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Comforting Comfrey

 

Historically, comfrey has been used to reduce inflammation from sprains, pulled muscles, strains, bruises, even fractures and osteoarthritis. For active people, it's handy to have around. For those who suffer from chronic inflammatory conditions who would like to be more active, it's even more so.

 

It works by being absorbed into the skin and penetrating the muscle where it does its good work.

 

And this is where the cautions come in. Comfrey is potent. Although it keeps the skin healthy, it must not be applied to broken or scraped skin. It must also never be taken orally.

 

It contains allantonin, the active ingredient that works directly on inflammation. But it also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are toxic and can cause serious liver damage, which may even lead to death if overused. This is serious enough that a number of countries have outlawed all products that use comfrey orally.

 

That said, please use only the leaves of the plant. I know there are preparations available that use the roots, but the roots are the most potent part of the plant. Unless you are a master herbalist, and you want to make your own products, I would highly suggest that you stick to using leaves and other above-ground parts of the plant.

 

What's in a comfrey leaf? We already just read about allantonin. The leaves also contain tannins and rosmarinic acid. The leaves also contain the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids found in the roots, but in far smaller amounts.

 

Cautions:

 

DO NOT give anything containing comfrey to small children or infants.

 

DO NOT use any confrey products if pregnant or nursing.

 

DO NOT put confrey on broken or abraded skin.

 

DO NOT use comfrey for more than 10 days at a time, and even then, use only a small amount. DO NOT slather it on.

 

DO NOT use comfrey products for more than 6 weeks TOTAL in a single year.

 

DO NOT use comfrey while using other herbs that can cause liver damage, such as skullcap and valerian. Also, DO NOT take any NSAIDS (aspirin, Ibuprofen, etc.) while using comfrey.

 

Note: Comfrey heals so well that if you have a deep wound, such as a broken bone, wait for some of the internal healing to take place first or you may find the surface healed, but the deep injury not healed well at all. You may find yourself with an abscess. Be cautious; be wise.

 

How to Make Your Own Comfrey Preparation

 

To make your own comfrey ointment the easy way (stove-top), choose good, healthy leaves that have not been chewed on by insects. Cut them into very small pieces put into a quart jar, not full, but two-thirds to three-quarters full. Pour the leaves into a two-quart pan and cover with olive oil. Put the mixture on the stove with the heat set to very low. You do not want the mixture to boil, but you do want to infuse the oil with the leaf's juices. Let it sit there for a minimum of two hours before straining out the plant matter.

 

Note: you can also use dried comfrey leaves instead of fresh.

 

Take the comfrey-infused oil and add 1 ½ to 2 ounces of beeswax. Let it melt into the oil. Pour into clean jars with tightly fitting lids and store in a dark place. It will keep for several years.

 

To make a cold-infused oil, put the freshly cut leaves into a quart jar (2/3 to 3/4 full) and fill to the top with olive oil. Let stand in a dark place for 6-8 weeks. The first week, use a stick (a chopstick will work) and poke through the mixture to remove any remaining air bubbles. Then let the mixture sit undisturbed for the next 5-7 weeks. Then take the infused oil and proceed as above.

 

To use, take the above cautions seriously.

 

 

Go with God, family. Remember: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” Isaiah 54:17

We will see each other in health.

 

Blessings,

Mama Prepper