For those familiar with natural medicine comfrey is likely on your list of remedies. This herb has been used for centuries.
Comfrey is highly useful for external uses. Let’s look at how it works.
What Is Comfrey?
The common comfrey plant is known in Latin as Symphytum officinale and displays a “hairy” exterior. It grows as a root stick with branches coming from the stalk and only gets to about 2–3 feet tall. Some varieties produce yellow or purplish flowers alongside the broad, fuzzy leaves. The most commonly grown species is Russian comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum).
Comfrey plants can grow in almost any climate or soil and prefer the shade. Medicinally, most folk remedies suggest using the leaves, although the roots also carry significant benefits when used as well.
In large quantities, mucilage (a gelatin plant-derived compound) is the main component of comfrey.
Benefits
1. Muscle and joint support
2. Effective for lower back massage
Searching for lower back relief can be an exhausting and daunting task for the 31 million Americans struggling at any given time. However, comfrey may offer an alternative method for this chronic condition.
Two double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trials showed significant relief when compared with a placebo on an external application of comfrey root extract gel on the back.
Speeds wound healing
Comfrey contains an ingredient called allantoin, along with rosmarinic acid and tannins. Allantoin has been developed as an approved medication for over-the-counter skin treatment for a variety of skin issues.
While bone regrowth has not been proven scientifically as a benefit.
Lessens skin irritations
Probably also due, in part, to the presence of allantoin in comfrey, another use in folk medicine for the soothing and comfort of irritated skin
It can be used in gardening as a fertilizer as well as an herb.
How to Use
In most circumstances, the most effective way to use comfrey is in a salve or poultice. This is then applied to the skin. For example, comfrey oil is a key ingredient in a DIY bruise cream with arnica and bilberry.
You can purchase comfrey oil as an infusion with olive oil. Or, you can create your own oil (also known as comfrey balm)by simmering olive oil (or another carrier oil) and comfrey roots and leaves. Use this oil to treat minor closed wounds and aches.
Many people simply use fresh or dry comfrey leaves directly. Perhaps due to the high mucilage content, its leaves do not dry as fast as most herbs. But give them time, and you’ll be excited about the results.
Since comfrey isn’t widely available outside of Europe, if you live in another area but would like to grow your own plants, it’s quite simple. After buying some seeds and (preferably) planting them in a shaded area, you will most likely see them grow quickly.
Fortunately, it is a fairly “non-invasive” plant because it doesn’t put down long roots and doesn’t set seed as it grows. This perennial is best harvested before its flowers bloom.
Comfrey Medicinal Uses:
Comfrey medicinal uses: are you already familiar with comfrey, also known as “knitbone”?
Here’s what you’ll discover in this post:
A deep dive into common comfrey medicinal uses and wild comfrey medicinal uses
Safe DIY home remedies like comfrey salve recipe and comfrey tea
Answers to all kinds of questions like is comfrey poisonous, is comfrey edible, is comfrey a perennial, and more.
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1. What Is Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)?
Native to Britain and stretching across Europe and into Siberia, wild and garden comfrey has been recognized since ancient times for its healing powers.
In fact, Symphytum comes from Greek words meaning “grow together plant” because it was used to knit broken bones.
Comfrey grows fast—up to four feet tall—with fuzzy leaves and bell-like flowers in purple, blue, pink, or white. It is a hardy perennial that comes back each year.
2. The Science Behind the Healing
Let’s take a quick look at the science:
Allantoin stimulates cellular mitosis (new tissue growth).
Rosmarinic acid relieves discomfort and muscle soreness
Comfrey is rich in mucilage, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, polyphenols, phytosterols, and triterpenoids
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3. Comfrey Root vs. Leaves: What to Use When
Have you ever wondered what can comfrey be used for?
Leaves are gentle. They’re perfect for soothing cuts, scrapes, stings, and applying to skin. Making a comfrey poultice with leaves is easy and effective.
Roots are richer in mucilage and excellent for deeper healing, especially for “hot/dry” conditions like old injuries or deep bruises.
Both parts are powerful.
