COMFREY

Chapter 69

Unlike with Spiky Bushes, Comfrey is a herb with many external uses. It will not propagate on its own, making it ideal for transitioning to other areas without fear of invasion. To plant Comfrey, you merely obtain a root cutting, harvested no more than 38 days previous. Growing in moist loamy/clay soil, Comfrey blooms best in full sun environments. Not only is this plant helpful in healing, but it can also be used as a natural fertilizer. Russian Comfrey and Common Comfrey are the most popular; however, Rough Comfrey, Crimson Comfrey, Bulbous Comfrey, Creeping Comfrey, and Tuberous Comfrey are also popular. The Latin name of Comfrey is Symphytum comes from the Greek word (don’t you just love language!) symphis, which refers to bones growing together, and phyton, meaning a plant. This plant requires pruning, as all flowering stems formed in the first year will slow growth and weaken the plant. Dragon dung is super effective in aiding the growth of Comfrey. If the plant is in dire need of fertilization, fresh urine mixed with equal parts water may be used. This isn’t recommended though, since the salt level of the soil may increase and bother the soil life, such as worms. When fully grown, Comfrey may be harvested five times a year, except for the leaves which may be harvested every five weeks. Pruning should be done right before flowering if possible. Do not prune Comfrey after the middle of Autumn hits, as it will need to build up warmth and nutritional reserves for the winter. Wear dragonhide gloves when working with Comfrey. The leaves have the ability to stimulate the growth of cells, repair cells, and to reduce inflammation. They also help with various problems with the bronchia. The root is used to heal ulcers, especially those which are gastric and varicose. It can be commonly found in children’s toothpaste, in order to build up teeth. Bone building supplements for children also contain Comfrey root. This herb is not to be ingested in large amounts (in fact, in the United States, use of Comfrey to treat internal wounds/problems has been banned). Some Herbologists suggest that Comfrey should not be applied daily for longer than a fortnight, or for more than 40 days in one year. This is because the herb contains small quantities of alkaloid (a toxin to the liver),which can cause liver failure in persons who have a weak liver. The toxin is only effective when it builds up over time, and alkaloid is only in the older leaves, so the hazard can be mitigated by using younger leaves. Generally, Herbologists agree the health benefits outweigh the possible health risks, and advocate the popular use of this healing herb. Herbologists promote the use of Comfrey especially for the healing of broken bones, sprains, arthritis, severe burns, acne, eczema, cuts, bruises, and other sores. Comfrey may also be used in the healing of varicose veins.