Comfrey, Symphytum officinale, is also known as Knitbone and Blackwort, and is a fast growing, large hardy perennial with pretty flowers, reaching a size of 1.2mx60cm (4′x2′) if it’s happy. It prefers a moist situation in full sun or partial shade. A close relative, the Russian comfrey, is used by organic gardeners as a fertilizer for tomatoes and other fruiting crops, and this species can also serve the same purpose. Keep it under control, as it has a reputation for invasiveness, though I have never had any trouble with it myself.

Comfrey should not be used by anybody suffering from disorders of the liver.

Comfrey is used for digestive problems and to reduce heavy periods, and also as a tonic to encourage bone repair. Externally, it’s a good wound herb, and is also used for sores and insect bites. It is said that adding the chopped root to your bath water will help to keep a youthful complexion.

Make a standard infusion using 4 teaspoons of chopped root to a cup of boiling water. Strain before use and sweeten with honey, as it is bitter. The maximum dose is 1 cup a day. You can also make a poultice using finely chopped fresh root mixed with hot water and applied to the area to be treated on a clean bandage, which can be replaced with fresh after 2-3 hours.

As I’ve emphasized before, all herbs used for medicinal purposes must be grown organically, and the faster the herb grows, the more essential this becomes, as foreign chemicals are absorbed more quickly. To find out more about growing organic comfrey, visit the Gardenzone.

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