I infuse dried leaves or roots in olive oil, strain, and mix with beeswax (or vegan wax). It’s magic on sore knees or swollen veins—especially if used consistently for two weeks.
Comfrey baths & compresses for skin irritations
A warm bath with comfrey leaves or a compress on sunburn and rashes soothes instantly thanks to its natural mucilage.
Comfrey uses in the garden
Beyond medicine, comfrey is a gardener’s friend. I use the leaves as mulch or compost. They’re loaded with potassium and nitrogen—perfect for heavy feeders like tomatoes.
Fertilizer? DIY comfrey “compost tea”!
And pollinators love the flowers—those bell-shaped blooms feed bumblebees and butterflies.
6. How to Make a comfrey salve recipe
Here’s my easy comfrey salve recipe—perfect for gifting and keeping at hand:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried comfrey leaves or chopped root
- 2 cups olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 2 tbsp beeswax/vegan beeswax alternative
Instructions:
- Gently heat comfrey and oil in a double boiler for 2–3 hours.
- Strain leaves/root.
- In sauce pan, melt wax, stir in infused oil.
- Pour into jars and let cool.
Use it to soothe sore muscles, aches, or skin irritations.
This homemade comfrey salve blends comfrey oil uses, comfrey salve benefits, and comfrey uses for skin in one jar!
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7. Safety First:
Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)—which may potentially harm the liver if ingested long term.
There is a long history of people using it internally long term with no ill effect, so the issue is not clear-cut.
Please do your own research before deciding whether to use comfrey.
I never use it internally for long term—just in moderation, with occasional leaf tea.
I don’t use it during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or on young children.
Some people recommend limiting topical use to 10 days at a time.
So yes, is comfrey safe? Yes—if used thoughtfully, with respect and caution.
8. Growing Your Own: Comfrey plant benefits in the garden
Gardens thrive with comfrey—it’s hardy, attractive, and useful:
Is comfrey a perennial? Absolutely, it returns every year.
It tolerates mowing, partial shade, and poor soil.
Flowers from late spring to summer feed bees.
It can become invasive, but you can control it with deep border beds or large containers.
You can grow the Bocking 14 variety to avoid spreading seeds.
You can harvest leaves whenever needed, chop them for compost, or dry them for tea and remedies.
That’s why common comfrey medicinal uses remain so powerful today.
11. FAQs
Can comfrey heal tendons?
Yes. Its anti-inflammatory and pain-relief properties support healing inflamed tendons.
Is comfrey oil good for hair?
Possibly. Rich in gamma-linolenic acid and omega-6 fats, it may support scalp health and hair growth.
How long does comfrey take to work?
Many people see improvement within 1–2 weeks of topical use for sprains.
Is comfrey good for veins?
when used topically in poultices or in comfrey oil or creams.
Does comfrey tighten skin?
Thanks to allantoin boosting collagen, it can improve skin firmness and smooth rough patches.
Is comfrey the same as borage?
They’re in the same Boraginaceae family, but comfrey is Symphytum – not true borage.
What does comfrey taste like?
Mild but slightly bitter.
Is comfrey poisonous to dogs?
As with humans, regular consumption is not recommended due to safety concerns.
Is comfrey edible?
Young comfrey leaves can be eaten raw or cooked (they’re hairy, so chop finely). Roots can be roasted and used like coffee. But long-term internal use is discouraged due to potential toxicity.
Is comfrey invasive?
Yes—it regrows easily from root fragments. Plant with care or grow in containers.
Is comfrey a perennial?
Yes, it lives for many years and returns each growing season.
What can comfrey be used for?
Skin, bones, muscle aches, garden fertilizer, poultices, salves, teas, and more.
Is comfrey really toxic?
It is safe when used topically on intact skin and not taken long-term internally.
Comfrey uses in the garden?
Mulch, compost, fermented fertilizer, and pollinator support.
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Comfrey medicinal uses: final words
We’ve covered the power of comfrey medicinal uses—from soothing salves and healing poultices to garden compost and safety tips.
You’ve learned how to use leaves vs. roots, why it works, and how to grow it.
For every ache, bruise, irritation, or garden chore—comfrey is ready to help.
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