Comfrey Symphytum officinale

Names

• Synonyms

  Common Comfrey, Knitbone, Quaker Comfrey, Boneset, Slippery Root, Healing Herb, Consound, Blackwort, Bruisewort, Knitback, Salsify, Wallwort.

• Common names

  Symphytum officinale L., Symphytum officinale var. bohemicum F.W.Schmidt, Symphytum officinale var. patens (W.D.J.Koch) Celak., Symphytum patens W.D.J.Koch, Symphytum uliginosum A.Kern., Symphytum uliginosum var. majus Beck, Symphytum uliginosum var. spurium Beck, Symphytum spurium (Beck) Nyman, Symphytum officinale subsp. bohemicum (F.W.Schmidt) Čelak.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) which can cause liver damage and are also carcinogenic. The ingestion of comfrey can lead to the blockage of small blood vessels in the liver, causing a condition known as veno-occlusive disease, which can result in liver cirrhosis and liver failure. Symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, it can lead to hepatotoxicity and hepatic failure. It must be noted that the application of comfrey on skin is considered much less risky than ingestion, but should still be done with caution, especially on open wounds.

• To pets

  Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is also toxic to pets due to the same pyrrolizidine alkaloids found in the plant. These compounds can cause similar liver damage in animals as in humans. Symptoms in pets might include gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, and with long-term ingestion can lead to liver failure. Pet owners should prevent their animals from consuming any part of the comfrey plant to avoid the risk of poisoning.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Varies

• Height

  2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)

• Spread

  1 foot (0.3 meters)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  4

• Native area

  Europe Asia

General Benefits

• Soil Improvement - Symphytum officinale, commonly known as comfrey, has deep roots that mine the subsoil for minerals, potentially improving soil fertility.
• Compost Activator - Comfrey leaves decompose quickly and can be added to compost piles to accelerate the breakdown of organic matter.
• Plant Fertilizer - Due to its high potassium content, comfrey can be used to make a liquid plant fertilizer to promote healthy growth in other plants.
• Livestock Feed - Comfrey is sometimes used as a feed for livestock because of its high protein content and palatability for animals like rabbits and chickens.
• Dynamic Accumulator - As a dynamic accumulator, comfrey gathers nutrients from deep within the soil, making them accessible when its leaves are used as mulch or in compost.
• Erosion Control - With its dense and robust root system, comfrey can help prevent soil erosion on steep banks and sloped gardens.
• Pollinator Attraction - Comfrey flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects to the garden, enhancing pollination and biodiversity.
• Mulching Material - Comfrey leaves can be used as a mulching material around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
• Biodiversity Support - By providing a habitat for beneficial insects and microorganisms, comfrey plays a part in maintaining and enhancing biodiversity in the garden.

Medical Properties

• Wound healing: Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is traditionally used for the topical treatment of wounds, ulcers, and insect bites due to its content of allantoin, which may promote cell proliferation and repair of the skin.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: The plant has been used to reduce inflammation, particularly in cases of sprains and broken bones.
• Pain relief: Comfrey preparations are sometimes applied to the skin to alleviate pain associated with muscle and joint issues, like back pain or sprains.
• Treatment of bruises: Topically applied, comfrey could be beneficial in reducing bruising and tissue damage.
• Skin conditions: Comfrey may be applied to the skin for managing conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis due to its moisturizing and reparative qualities.
• Respiratory health: Historically, it was used for treating respiratory problems when ingested, though internal use is now discouraged due to the presence of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Comfrey leaves are sometimes used as a natural fertilizer in gardens due to their high content of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.
• The slimy substance from comfrey roots can be used as a natural form of glue or paste.
• Comfrey has traditionally been used to condition soil and speed up the decomposition process in compost heaps thanks to its fast decay when chopped and mixed into the pile.
• As a dynamic accumulator, comfrey's deep roots can bring up nutrients from the subsoil, which can then be used to nourish other plants when its leaves are used as mulch.
• Some gardeners create a 'comfrey tea' by steeping the leaves in water, which is then used as a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer for plants.
• The fibrous stems of comfrey have been experimented with for making rough paper or cardboard products.
• Comfrey leaves have been used as a green dye for fabrics, although this is not a commonly practiced technique.
• Farmers have used comfrey in the past as feed for livestock, although it is not widespread and care must be taken due to certain compounds that can be harmful in large quantities.
• In permaculture, comfrey plants are often planted along the edges of garden beds to act as a living barrier and to prevent the encroachment of grass and weeds.
• Historically, comfrey was sometimes used to fill in potholes or line the bottoms of primitive roads and pathways to create a more stable walking surface.

Feng Shui

The plant Comfrey is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The plant Comfrey is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Healing: Symphytum officinale, commonly known as comfrey, has long been associated with healing due to its medicinal properties that help in repairing bones and healing wounds.
• Protection: Comfrey is also considered to represent protection, as it was historically used to protect travelers and ward off harmful or negative influences.
• Safety During Travel: Carrying comfrey or using products made from it was believed to ensure a safe journey, particularly for those traveling long distances.
• Fertility: Being a plant that vigorously grows and replenishes, comfrey is symbolic of fertility and the abundance of nature.