even though they really aren’t) that we are exposed to on a daily basis (plastics are a very common source……plastic water bottles, heating food in plastic, etc. along with many different chemicals we are exposed to). 8 years ago I went to a gynecologist and she did an ultrasound and immediately wanted to do a D&C along with an exploration of my uterus (forgot the name of that!) because my fibroid tumors were very large. If they found anything unusual, they would immediately do a hysterectomy which she thought was very likely. I did not want to have a hysterectomy if at all possible (that is the thing that most doctors will do immediately) so I started to look at alternatives and found a very easy one. I started to do some research and found some very helpful information on earthclinic.com (this website tells real users experiences with different things they have tried). There are 2 things that were mentioned many times and have helped me over the years and I highly recommend to anyone with very heavy menstrual bleeding:UNSULPHURED BLACK STRAP MOLASSES (organic if possible – you don’t need any more chemicals!!) and ORGANIC APPLE CIDER VINEGAR (Braggs is a great brand). Initially, I used them both and made a drink out of it by taking a cup of warm water and adding a couple of teaspoons of BSM and a couple of tsp of ACV ( I sometimes added more if my flow was really heavy). I noticed immediate results (within half an hour!!)…..i went from a menstrual flow that was so heavy that I couldn’t leave the house to a very manageable flow (light to normal, I guess!!!). I used this every month when I start my period and have always had great results……occasionally I still have a couple of episodes of heavier than normal bleeding and I take a little more BSM. In the last few years, I have grown accustomed to the strong taste of BSM and just take it by the spoonful every day when I start my period (with a little water to wash it down afterwards.) I had also shared this with another doctor who had some patients with fibroids/heavy menstrual cyle problems and he has used this for some of his patients also (not the gynecologist who was only interested in removing the organs)!! I am getting close to menopause which I will welcome with a big relief because then I will have less estrogen and all of the fibroids should shrink. I do not have very many issues with heavy bleeding now so I highly recommend this easy method…..it helps tremendously! I do try to eat a healthy diet but sometimes I have more sugar and fats than I should…..and I am still overweight, but a healthy diet definitely helps too! This is all I have done and am very pleased with the results. Hope this will help some other fibroid sufferers!

      1. Bruce Wales Avatar
        Bruce Wales

        took one year to heal my plantar F. used wintergreen and clove in olive oil as rub every night for heel AND lower back that strained due to putting most of my weight on the non pantar F side. Now my balance is better and no pain!
        ….at 64 years old male.
        Note: lost 25 pounds during same period. First due to pprofessional colon hydrotherapy and secondly, due to quitting alchohol. Less body pounds=less foot (literally) pounds.
        just harvested my comfrey. saved and double filtered the rinse water from pre-cutting comfrey stems and leaves for tincture with vodka and brandy.
        Am adding that “rinse” water to my teas and will use some for “beauty bath”.

      2. Aethell Avatar

        Vickie, can you tell me more about what your husband does and how I can schedule a consult? Thank you!

      3. Faith Avatar

        wow i cant believe i had an “accidental” cure for my heavy periods because i drink ACV (organic w/ teh “mother”) w/ blackstrap, unsulphured and organic molasses every day! but i originally took it for acne (it really helps me w/ cystic acne), and my cousin takes it for energy….its crazy but i have lots of energy now, and i remember i would wake up so tired everyday, and now i feel great. but recently i have noticed that my period is not heavy like it used to be and i didnt know why….now i know, its the ACV and molasses….ill drink this the rest of my life, its miraculous

  11. Wendy Avatar

    Before all the “controversy” and comfrey was pretty much pulled everywhere, I remember sitting down after a long, hard day of my regular 8 hour job and then my 3 hours of teaching aerobics (yeah, 2 1.5 hour classes back to back) and having a nice big mug of comfrey tea. It probably was a little weaker than the norm – I was buying it in stores in tea bags – because I had it in a 16 ounce mug. But it really helped with all the aches and pains, helped relax me a little and helped my had since I was 12 and no doctor could prescribe anything that gave me relief without side effects chronic IBS. I found comfrey to be almost a “miracle” when I tore teondons on the bottom of my foot and was put in a soft cast – I was back in shoes and doing light low impact aerobics in 2 weeks. Even the podiatrist was amazed. Comfrey is a wonderful herb. It’s a shame that these “studies” that are done are done so poorly. Of course people do need to be aware that there are risks – but there are risks with many natural as well as pharmaceutical remedies. People need to educate themselves, do their homework, check other medications they are taking or any other conditions they have before taking anything internally or externally. And with comfrey? make sure you’re steering clear of the root, stay with the leaves. I think I’m going to go hunt down a source for leaves and make some tea. Can’t hurt at this point, I’m in so much pain right now with plantar fasciitis (other foot) and I know it’s helped in the past.

