Symphytum officinale skin safety11/21/2023 ![]() The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that only small amounts should be applied and for no longer than 10 days at a time, and not more than 6 weeks total per year. Any ointment containing comfrey should never be used on broken skin. Over time, harmful amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids may build up in the body. Therefore, even using a topical containing comfrey should be used very cautiously and only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health practitioner. Unfortunately, pyrrolizidine alkaloids are also absorbed through the skin. Horses, cows and pigs are most vulnerable to permanent liver damage and poisoning. Comfrey, growing in pastures, also poses a threat to livestock due to its damage to the liver. Canada, Australia, Germany and the UK have also banned the sale of oral products containing comfrey. Consequently in 2001, the FDA required that all oral comfrey supplements be removed from the marketplace. However, scientists have discovered comfrey contains a toxic substance known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids, a substance that can cause severe liver damage. It has also been used medicinally to heal wounds, gout, inflammation, ulcers, skin ailments and other illnesses. One of its many common names is knitbone, relating to its historical use to aid in the healing of broken bones, bruises and sprains. Historically, comfrey has been used as a medicinal herb. When leaves break down nutrients are released into the soil. You can also use leaves as nutritious mulch by placing a 2-inch layer of comfrey leaves in garden beds instead of regular mulch. Let the brew sit for approximately 5 weeks to produce a ready-to-use comfrey tea. The leaves of the comfrey plant can also be used to make a liquid fertilizer simply by placing leaves in water. Use comfrey leaves in your compost pile as an activator to heat the pile and to provide a source of nitrogen. The leaves contain 2-3 times more potassium than manure. Comfrey is an excellent source of nitrogen and potassium. Due to its deep root system, it is able to absorb significant amounts of minerals from the soil. Comfrey is valuable to the organic gardener as a fertilizer source. Wear gloves when cutting comfrey as the hairy leaves and stems can irritate skin.įertilizer Uses of Comfrey. Mature comfrey plants can be harvested several times a year, as it will replenish itself very rapidly. During the growing season it produces huge amounts of leaves. There is a sterile species of comfrey, Symphytum x uplandicum ‘Bocking 14’, which eliminates the self-seeding problem in the garden.Ĭomfrey is a very fast growing plant. Between the self-seeding and root regrowth, comfrey can become invasive. Therefore, it is best not to plant comfrey in cultivated areas as broken root bits will create many new plants. In addition, any root fragments remaining in the soil will take root and regrow. Because it is a very deep root, it is extremely difficult to eradicate once established. The tap root is very long with a black exterior and white juicy interior. ![]() ![]() Flowers appear in bell-like clusters in a color range from pink, purple, blue to white. Leaves are large and also hairy and differ in size and appearance depending upon stem position. ![]() Depending on the environment, Comfrey can reach heights of 3 to 5 feet tall on thick, hairy stems. Comfrey thrives in clay soil with plenty of moisture in zones 3-9 however, it is quite adaptable and tolerates a wide variety of conditions. It grows best in full sun, but will also do well in partial shade. The History, Culinary, Medicinal Uses and Cultivation of Comfrey, Symphytum officinale L.Ĭomfrey, Symphytum officinale L., is a perennial herb in the Boraginaceae family. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |