Comfrey Symphytum officinale blue-flowered

Names

• Family

  Boraginaceae

• Synonyms

  Common Comfrey, Knitbone, Boneset, Knitback, Consound, Blackwort, Bruisewort, Slippery Root, Healing Herb, Ass Ear

• Common names

  Symphytum officinale.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Blue

• Height

  2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)

• Spread

  1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  4-9

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Improves Soil Fertility: Symphytum officinale, commonly known as comfrey, has deep roots that mine the subsoil for minerals, which are then brought to the surface and can enrich the soil around the plant.
• Compost Activator: Comfrey leaves are rich in nitrogen and can help speed up the decomposition process when added to compost piles, making it a valuable addition to composting efforts.
• Natural Fertilizer: The nutrient-rich leaves of comfrey can be used to make a liquid fertilizer for plants, providing essential nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen.
• Animal Fodder: It can be used as a fodder plant for livestock, providing a source of protein and other nutrients when added to the animals' diet in moderation.
• Attracts Beneficial Wildlife: The flowers of comfrey attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden, which is beneficial for pollinating crops and maintaining biodiversity.
• Ground Cover: Comfrey can be used as ground cover to suppress weeds, as its dense growth can help prevent weed seeds from germinating and establishing.
• Prevents Erosion: With its deep roots, comfrey can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, particularly on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
• Garden Mulch: The leaves can be used as mulch around plants, which gradually break down and add nutrients to the soil while helping retain soil moisture.
• Supports Permaculture Practices: As a perennial plant, comfrey is well-suited to permaculture gardens where it can serve multiple functions over its long life span without the need for replanting each year.

Medical Properties

• Wound healing: Comfrey, the common name for Symphytum officinale blue-flowered, contains allantoin which is known to speed up the healing process by stimulating the growth of new cells.
• Anti-inflammatory: The plant has rosmarinic acid, which contributes to its anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Pain relief: Traditional use includes application of comfrey extracts to alleviate pain, particularly in conditions like sprains, bruises, and bone fractures.
• Tissue regeneration: Due to its high mucilage content, comfrey is sometimes used in topical remedies aimed at the regeneration of tissue.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Fertilizer: Comfrey leaves are high in nitrogen and can decompose quickly, making them an excellent addition to compost piles or used as a direct mulch to enrich soil fertility.
• Livestock feed: Comfrey can be used as fodder for livestock, particularly rabbits and pigs, due to its protein-rich leaves.
• Natural barrier: With its dense growth, comfrey can be planted to form a green barrier or living wall, which can provide privacy or mark boundaries.
• Dynamic accumulator: Comfrey has deep roots that mine the subsoil for minerals, potentially bringing up nutrients and making them available to other plants when its leaves are used as mulch or in compost.
• Plant propagation aide: Some gardeners use comfrey liquid (made by steeping the leaves in water) as a mild natural root growth stimulant for cuttings of other plants.
• Pond companion: Planted around the edges of a pond, comfrey can help in stabilizing the bank and offer habitat for beneficial insects and amphibians.
• Biodegradable pot: Young plant starts can be planted in rolled up comfrey leaves, which will decompose in the soil, reducing the need for plastic pots.
• Natural dye: The roots of comfrey can be used to create a natural reddish-brown dye for fabric and yarn.
• Leaf mould: Comfrey leaves can be collected and stored to rot down into leaf mould, a soil conditioner that improves soil structure and water retention.
• Bee and insect attractant: Comfrey flowers are a good source of nectar and attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity in the garden.

Feng Shui

The Comfrey is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Comfrey is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Healing: Symphytum officinale, commonly known as comfrey, is traditionally associated with healing due to its medicinal properties that aid in wound recovery and reduce inflammation.
• Protection: Comfrey has been thought to offer protection against negative influences and was historically used in folk rituals to safeguard travelers and to protect against theft.
• Safe Travels: Carrying comfrey during travel was believed to ensure safety and provide good luck on journeys, stemming from its protective lore.
• Homeopathic Remedy: As comfrey has a place in homeopathic treatments, its symbolism extends to natural wellness and alternative medicine, honoring the plant's ability to alleviate various ailments.
• Money: Folklore suggests that comfrey can attract money or good fortune, possibly because of its all-around beneficial properties and its potential to facilitate prosperity.