Comfrey is a unique plant that heals fractures, abrasions and dislocations, accelerates tissue regeneration, and has an anti-inflammatory and protective effect on the skin. An ointment from the plant can be easily purchased at a pharmacy or prepared independently at home.
Comfrey - description
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.), native to Asia and Europe. It is a perennial plant growing from a thick, fleshy root system that can reach deep into the ground in search of moisture and nutrients. The most beneficial properties of the herb are the ability to reduce pain, eliminate inflammation, strengthen the immune system, stimulate regeneration and strengthen bones, heal the skin, prevent the development of tumors and improve the he alth of the respiratory tract. Because of this, the herb is widely used in folk and alternative medicine, although there are some contraindications in its use.
Comfrey grows mainly innorthern Europe, and the height of a mature plant, as a rule, reaches 120 - 150 cm. The largest leaves are in the lower part of the bush, their size decreases towards the top of the plant. They are oval in shape with sharp tips. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem. The whole plant is covered with short hairs that give a hard feeling when touched. All its parts secrete slimy juice when damaged.
Depending on the variety, comfrey has flowers that are white, purple or blue. They resemble the shape of a bell, 1 - 2 cm long. After flowering, they form a capsule containing four seeds. Due to its attractive appearance, the plant is suitable for decorating gardens and parks.
Collection and drying
In folk medicine, both leaves and roots of comfrey are used. However, the root is believed to have stronger medicinal properties. The best time to collect leaves is during the flowering period. After harvesting, it is recommended to dry in the sun, in places with good air circulation.
It is recommended to dig the roots in early spring, when the shoots come out of the ground, or in autumn, after the first frost. After digging, they should be cleaned and cut into thin slices. After drying, the plant should be stored in an airtight container.
Key plant nutrients
Comfrey contains:
- allantoin, alkaloids, choline, tannins, saponins, asparagine, inulin, resins, phenolic acids andprotein;
- vitamins B, A, C and E;
- microelements - calcium, potassium, phosphorus, chromium, copper, cob alt, iron, manganese, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, boron, molybdenum, zinc.
Allantoin deserves special attention - it is formed from uric acid, in the roots of plants. Allantoin affects the formation of connective tissue, which accelerates wound healing. In addition, it has an anti-inflammatory effect, soothes irritations, accelerates skin regeneration, softens and smoothes it, relieves the symptoms of psoriasis, helps with ulcers, protects against the formation of bedsores and sunburn.
Skin benefits
Comfrey ointment due to its high content of antioxidant components, as well as vitamin C, is a miracle cure for wound healing. The tool helps to eliminate foreign substances from the body and activates the production of collagen.
Cosmetics based on comfrey oil can be used on the face and skin of the whole body, as they have a firming effect. Therefore, this plant is a component of serum for the face, eyes, as well as lotions and ointments, which not only have a stimulating and warming effect, but also effectively help fight cellulite. Cosmetic products with comfrey reduce wrinkles and stimulate skin microcirculation. After using them, the skin becomes more radiant, hydrated, fresh, and the signs of aging are reduced.
Comfrey for bone growth and regeneration
Comfrey can help speed up the healing process of broken bones as well as other physical injuries. This plant is high in calcium, which is a key component of growth and regeneration of the musculoskeletal system. For this purpose, it can be applied directly to the skin or as a compress, which will significantly speed up healing. The plant is also suitable for repairing damaged muscles.
Anti-inflammatory effect of the plant
Comfrey is a natural anti-inflammatory agent as it contains various organic compounds such as saponins and tannins. In folk medicine, there are many ways to use comfrey for joints in the stage of inflammation. A tincture and ointment from the plant are used in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism.
Ointment from the plant is recommended for chronic pain in the body or during recovery after surgery. The use of an ointment with plant extract can quickly relieve pain, especially when other remedies are not available. Herbal preparations are often recommended for many diseases of the spine.
Comfrey and its expectorant action
Comfrey is not known to be taken orally, but even inhaling its scent or rubbing it on the skin of the chest can act as an effective expectorant. Traditional medicine recommends the use of this plant for inflammation of the respiratory tract.
Comfrey and strengthening the immune system
An extremely important component of comfrey is vitamin C, which inallows the body to stimulate the production of white blood cells. They are the first line of defense of the body's immune system. Due to this, the plant can be used to protect and treat many diseases, mainly related to the weakening and exhaustion of the body.
