How to Make a Comfrey Poultice

The wound healing qualities of comfrey have been known for centuries, leading to the herb also referred to as knitbone. A paste of comfrey was used in the case of bone fractures before the time of the plaster cast. Ingestion of the herb has caused controversy, leading to the herb being banned for oral use in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia.
An herb poultice made of comfrey can be used to treat bruises, wounds, ulcers and other skin wounds. The astringent properties of comfrey can also help to stop bleeding.
Comfrey can be obtained for the herb garden by ordering root cuttings. Dried leaves and root are available from herbalists.

Instructions

Prepare Comfrey for Poultice

1. Chop up 1 cup of comfrey leaves or root.

2. Cover the comfrey with hot, but not boiling, water.

3. Let the comfrey mixture steep until cooled.

Making a Comfrey Poultice

1. Layer the cooled leaves between layers of gauze or in a muslin bag.

2. Squeeze the poultice gently to remove excess liquid.

3. Apply comfrey poultice to affected area.

4. Repeat application as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• *Use a fresh batch of solution each day. *Apply lanolin before reapplying a poultice if skin irritation occurs.

• A comfrey poultice is not recommended for serious injury without medical advice.

References

• http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/comfrey-000234.htm
• http://www.comfreycentral.com/
• http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/dspltr06.html

Resources

• Growing Herbs in the Home Garden