Also known as knitbone, it was traditionally used in fractures as it encourages bone, cartilage and muscle cells to grow. Formerly country people cultivated comfrey in their gardens for its virtue in wound healing.

The parts of the plant used are the aerial part and the root. The aerial part is rich in allantoin and used externally in creams and oils for sprains, arthritic joints and other injuries. The root has similar properties and can be used for varicose ulcers.

Mucilage, steroidal saponins, allantoin, tannins, alkaloids, inulin, vitamin B12, protein

Tincture Traditionally prescribed for gastric ulceration or oesophageal damage

Poultice (Puree the leaves only) these can be applied to minor fractures, broken toes, ribs, hairline cracks in larger bones

Cream This is traditionally used for bone or muscle damage including osteoarthritis

Infused oil This is traditionally used for arthritic joints, bruises, sprains and other traumatic injuries

Root

Decoction This is traditionally prescribed for inflammations of the digestive tract

Poultice (Make a paste of root with a little water) and can be used on varicose ulcers

Avoid using on dirty wounds, or bones which have not been set properly as comfrey encourages new bone growth