![]() ![]() ![]() 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. Largest concentrations are found in the roots, leaves contain higher quantities of the alkaloid as they grow older and young leaves contain almost none. This plant contains small quantities of a toxic alkaloid which can have a cumulative effect upon the liver. This means that this plant not only produces a great deal of sugar in its nectar on a daily basis, it provides a lot of nectar when compared to other UK plants tested in that survey on a yearly basis, making it a strong source of nectar overall. When the number of flowers per floral unit, flower abundance, and phenology were taken into account it was the only member of the top 10 list for that measurement that also placed in the top 10 list for most nectar per unit cover per year. The plant was rated in fourth place for per day nectar production per flower in a UK plants survey conducted by the AgriLand project which is supported by the UK Insect Pollinators Initiative. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Symphytum officinale for blunt injuries.Ĭlick here for our guide on how to make herbal remedies at home This has a very limited range of application, but is of great benefit in the treatment of broken bones and eye injuries. A homeopathic remedy is made from fresh roots, harvested before the plant flowers. The leaves are harvested in early summer before the plant flowers, the roots are harvested in the autumn. External applications and internally taken teas or tinctures of the leaves are considered to be completely safe, but internal applications of tablets or capsules are felt to have too many drawbacks for safe usage. Some caution is advised, however, especially in the internal use of the herb. The root and leaves are anodyne, astringent (mild), demulcent, emollient, expectorant, haemostatic, refrigerant, vulnerary. This substance is now synthesized in the pharmaceutical industry and used in healing creams. The plant contains a substance called ‘allantoin’, a cell proliferant that speeds up the healing process. Comfrey is especially useful in the external treatment of cuts, bruises, sprains, sores, eczema, varicose veins, broken bones, etc, internally it is used in the treatment of a wide range of pulmonary complaints, internal bleeding, etc. The root and the leaves are used, the root being more active, and they can be taken internally or used externally as a poultice. The roasted roots are used with dandelion and chicory roots for making coffee.Ĭomfrey is a commonly used herbal medicine with a long and proven history in the treatment of various complaints. The peeled roots are cut up and added to soups.Ī tea is made from dried leaves and roots. Older leaves can be dried and used as tea. Young shoots can be used as an asparagus substitute. It can be chopped up finely and added to salads, in this way the hairiness is not so obvious. It may be full of minerals but it is not pleasant eating for most tastes. The leaf is hairy and the texture is mucilaginous. The leaves are also a very valuable addition to the compost heap ![]() A liquid feed can be obtained by soaking the leaves in a small amount of water for a week, excellent for potassium demanding crops such as tomatoes. Simply layer the wilted leaves at the bottom of the potato trench or apply them as a mulch in no-dig gardens. It is tolerant of being cut several times a year and can be used to provide ‘instant compost’ for crops such as potatoes. The plant grows very quickly, producing a lot of bulk. Joanna Boisse, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Russian Comfrey flowers are typically purple, but the two species will cross-pollinate and produce multiple shades of flowers. Common Comfrey flowers are usually white/cream. Small bell-shaped flowers of various colours, typically cream or purplish, which may be striped. AnRo0002, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons I, Noebse, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons Feels rough to the touch because of the stiff hairs. Symphytum officinale is a perennial growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a fast rate. Damp, often shady localities, in meadows, woods etc, especially near streams and rivers It is native to Europe and it is known elsewhere, including North America, as an introduced species and sometimes a weed. Other English names include Quaker comfrey, cultivated comfrey, boneset, knitbone, consound, and slippery-root. Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons ![]()
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