What Is Comfrey Root?

Comfrey root is the root of the comfrey plant. Comfrey is a herbaceous perennial known by many other names, such as blackwort, gum plant, healing herb and slippery root. It will grow in most climates and in most types of soil. Comfrey traditionally had many uses, although it is no longer recommended for internal consumption.

History

Comfrey is a member of the borage family and has been cultivated as a healing herb for over 2,000 years. It is a native plant to Europe and Asia, but is now grown in most countries, including the United States.

Identification

Comfrey begins growing in April and flowers in late May. Its stem grows to a height of around 3 feet and its leaves can grow as long as 12 inches. The flowers are bell-shaped and can be purple, white, yellow or red. The roots are expansive, oblong and fleshy, and are black on the outside and pale inside.

Uses

Comfrey root contains allantoin and is used as a poultice in folk medicine to heal wounds, rashes, burns, broken bones, sprains and swelling.

How Comfrey Root Works

It is believed that the allantoin contained in comfrey root breaks down red blood cells and possibly increases white blood cells to aid in the healing of wounds.

Warning

In the past, comfrey root tea was consumed for internal ailments such as bronchial disease, arthritis and ulcers. However, internal use is no longer safe due to the fact that comfrey root contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which have been linked to liver cancer.

Resources

• Purdue University, Article by UWI and UMN
• Herbal Remedies