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COMFREY
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(Symphtytum officinale)
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Other Names
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Blackwort, Bruisewort, Common Comfrey, Gum Plant, Healing Herb, Knitback,
Knitbone, Salsify, Slippery Root, Wallwort, Knitbone, Woundwort.
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Description
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Comfrey is a 5 foot perennial plant native to the United States and
Europe. It
thrives in moist meadows and fields.
The black rootstock is fleshy and whitish on the
inside. The thick, spreading root produces a hollow stem that is covered with
large hairy leaves. The white, blue, or purple bell shaped flowers bloom from May through
August.
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Classification
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Moist
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Taste
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Sweet
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Cool
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Humor
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Fire
ê Water
é Air
ê
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Uses/Applications
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Comfrey is a powerful healing agent in gastric and duodenal ulcers, hiatus
hernia, and ulcerative colitis.
Use for bronchitis and irritable
coughs. Externally it will speed the healing of wounds and guard against
scaring. It is also excellent in chronic varicose ulcers. It makes an excellent
mouthwash or gargle for sore throats, laryngitis, hoarseness, and bleeding
gums. Taken internally it will also aid in excessive menstrual flow and
bloody urine.
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Aerial Part
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Cream
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Use for bone or muscle damage.
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Infused Oil
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Use on arthritic joints, bruises, sprains, and other traumatic
injuries. Also good for inflamed bunions.
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Poultice
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Apply to minor fractures that are not normally set in plaster, such as broken
toes or hairline cracks.
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Root
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Poultice
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Use on varicose veins or ulcers and other stubborn
wounds. It is also good for bleeding hemorrhoids.
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Combinations
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For gastric ulcers or inflammation combine with Marshmallow or
Meadowsweet.
For chest or bronchial combine with Coltsfoot or White
Horebound.
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Constituents
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Mucilage, Gum, Allantoin, Tannin, Resin, Alkaloids, Volatile
Oil.
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Action
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Vulnerary, Demulcent, Astringent, Expectorant, Emollient, Pectoral,
Tonic.
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Food Values
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None
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Part Used
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Root, Rhizome, Leaf.
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Collection
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Collect roots in the spring or fall when Allantoin levels are the
highest. Split the roots down the middle and dry at 16o C.
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Preparation
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Cold Extract Tea
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Use 3 heaping Tsp. rootstock with 1 cup water. Let stand 10 hours, then
strain. Bring
the soaked rootstock to a boil in a 1/2 cup water, then strain. Mix with cold extract and drink
a mouthful at a time throughout the day.
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Decoction
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Boil 2 Tsp. rootstock in 1 cup water or wine. Take a cupful three times per
day.
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Infusion
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Use 2 Tsp. rootstock per 1/2 cup water. Drink 2 cups per day a mouthful
at a time.
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Tincture
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Take 1/2 - 1 Tsp. three times per day.
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Growing Directions
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Comfrey can be started from seeds, but grows best from root cuttings taken in the
spring or fall. Sow the seeds in early spring in 1 inch of soil. If you are planting root
cuttings take a 1 inch long piece of root and plant in 3 inches of soil. Set cuttings 3 feet
apart. Comfrey grows best in well-drained soil and will tolerate full sun or
partial shade. Once Comfrey has rooted it spreads like wild fire, so be sure to plant it
where it won’t become a nuisance.
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History
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In America as far back as 1892, Comfrey was well known in the field of
Pharmacology were is was called “Amica” of broken bones, inflammations, and
wounds. Comfrey’s country name was Knitbone, a reminder of its traditional use in
healing fractures. The herb contains Allantoin which encourages bones, cartilage, and muscle
cells to grow. When the crushed herb is applied to the skin the Allantoin is absorbed
speeding up the healing process.
Legend says Comfrey baths were popular before marriage to
repair the hymen, to restoring virginity.
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Additional Information
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1. In 1978, the National Cancer Institute reported rats fed Comfrey developed
liver cancer.
2. Bruce Ames of the University of California reports that 1 cup of Comfrey
tea is about as risky as eating a peanut butter sandwich.
3. Use is restricted in Canada, Australia, Germany, and New
Zealand.
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Cautions
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1. Avoid using on dirty wounds because rapid healing can result in
infection.
2. Comfrey has been found to contain chemicals that in large doses cause
serious liver damage and cancer in lab animals.
As a result Canada has banned Comfrey
3. Do not use if there is a history of liver disease, alcoholism, or
cancer.
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Magick Information
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Gender:
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Feminine
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Planet:
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Saturn
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Element:
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Water
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Deity:
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None
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Powers:
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Safe Travel.
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Magickal Uses:
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Wear Comfrey to ensure safe travel. Place it in your suitcase to
protect against lost luggage.
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