Comfrey
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Brief Background:
Comfrey (Symphytum spp.) is native to both Europe and Asia and has traditionally been used as both a food and forage crop. Three plant species in the genus Symphytum are medicinally relevant and include wild or common comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.), prickly or rough comfrey [Symphytum asperum Lepechin (Symphytum asperrimum Donn)], and Caucasian, Quaker, Russian, or blue comfrey [Symphytum × uplandicum Nyman (Symphytum peregrinum Lebed.)], which originated as a natural hybrid of Symphytum officinale L. and Symphytum asperum Lepechin.
Comfrey has traditionally been used both topically, for inflammation, pain and wound healing, and orally, for gastrointestinal, respiratory and gynecological concerns.
Expert Opinion and Historic Precedent:
Although there are many species of comfrey, medicinally the most relevant are Symphytum officinale L., Symphytum asperum Lepechin and Symphytum × uplandicum Nyman.
Topically, comfrey is used for ulcers, wounds, and fractures. Orally it is used as a tea for ulcers, excessive menstrual flow, diarrhea, bloody urine, persistent cough, rheumatism, pleuritis, bronchitis, cancer, angina, and as a gargle for gum disease and pharyngitis.
