Common Name: Common Comfrey
Genus & Species: Symphytum officinale L.
Family: Boraginaceae
Other Names: Knitbone, Boneset, Consound, Slippery-root, Quaker Comfrey
Similar Species: Rough Comfrey (Symphytum asperum), Russian Comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum) – actually a hybrid between Common and Rough Comfrey.
Range and Habitat: Common comfrey is a perennial plant found of damp ground and is found beside rivers, in moist grasslands, fens and ditches, and on roadside verges and waste ground in western Asia, Europe, and naturalised in North America. It is also widely cultivated in gardens, as are the similar species listed above. It is considered widespread and common in the UK, particularly in England.
General ID: The hardy plant can grow to a height of 0.3–1.2m by 0.6 m at a fast rate. It is a perennial herb with a black, turnip-like root and large, hairy broad leaves that bears small bell-shaped flowers of various colours, typically cream or purplish, which may be striped. As is common with many plants in this family, the flowers seem to change colour as they age, or perhaps with pollination. It is hardy to zone (UK) 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from June to July.
For food… The young leaves may be eaten cooked or raw. The leaf is hairy and the texture is mucilaginous but it is not pleasant eating in its raw state for most tastes. It can be chopped up finely and added to salads, in this way the hairiness is not so obvious. Young shoots can be used as an asparagus substitute and the blanched stalks are used. Young leaves are excellent dipped in batter and made into fritters, with the mucilaginous texture lending a succulence when prepared this way. Older leaves can be dried and used as a tea. The peeled roots are cut up and added to soups. A tea is made from the dried leaves and roots. The roasted roots are used with dandelion and chicory roots for making coffee.
It should be noted however that it is generally discouraged for internal use.
This plant contains small quantities of pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are toxic compounds readily absorbed via the stomach or skin, and have potential to increase the risk of fatal liver toxicity via a cumulative effect upon the liver. Largest concentrations are found in the roots, leaves contain higher quantities of the alkaloid as they grow older and young leaves contain almost none. Most people would have to consume very large quantities of the plant in order to do any harm, though anyone with liver problems should obviously be more cautious. The plant is also shown to increase production of these when it is under stress.
For healing… Comfrey is a commonly used herbal medicine with a long and proven history in the treatment of various complaints. The root and the leaves are used, the root being more active, and they can be taken internally or used externally as a poultice. Comfrey is especially useful in the external treatment of cuts, bruises, sprains, sores, eczema, varicose veins, broken bones – hence some of its common names.
Internally it is used in the treatment of a wide range of pulmonary complaints, internal bleeding etc. The plant contains a substance called 'allantoin', a cell proliferant which speeds up the healing process. This substance is now synthesized in the pharmaceutical industry and used in healing creams. The root and leaves are anodyne, astringent (mild), demulcent, emollient, expectorant, haemostatic, refrigerant, vulnerary.
The leaves are harvested in early summer before the plant flowers, the roots are harvested in the autumn. Both are dried for later use. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh root, harvested before the plant flowers. This has a very limited range of application, but is of great benefit in the treatment of broken bones and eye injuries
Some caution is advised, however, especially in the internal use of the herb due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids as noted above. Use topically on unbroken skin. May cause loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting. Do not use with Eucalyptus. Do not combine with herbs containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (e.g. agrimony, alpine ragwort, help, tansy ragwort).
In culture… The plant is a dynamic mineral accumulator, as it gathers minerals and nutrients from the soil and stores them in a more bioavailable form which makes it ideal to use to improve soil fertility. It grows very quickly, producing a lot of bulk and tolerates being cut several times a year. It can be used to provide 'instant compost' for crops such as potatoes by simply layering the wilted leaves at the bottom of the potato trench or applying them as a mulch in no-dig gardens.
A liquid feed, often known as ‘comfrey tea’, can also be obtained by soaking the leaves in a small amount of water for a week, excellent for potassium demanding crops such as tomatoes. The leaves are also a very valuable addition to the compost. A gum obtained from the roots was at one time used in the treatment of wool before it was spun.
Most of its cultural associations refer in someway to its use to mend bones. the derivation of its Latin name Symphytum (from the Greek symphis, meaning growing together of bones, and phyton, a plant), referring to its ancient uses. Similarly, the common French name is consoude, meaning to weld together.
Mythologically it is associated with the zodiac sign of Capricorn and the planet Saturn and is said to be sacred both to the Roman god Saturn and the Greek goddess of witchcraft, Hecate. In contemporary witchcraft it used in protective magic for travellers, their vehicles and to protect against theft or lost luggage. Comfrey root in sachets is also allegedly used to keep a lover faithful while you are gone.
For wildlife… The plant produces copious amounts of nectar and pollen and as such is a popular food plant for many insects, including many species of bees (especially Apidae and Bombidae species). Spiders and parasitic wasps will often hunt for prey around comfrey plants with the spiders making good use it as habitat and refuge during the winter. Lacewings (order Neuroptera) favour the plant for the purpose of egg-laying.
At FFPG… At FFPG comfrey can be found in a dedicated central comfrey bed area and in the forest garden.
Disclaimer
This is intended for information only. FFPG, its staff, trustees and volunteers do not make any claim as to the safety or efficacy of plants listed for medicinal purposes and do not encourage the consumption or use of any of the plants listed herein. Anybody wishing to use plants for medicinal effect is advised to consult their medical professional.