    1. Robyn Milijasevic Avatar
      Robyn Milijasevic

      I had plantar fasciitis in my right heel. It was really painful to walk on. Like little electric shocks. I bathed the foot in hot water with half a cup of bi carbonate soda & quarter cup of Epsom salts for between 1 & 2 hrs. I did this twice the first day. Skip the next day then do it again. Only did it the twice & mine has gone completely. Hope it works for you.

      1. Jessica Avatar

        I used fresh comfrey leaves from our garden that I rubbed in coconut oil and wrapped around my arm for about 30 mins a day for only 2 days (I had inflammation in some tendons on my forearm). I did this 2 days before I found out I was pregnant (super early like 11 days after ovulation). Of course, I look up comfrey use while pregnant and now I’m freaking out. Surely, using it just twice for 30 mins couldn’t have allowed me to absorb too many toxins?!? I really need some reassurance right now! I’m terrified that I poisoned my little tiny baby (I know it’s still cells dividing, but that makes me worry more bc it’s in such a vulnerable stage). I just pray that my skin didn’t absorb too many PA’s

        1. Jamie Larrison Avatar

          The amount absorbed topically is very minimal, unless used for several months at a time. The concern is if comfrey is used internally during pregnancy.

    2. Carol Avatar

      Oh I miss my comforting Comfrey leaf tea. Like you I use to buy the tea bags in stores for many years. Never had any problems from it.

    3. Jody Avatar

      Try soaking your feet (and your body) in Epsom Salts or Magnesium Chloride. Spray on magnesium oil on your body daily. Check Wellness Mama about magnesium.

    4. Laura Rios Avatar
      Laura Rios

      Did you ever find comfrey leaves? I’m looking for some to drink.

  12. Sonya Avatar

    My daughter’s fiance recently fractured his leg skiing and I did some research to help him with his healing and came upon several articles by Dr Susan E. Brown PhD about how to heal them naturally: https://www.betterbones.com/

  13. Alysia Avatar

    Comfrey is fantastic! I took a herbalist course and the uses for it are incredible. I do use it internally – but not every day! People take oil of oregano every day, and really it should be taken for no more than a week and then take a break because it can actually cause problems. There’s been too much fear about this herb and the scientific testing seemed (like you said) to be designed to make it fail. Check out Dr. Christopher – he was a master herbalist and has lots of information on comfrey use.

    1. Marissa Avatar

      If I do not have any comfrey growing just yet…can I order dried leaves online and mix it with water and crush to then place on bone? Will an oil be better? My friend broke his toe and I know comfrey has healing properties from a permaculture class I attended.

      1. Julie Avatar

        Hi Marissa

        If you order the cream which is available online, this will in my opinion, be more practical and works very fast. Your friend can apply it three times a day and not have to worry about a fomentation or poultice, which are both more messy and a lot more effort. They are OK if you don’t have the cream.

        Cream, made with the root, is very effective. I have had two experiences with seeing two friends with bad breaks which healed quickly. They both used the cream which contained the root because that’s what was available.

        If you can’t get it with the root, I would use the one containing the leaf.

        Just Google and you will find something.

        Tea taken internally will heal from the inside out. The dried herb can also be used for that.

      2. Angie Avatar

        I used a comfrey poultice, made from fresh leaves on a very painfully muscle inflammation of my arm,.possibly tennis elbow.
        I left it on all night wrapped in cling film covered by an old sock. I am thinking this may have been a mistake as though the pain was relieved it left a nasty rash. Anyone else have similar reaction?

        1. Jamie Larrison Avatar

          Comfrey has small hairs on it that can be irritating and cause a rash for some people. Comfrey oil or salve that’s been well strained shouldn’t have that same issue though.

    2. Kimberly Avatar
      Kimberly

      Reply to Alysia…

      Is that the doctor’s full name? Dr. Christopher?? You stated that you did not take the Comfrey tea everyday. Was it because of fear? I’m trying desperately to heal this 2cm Hiatal Hernia. It causes really bad symptoms.This Comfrey tea seems like the perfect solution for my problem! Please help!

      Kimberly

  14. Ian Avatar

    Used Comfrey leaf about twenty years ago and have never forgotten the
    occasion.I had an infected sore on my lower leg ,maybe from a large
    splinter, that had caused the glands to swell in my groin…next step
    would have to be anti-biotics.At night I put some fresh Comfrey leaves under a bandage around the sore and by next morning
    the leaves had actually drawn all the infection/puss out of the leg
    and the leaves themselves were soaked with discharge .The swelling in
    the glands was gone and the sore disappeared rapidly.It was an amazing turn around.

