Comfrey, Common

Light Conditions:

• Full Sun:
  Place Comfrey in a location that receives 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day particularly if you are growing it as green manure or to improve soil quality.
• Partial Shade:
  In our climate, Comfrey should grow well with 3 to 6 hours of sunlight per day, with periods of shade.
• Choose a partially shaded location for Comfrey. While it can tolerate full sun, partial shade helps prevent the leaves from scorching in the intense heat.

 

Soil:

• Plant Comfrey in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
• Comfrey is quite adaptable (as it grows well in moist soils, heavy clay soils and soils that have depth for its root system) but thrives best in loamy soil.
• Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
• During the rainy season, ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
• The plant has been reported to grow in damp locations along streams, near rivers, in meadows, woods and moist grasslands.
• Apply a thick layer of organic mulch (such as grass clippings and wood chips) around the base of the plant. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds and keep the soil cool. This is particularly important in the warm climate.

Watering Frequency:

• Water Comfrey regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• During dry spells, ensure the plant receives sufficient water to maintain its moisture levels, as Comfrey prefers moist conditions.

Amendments and Fertiliser:

• Comfrey is a heavy feeder, benefiting from regular feeding.
• Apply a balanced, organic fertiliser or additional compost during the growing season to support its rapid growth.
• Liquid feed made from Comfrey itself can also be used as a nutrient-rich fertiliser.

  
  Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Regularly harvest Comfrey leaves to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too tall and leggy.
  • Cut the leaves back to about 2 inches above the ground multiple times a year.

  
  Pest and Disease Control:

  • Comfrey is generally resistant to pests and diseases.
  • Grasshoppers, slugs and snails may occasionally feed on the leaves. Handpick them or use organic slug repellents if necessary.

Comfrey contains a variety of bioactive compounds that contribute to its medicinal and ecological benefits. Here are the key constituents:

• Allantoin:
  Promotes cell proliferation and tissue regeneration, making Comfrey effective for wound healing and skin regeneration.
• Rosmarinic Acid:
  Possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, contributing to Comfrey's ability to reduce inflammation and protect cells from oxidative damage.
• Mucilage:
  Provides soothing and emollient effects, making it beneficial for treating skin irritations and promoting skin hydration.
• Tannins:
  Have astringent properties that help tighten tissues and reduce inflammation, useful for treating wounds and reducing swelling.
• Saponins:
  Contribute to Comfrey’s anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects.
• Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids:
  While these compounds have medicinal properties, they are toxic to the liver if ingested in large quantities. This is why Comfrey is generally recommended for external use only.
• Inulin:
  Acts as a prebiotic, supporting beneficial gut bacteria, though this is more relevant for the plant's ecological interactions than direct medicinal use.
• Phenolic Acids:
  Including caffeic and chlorogenic acids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Proteins and Amino Acids:
  Contribute to the nutritional value of Comfrey, particularly in its use as green manure and compost.

These constituents make Comfrey a potent plant for external medicinal applications, such as treating wounds, reducing inflammation and soothing irritated skin. When used appropriately, Comfrey offers a wealth of benefits that leverage its rich biochemical profile.

Comfrey, is a versatile and beneficial plant that offers a variety of uses, making it an excellent addition to any garden. Incorporating Comfrey into your garden not only enhances its beauty with lush foliage and attractive flowers but also provides a multitude of practical benefits. Whether used as a natural fertiliser, a medicinal remedy or a supportive companion plant, Comfrey is a valuable and versatile addition that promotes a healthy and thriving garden.

 

Entire Plant -

This hardy and versatile plant not only adds beauty to your landscape with its lush foliage and attractive flowers but also provides numerous ecological benefits. From enriching the soil and attracting pollinators to preventing erosion and serving as a valuable mulch and compost resource, Comfrey is an essential addition to any eco-friendly garden. More of these environmental applications can be seen in the ecology section.

 

Roots -

The roots of Comfrey are particularly potent for medicinal purposes. They contain high levels of allantoin, a compound known for promoting cell regeneration and healing. Comfrey root can be used to make poultices or salves that aid in the treatment of abrasions, minor cuts, bruises and other injuries. Applying these preparations to the skin helps reduce inflammation, speed up the healing process and alleviate pain. This makes Comfrey root an invaluable natural remedy for various skin injuries. The anti-inflammatory properties of Comfrey make it effective for reducing pain and swelling associated with conditions like arthritis, sprains and muscle strains. Comfrey leaves or roots can be boiled to make a decoction, which can then be used to soak a cloth for a compress. This compress can be applied to the inflamed or painful area to provide relief. Comfrey has traditionally been used to treat bone fractures and joint issues, hence its nickname ‘knitbone’. The roots are particularly potent for this use, and a poultice or salve made from the roots can be applied to fractures, sprains and other injuries to support the healing of bones and connective tissues.

