Comfrey

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http://www.herbsarespecial.com.au/free-herb-information/comfrey.html

COMFREY

Knitbone, Woundwort, Healherb, Gum Plant, All Heal

Symphytum officinale F. Boraginaceae

Constituents:

allantoin, pyrrolizidine and symphtocynoglossine alkaloids, mucilage,

choline, tannins, saponins, asparagine, inulin, resins, phenolic acids include

rosmarinic and caffeic, protein

Vitamins:

A (28,000 IU per 100g), B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, E

Minerals:

calcium, phosphorus, potassium, chromium, cobalt, copper, magnesium, iron,

manganese, sodium, boron, lead, sulphur, molybdenum, zinc

Actions:

vulnerary, astringent, expectorant, emollient, demulcent, antiseptic,

pectoral, nutritive, tonic, alterative, styptic, homeostatic, antioxidant

Medicinal Uses

Recorded history tells of comfrey's use, since ancient times, for healing.

Dioscorides, author of one of the oldest herbal texts, 'Materia Medica' of 50

AD, prescribed the plant to heal wounds and broken bones. Many writers since

have honoured the herb. The name comfrey is believed to come from Latin

'confera', meaning knitting together. The genus name symphytum means to heal

together, and for this use, it is renown: that it can assist the body to heal any

part that is torn or broken, which also explains the reason for another common

name, knitbone. Leaves or roots applied as a wash, poultice or ointment are

used for bruising, sciatica, boils, rheumatism, neuralgia, varicose veins, bed

sores, wounds, ulcers, insect bites, tumours, muscular pain, pulled tendons,

gangrene, shingles and dermatological conditions. A local grandmother told me

she makes comfrey ointment. So renown is it for healing, that her grandchildren

call it Grandma's magic cream. Adding comfrey to the bath water is said to

promote a youthful skin. Comfrey acts as an emollient and is very soothing,

inhibiting further damage to tissues, stimulating the production of cartilage,

tendons and muscles. It has been esteemed as a blood, bone and flesh builder.

The dark green colour of the leaves indicates the richness of chlorophyll with

a molecular structure closely resembling our blood. Chlorophyll acts as a

catalyst, to promote healing within the body of man and animals, and is a

valuable blood purifier. Scientific research shows that chlorophyll helps to

rejuvenate old cells and promote the growth of new cells. This action, together

with comfrey's allantoin properties (a cell proliferant) provides us with a

very powerful herb. Allantoin is one of the elements that makes comfrey unique.

Allantoin is also produced in the allantois gland of the umbilical cord (the

link between mother and developing baby, which feeds the embryo) for promoting

rapid cell growth. Mothers' milk is also rich in allantoin (which stimulates

rapid growth of the new baby) and then the element fades out. This process also

takes place in other mammals. Allantoin is a leucocytosis promoter (increases

white blood cells) that helps to establish immunity from many infectious

conditions.

Internally, comfrey has been used for: indigestion, stomach and bowel

problems, excessive menstrual flow, hoarseness, periodontal diseases, bleeding

gums, thyroid disorders, diarrhea, gastro-intestinal ulcers, hernia, glandular

fever, coughs, lung conditions, hemorrhaging, cancer, catarrh, anemia,

sinusitis, lupus, lowering blood pressure, hiatus hernia, blood purifier, to

ease inflammation of the joints and mucus membranes.

Comfrey was one of the most popular and widely used herbs of the last two

centuries; people had faith in the plant, used it, and experienced miraculous

healing. It was held in such high esteem that it was believed that even wearing

or carrying comfrey could guard and protect a person on a journey. In my

bookshelf, I have more books on comfrey than any other individual herb.

Comfrey Cream

To make an ointment to use externally, take 1 cup of finely cut comfrey root

and simmer in 1 cup of olive oil until it starts to soften. Cool and strain.

Add 50g of beeswax (usually available from supermarkets). Jasmine or orange

blossoms may be added to the simmering mixture, to give the cream a pleasant

smell. The cream is used to relieve pain and aid healing of cuts, bites,

sprains, arthritis, dry vaginal conditions, inflammation and neuralgia.

Comfrey fritters can make an economical, nutritious and

quick meal. Make a batter, with egg, milk and flour, and add finely chopped

comfrey leaves (omit the thick stem as it takes longer to cook). Season with

salt and pepper and, if desired, onions, garlic or other herbs, to flavour.

Place tablespoonfull amounts in an oiled fry pan and brown both sides. Serve

fritters hot or cold for packed lunches, etc. Whole leaves can be dipped in

batter and fried. A woman from Brisbane called at the farm, and shared that, when

they were very poor she fed her family on 'comfrey fish', the leaves dipped in

batter and fried. It was very delicious, she said, and added that, during their

time of poverty, they were always healthy! When dipping leaves in batter, if

the batter seems to coat the leaves too thickly, dip the leaves in cold water

before dipping in the batter.

Juice comfrey leaves with

carrots, celery and other vegetables or greens. Make a comfrey smoothie; using

leaves blended with pineapple juice, orange or mango. In summer, blend comfrey

leaves, zucchini, avocado and carrot juice, to make a refreshing, cold soup.

Comfrey used as a vegetable soup daily, has helped to relax and promote sleep

for people with nervous conditions. Leaves dried and crumbled, or ground to a green

flour, can be added to bread, gravy, soups, and rissoles. Dried leaves are used

as a tea, sometimes used with an equal amount of China tea and sugar and milk.

Combining comfrey with mint and honey, to sweeten, makes a refreshing tea

combination.

 

Much more on the web page - Hawk

Radiating

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aSoaringHawk

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