  15. William Drake Dorosh Avatar
    William Drake Dorosh

    Has anyone used comfrey and noticed any change in their gum line? My dentist has explained to me that my receding gum line is due to receding bone. We know that was caused by tobacco but can I rejuvenate my jaw bone? I’d like to give it a try. I just want to know are there any comfrey users proud of their gum line?

    1. peter Avatar

      I would try changing your diet. After i started eating more fruits and veggies my teeth improved dramatically. My gums got better (I had mild gingivitis) and I have less plaque. I aim for half my diet being fruits and veggies, preferably raw, and potatoes and juice don’t count. Potatoes because they’re mostly starch and juice because it’s mostly sugar. Smoothies should be limited because you need to chew your food to get the most benefits from it, especially for dental health. I attribute this change from both the high nutrient levels in plant foods (which supports proper tissue growth) and the high fiber content (which helps clean my teeth when the food is raw). Because i have a sweet tooth, many days i would eat half sweet carbs and half fruit, and i still maintained a huge improvement. So there’s more to dental health than just sugar. I particularly recommend raw celery, pears and mango. You can just feel the fiber cleaning your teeth. 😉

      Also try switching to whole grains. They also are high in nutrients and fiber and give your teeth more of a workout than refined grains. Beans are great too. For animal products, fish, grass fed animals, organ meats, and cod liver oil are more nutrient dense, though they don’t contain fiber.

    2. Kaila Avatar

      Oil pulling my friend! It helped me and most of my family achieve healthier gums. You should really try it out if you’re experiencing receding :]

      1. Kim Avatar

        Complete agreement with Kaila. The local dentists were torturing my husband with his bad gums, told him he need to just get teeth pulled now because they would soon fall out. OIL PULLING the Periodontist was amazed at the change. Just get a routine going.

        1. prioris Avatar

          As one ages, the gums can recede and weaken due to collagen levels decreasing I found the cure for gums. I use the Biocell form of Hyaluronic Acid/Collagen. Most HA supplements use it. I use Doctor Best brand because of low cost.

          Take 6 capsules on an EMPTY stomach with at least 8 ounces of water. This must be done because it needs to bind with the water and taking it with food especially any protein will destroy it’s efficacy.

          It will take from 6 weeks to 12 weeks to strengthen gums. Maybe a lot sooner than that. I was taking it to cure a herniated disc which it did in 6 weeks. I noticed afterwards that my gums were regenerated and became very strong. I am 60 years old.

          If one is younger, maybe vitamin C alone will help.

          1. Cait Avatar

            Thanks for this! What do you mean by regenerated? Did your gums grow back at all?

      2. Catherine Avatar
        Catherine

        Yes oil pulling with coconut oil. Even my mainstream dentist recommended this. She said that her patients who used mouthwash found it made no difference, but experienced really good results with pulling coconut oil. I do it for 20 mins when I get up in the morning and spit out the residue (not down the sink – it will block when the oil hardens). I also do for a few minutes before bed and do not rinse.

    3. prioris Avatar
      prioris

      I was in my late 50s when my gums started to deteriorate. At the time I was trying to cure a L4-L5 herniated disc with Biocell brand of Hyaluronic Acid (which is a high absorption HA and collagen. It must be taken on empty stomach and water. Give it a half hour or so to absorb. It healed my herniated disc in 6 weeks. I also found that after 2+ months, my gums regenerated and became very strong.

      1. Martin White Avatar
        Martin White

        I euse Comfrey for arthritis as a poltis and to baid my my feet and ankles find it great instant relieved from pain . I also make a tea of it it isn’t the nicest i prefer Dandelion tea to drink but find it hard to find enouf ingredient i only make my own I don’t by any from shops

    1. Maitri Avatar

      The root has much more of the toxic chemicals than the leaf; Comfrey leaves contain about 0.06% alkaloids, and roots about 0.2 to 0.4%” . I would recommend the leaves if you’re going to make a tea.