 

Leaves -

The leaves of Comfrey are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, making them ideal for creating natural fertilisers. You can use Comfrey leaves as green manure or mulch to enrich the soil, improve its structure, and promote healthy plant growth. By adding Comfrey leaves to your compost pile, you accelerate decomposition and enhance the nutrient content of your compost, resulting in more fertile soil for your garden. Comfrey contains allantoin which stimulates cell proliferation and helps repair damaged tissue. This accelerates the healing process for abrasions, bruises, cuts, eczema, inflammation, irritation, itching, muscle strains, psoriasis, rashes, sores, sprains, varicose veins and wounds. Fresh leaves can be crushed or a poultice of the leaves can be used on affected areas. Comfrey leaves or roots can also be boiled to make a decoction, which is then used to soak a cloth for a compress that can be applied to inflamed or painful areas for relief. For skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rashes, the leaves and roots can be used to make a soothing ointment or salve that helps reduce inflammation, itching and irritation.

 

To prepare Comfrey for medicinal use, the following methods are commonly employed:

• Poultice -
  Crush fresh Comfrey leaves or roots and apply directly to the skin, covering with a cloth or bandage.
• Decoction -
  Boil Comfrey roots or leaves in water, strain, and use the liquid as a soak for compresses.
• Salve or Ointment -
  Infuse Comfrey leaves or roots in oil, strain, and then mix with beeswax to create a healing salve.

While Comfrey offers many medicinal benefits, it should be used with caution. Internal use is not recommended due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic to the liver. We advise caution even when applying Comfrey externally as it can still affect the liver.

Soil Enrichment -

Comfrey leaves are rich in nitrogen, potassium and calcium. When the leaves decompose, they add valuable nutrients to the soil, improving soil fertility and structure. Comfrey is an effective cover crop to improve soil quality since it grows fairly fast and produces organic material from the stems and leaves that can be cut and dropped on the ground to rot.

 

Comfrey Tea -

Comfrey leaves and roots can also be used to create a potent liquid fertiliser, often referred to as Comfrey tea. This liquid fertiliser is rich in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium and calcium, which are crucial for the healthy growth of your plants. Simply steep Comfrey leaves and roots in water for several weeks, then use the resulting liquid to water your plants. This natural fertiliser boosts plant health, encourages robust growth and enhances flowering and fruiting.

 

Bioaccumulator -

Comfrey's deep roots draw up minerals from the subsoil, making them available to other plants when Comfrey leaves are used as mulch or compost. This process helps in cycling nutrients and enhancing soil fertility.

 

Green Manure -

Comfrey can be used as a green manure crop. Chopping and incorporating the leaves into the soil helps boost organic matter and nutrient levels, promoting healthy plant growth. Using decomposed Comfrey cuttings as manure are good for potassium demanding plants such as tomatoes.

 

Mulch Production -

The large, nutrient-rich leaves of Comfrey make excellent mulch. Laying these leaves around plants helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds and gradually enrich the soil as they decompose.

 

Compost Activator -

Adding Comfrey leaves to your compost pile accelerates decomposition due to their high nitrogen content, resulting in rich, nutrient-dense compost.

 

Erosion Control -

Comfrey's deep and extensive root system helps prevent soil erosion by stabilising the soil and reducing runoff, particularly on slopes and banks.

 

Pollinator Attraction -

Comfrey's bell-shaped flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity and enhancing the health of your garden ecosystem.

Comfrey is a plant with notable medicinal benefits, but it also carries certain toxicity risks that must be considered:

• Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs):
  Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, especially in the roots and older leaves, which are toxic compounds that can cause liver damage if ingested in large quantities or used over prolonged periods. These alkaloids are hepatotoxic and have been linked to liver veno-occlusive disease and liver cancer.
• Internal Use Warning:
  Due to the presence of PAs, Comfrey is generally not recommended for internal use. Consuming comfrey tea, supplements or other internal preparations can lead to serious liver damage, and therefore, it is advised to use Comfrey only externally.
• Topical Use Caution:
  While topical use is considered safer, it is still important to use comfrey products cautiously. Applying Comfrey to large open wounds or broken skin can lead to the absorption of PAs into the bloodstream. It is best used on closed skin or minor injuries and for short durations.
• Pregnancy and Nursing:
  Pregnant and nursing women should avoid using comfrey due to the potential risks associated with PAs. These compounds can potentially harm the developing foetus or be passed through breast milk.
• Allergic Reactions:
  Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Comfrey, such as skin rashes or irritation. It is advisable to perform a patch test before using Comfrey extensively on the skin.
• Regulatory Status:
  Many health authorities, including the FDA, have issued warnings against the internal use of Comfrey. In some regions, Comfrey products intended for internal use have been banned or restricted.

Despite these toxicity concerns, Comfrey can be safely used externally for its medicinal benefits when applied appropriately. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using Comfrey, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. Using Comfrey in a responsible manner allows you to harness its healing properties while minimising the risk of adverse effects.

 

It can be very invasive as it spreads freely from self-sown seeds. In addition, plants can resurface from roots that are not removed in the soil.