Comfrey for varicose veins
In traditional medicine, the beneficial properties of comfrey are also used in the case of varicose veins. It relieves inflammation, swelling and pain. Currently, you can find Russian medicines based on comfrey extract, intended for the treatment of inflammation of the veins.
How to apply the plant?
Comfrey reviews and information on how to use the plant can be found on the forums dedicated to traditional medicine, as well as in our article. Comfrey root should not be used internally - it contains alkaloids that are toxic to the liver. The plant should be used externally, best as a tincture or ointment. You can also combine a teaspoon of crushed root with a few drops of boiled water and a tablespoon of olive oil. Thus, the resulting slurry must be applied to a sore spot (wound, place of pain), wrapped with linen material, covered with a towel and bandaged.
Comfrey tincture
Comfrey tincture is considered an effective medicine, primarily for diseased joints and muscles, inflamed skin, internal organs and the respiratory system. For its preparationyou only need the root of the plant and alcohol (70%). 1 - 2 comfrey roots should be thoroughly washed and finely chopped, then poured into a clean bottle. Then you need to fill everything with alcohol and leave it in a sunny place for 2 weeks.
The tincture can only be used externally, and for a short period of time. Oral use can lead to serious he alth problems. The tincture is most often used in case of bruises and pain in the joints, as well as rheumatic diseases.
Decoction
Put 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb into a saucepan. Pour 500 ml of water, bring to a boil and cook for 10-15 minutes. Then let it brew under the lid and strain. So, the resulting decoction is applied externally in the form of compresses in case of injuries, bruises, abrasions, sprains, pains, etc.
Ointment
To use comfrey for joints, it is necessary to prepare an ointment from the plant. To do this, the peeled and dried root (about 6 pieces) of the herb must be chopped (cut, passed through a coffee grinder). The prepared raw materials should be sprinkled with 40% alcohol (about 200 ml per 500 ml of comfrey) and after half an hour pour glycerin (500 ml). The remedy obtained in this way should be insisted for a month, and then it can be filtered. To get an ointment, you need to mix it in a water bath with a base fat - it can be goose, as well as shea butter or cosmetic vaseline.
Comfrey ointment is an effective and safe alternative to ointment withdiclofenac and oral analgesics.
Comfrey oil
Comfrey oil only needs a few ingredients to make. To prepare macerate, you need to take about 25 g of dried plant root, 100 ml of vegetable oil (olive oil is best, but almond, hemp oil is also suitable).
First, you need to grind the root in a coffee grinder to get the consistency of a fine powder. This is important, because only in this form will he give up his most valuable substances. The previously prepared amount of the selected oil must be poured into a saucepan and heated over low heat, controlling that the temperature is not too high (should not exceed 50 ° C, since cold-pressed oils lose many valuable properties under its influence). Warm oil and ground powder should be combined in a jar and mixed thoroughly. Then the container should be left for 2 weeks in a shaded place and its contents should be stirred daily. After this time, comfrey oil should be filtered and stored in a dark, cool place. The product is suitable for use for several months (the use of olive oil as a component extends this period to a year).
Comfrey oil is an effective remedy for sciatica, as well as many other neurological diseases. It is best to rub a small amount directly into the affected area 3 times a day. After that, apply a bandage and leave it for 3 hours.
Cautions and side effects
Detection of alkaloids in comfreypyrrolizidine influenced a change in views regarding its medicinal values. In many countries, it has been decided that great care must be taken in its application. Research has shown that pyrrolizidine alkaloids can be highly toxic to the body, especially when taken orally. Long-term use of them can indeed lead to gradual damage to the liver, as well as the growth of tissue in the bile ducts. Long-term exposure to pyrrolizidine alkaloids is suspected to lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
As a result of this, changes have been made to medicinal recipes with comfrey. Many Western countries do not use oral preparations with the plant, while topical preparations with comfrey are still allowed.
Reviews
Many positive reviews about comfrey medicines can be found on the Internet. The beneficial effects of the plant on he alth are reported by people with sore joints and athletes, who often have injuries and bruises. All of them note that medicines with comfrey help to quickly get rid of pain, swelling and restore the motor activity of the joints in a short time.