  16. Anj W Avatar

    I just saw your post here. I wanted to say that I am a cancer survivor and I do owe it to my daily herbal regime. I make a tea of Comfrey and LIcorice Root. I use 1/2 tsp of Comfrey and 1 tsp of Licorice Root to 2 cups of water. Yes, this is a weak tea by most standards. I sweeten it with a few drops of honey and drink each morning. Having been through chemotherapy and radiation therapy as well as multiple surgeries to remove tumors, I noticed that within 6 months of my starting this regime, I had smaller tumors and less reactions to the therapies. After sticking to my regime without fail for just over a year and half, I went in for another fun biopsy. The result was remission. After another year, I was declared cancer free. This was back in 2007 that I was declared cancer free. I have been since as well. I still go in for regular check ups and tests and even had my liver checked as the common fear of Comfrey being liver failure. I originally heard about using Comfrey from an older Polish Herbalist that I studied under. Yes there are side effects to any herb just as there is for any medication, but before you decide to not use or to use something, please speak with your health care professional and get more than one opinion! Don’t be afraid to ask those silly embarrassing questions either. The only wrong question is the one that goes unasked…

    1. Deanna Houston Avatar
      Deanna Houston

      I had a knee replacement 2 years ago, and due to an infection, I had a revision knee replacement 6 mos. ago. I am experiencing quite a bit of pain after activities, and was considering using a comfrey wrap to alleviate the pain. I have concerns about chemicals from the comfrey. What risk do I take with it causing adverse reactions in my knee?

    2. Jasmin Avatar

      The only wrong question is the one that goes unasked…

      I love this saying right here.

    3. Lorraine Avatar

      I would like to further question the lady who is the cancer survivor.Would it be possible to get her email address?
      Thanks so much.
      Lorraine

    4. Suzi Avatar

      Congratulations on being healthy and cancer-free! I’ve been researching the uses of comfrey for menopause issues. I found a nice, big bag of dried comfrey for sale online but it stated, “Not for internal use.”! I thought that seemed odd, right? Apparently, due to the supposed “risks” for the liver, they must add this disclaimer, which put me off buying it for tea. I’m really glad to read your story and understand a little more about comfrey!

      1. Lisa Avatar

        Any other suggestions for making a poultice besides Plaintain? Thanks!

    5. Bruce Wales Avatar
      Bruce Wales

      Is it possible for you to contact me directly? Reason: I have a neighbor friend who is undergoing chemo and suffering. I would like to refer him to you if he is willing. I have no credibility, whereas you have experienced everything he is experiencing.
      I grow the comfrey. You’ve grown the experience.
      Thank you,
      Bruce

    6. Kim Lambdin Avatar
      Kim Lambdin

      THAT rocks out loud…I know I’m way behind on posts but wanted to share my excitement for you! Congrats!!!

    7. Didi Studzinski Avatar
      Didi Studzinski

      Can you give me the name and contact info of your Polish herbalist?

  17. Sabrina M Bowen Avatar
    Sabrina M Bowen

    Comfrey is extremely easy to grow, so I have TONS of it. And I’ve always drank it as tea. There ARE benefits to taking it internally, and the small risk of side effects still makes it safer than conventional medications!

  18. April Grow Avatar
    April Grow

    I’ve taken it internally, in the form of a tea, for a soft tissue injury, and it really made a difference.

    1. Dawn Casten Avatar
      Dawn Casten

      How do I make tea is it from the root or leaves. When is the best time to dry the plant.

    2. Lesley Avatar

      So much in the way of healing, wheather it be bones , muscles, tendons etc….. Even nerve, dare I say as I have read so I’m quoting here,
      “All connective and soft tissue”, also “Bones and the strength and health of bone” … Can be so so much healthier if we add or supplement out diet, with Magnesium Chloride , since there are different forms of magnesium such as Epsom salts etc… This is the Chloride Type and is quite different than Epsom salts. Most Americans are very deficient in this amazing mineral. It affects so many things in our body I can’t begin to speak to that, if anyone hasn’t read about it, it’s for sure something to read about! Just FYI it’s really helped my life indeed as it was the only thing that’s helped my nerve pain due to a “BooBoo” that was made during my back surgery and I had nerve damage which became nerve pain which is very hard for Dr’s to treat. Similar to diabetic nerve pain .
      Off the wall I’m sorry but! To make it quick, the best way to get this wonderful substance into our bodies and working at peak performance is Transdermally! Proven over and over again, but the supplement company’s make the big bucks on selling magnesium supplements , I won’t say that they have anything to do with it but it’s controversy but bottom line is it’s easily assimilated transdermally and SO easy to make! Like easier than tea? Yes! It helps ? 99% of everything that happens in iur bodies that I wouldn’t want to be with out it even to the way to get a good nights sleep! It’s important . I use and so many others as well, the brand is Ancient Minerals , Magnesium Bath Flakes. You can Purchace expensive “Magnesium Oil” sprays if you just have way too
      Much $$$ lol
      Or you can make the exact same thing with the flakes. You for the equal
      Amout of boiling water over the flakes , stirred till water is clear and flakes have melted, couple
      Minutes.. LOL… Then cool
      And put into a good spray bottle. Spray on yourself when out of the shower, it may tingle some that’s normal
      & doesn’t bother me if it does bug you spray on a non tender place on the Bod like the bottoms of feet or arms etc.. Just get it sprayed on it all absorbs very quickly so if you get a bit of a whitefish look on your skin just brush off with a dry washsloth. The good stuff is already at work in your body so that residue matters not. I can’t tell you how much it has improved the way I feel from yep sleeping good (wow!) to deminished pain to the point I can ExERCIZE again which has always been important to me. I would say for everyone to try it ASAP ! lol
      I love it! If you feel you should speak to a dr first then absolutely !!! Just get it sprayed on as soon as you can. It’s really that important . After you e read or heard what all it can do for you you’ll be blown away! Seriously! So sorry I just interrupted here, but after thinking about healing bones and osteoporosis and perio problems I just felt the need to share! I wish I had know. About it ten years sooner for sure! You’ll then be making some for your BFFs as gifts! Trying to explain its value but it has to be felt by oneself! Health & Peace to All!

