When you search for herbal remedies, there are several common, well-known solutions like chamomile, St. John’s wort, and ginger. These have been time-tested and widely researched in the medical world. In recent decades, however, we’ve lost several powerful treatments to time, including the comfrey root. Comfrey root is an incredibly powerful treatment for inflammation, pain, swelling, and a range of other maladies.
Comfrey root has been used across much of the world, and grows naturally in Europe, Asia, and North America. It can be identified by its purple, blue, and white flowers with slender leaves and black roots. The application of comfrey root dates back thousands of years, with the earliest uses recorded in ancient Japan and the Roman Empire. Historically, comfrey root has also been known as “knitbone” for its effective use in treating sprains and joint issues.
Comfrey Root Uses and Applications
Comfrey root has a wide range of uses, primarily involving inflammation and pain. It’s been used to alleviate muscle sprains, bruises, burns, and many other forms of damage to bones, joints, and skin. Comfrey root can also reduce the time it takes to heal while alleviating pain. Typically, it’s blended into a topical ointment, cream, or salve for targeted application.
Comfrey root’s medicinal properties come from two chemicals: allantoin and rosmarinic acid. Allantoin supports the growth of skin cells, while rosmarinic acid dulls pain and inflammation. The blend of these properties makes comfrey root useful as an all-in-one treatment option.
Comfrey Root Risks and Toxicity
Despite its benefits, comfrey root does have drawbacks that have been subject to controversy. The root is poisonous when ingested orally and does have the potential to harm your liver. It contains poisonous chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are produced by plants as a defense mechanism. Over the years comfrey root has been banned in several countries and has been largely eliminated from mainstream medical practices. It should, under no circumstances, be ingested directly by mouth.
In the late 1900s comfrey root was essentially excised from medical practices. However, it has endured through traditional and herbal remedy communities, and has been used for selective treatments. Talk to your doctor before using comfrey root to learn more about the potential benefits and risks.
Slowly but surely, the world of modern medicine is revisiting the applications for comfrey root. A recent study verified that comfrey root is effective, while studies published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine verified that comfrey can be used for open wounds.
Learn More about Comfrey Root
At Salem Botanicals, we leverage centuries of traditional knowledge and modern scientific expertise to take advantage of the incredible capabilities of the comfrey root.We use the comfrey root as a primary ingredient in our Hemor Cream, a powerful blend of herbs and oils for the treatment of hemorrhoids and other types of inflammation.
Explore our website to learn more about Hemor Cream and other natural remedies.