      1. Jody Avatar

        Since I discovered magnesium, my life has changed so much. I had lower back pain that sent me crawling into bed on and off and also anxiety, tremors and joint pain. Mg helped ALL of it and I’m never not going to have it. I like Natural Calm and also like to use Epsom Salts (baths) and Mag Chloride transdermally.

    3. Kimberly Avatar
      Kimberly

      Replying to April Grow….

      Everything I have read on consuming Comfrey tea or supplements internally tells me it is DANGEROUS! It really makes me sad. It looks like this is the one thing I SHOULD be consuming for a 2cm Hiatal Hernia! I need this thing HEALED!! I read where you consumed this Comfrey as a tea with great results. I’m excited all over again. How many cups did you consume a day and how long a period of time did you take it?? Please help!!

      Kimberly

      1. CYNTHIA Avatar

        This can be frustrating….I also have small hernia hiatus…I’m also looking for remedies to heal so I can have my life back…

  19. Lynette Danae Avatar
    Lynette Danae

    Wellness mama, speaking of controversy… What do you think about those “organic” tampons? I hope this isn’t too personal but I’m sure alot of us moms/women have seen them at whole foods/etc and wonder..

    1. Becca Avatar

      I know you asked Wellness Mama’s opinion but thought I would share my two cents and see if it helps. Organic can be hard to support fully through and through completely but from an agricultural stand point I think it is important to support organic ag as much as possible. From there though, organic tampons being a healthIER choice for you and your body it depends if they are also toxin and chemical free. Because those harmful toxins are being absorbed into your body with the help of your own body’s natural heat. Also, some tampon’s had controversy with moldy tampons, going unnoticed bc of being hidden in the applicator. I really recommend something like the Diva Cup (or something with the same idea) the first day will blow your mind, I laughed my butt off trying to figure the thing out but once that was over I realized how much of a better solution it really was.

      1. Krista Avatar

        I have used the diva cup for 6 years now and I would recommend it to every woman. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars and my body feels better.

        1. Michelle Avatar

          I Totally agree! I had the diva cup for 2 years, and then misplaced it. Because I could not find it, I ended up using a tampon, only to become extremely sick…not cool, which made me stick to pads until I got another Diva cup. Granted, I have a heavy flow and have to change it a lot, but at the end of the day, it is soon worth it!

      2. Patty Bishop Avatar
        Patty Bishop

        I too switched to the Diva Cup, eventually got used to the awkward insertion procedure, and would TOTALLY recomend this safe and frugal method. The only weird downside in my experience is when you need to (sorry for the imagery), dump and clean it, when in a public restroom. I suggest avoiding that ordeal if at all posible.

        1. Michelle Avatar
          Michelle

          What’s made it a little easier for me when in a public restroom is to take wet paper towels in the stall with me. For the cup & my hands. Having some personal wipes helps too until I get out to wash my hands. It’s still a little awkward, but I can get past it a lot easier now.

          ?

      3. Amber Avatar

        I wholeheartedly agree. The diva cup- both sizes are fairly large though and although it is the American standard, there the lunette, the keeper, the mooncup, me luna- which I use because of the 4 different sizes, then long or short lengths, then in so many colors – all fundamentally the same with minor differences to make a wonderful product that lasts. Precious star pads is a youtuber from GB to help you sort it out.

    2. Dolly Avatar

      For the last few years before menopause I used a small sea sponge for my periods. Worked great. Got it at health food store for 50 cents. Used the same one for years.

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