For those familiar with natural medicine and chronic pain, comfrey is likely on your list of remedies. This herb has been used for centuries to treat a variety of pain- and inflammation-related issues.
Among its clinical uses, comfrey can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation of muscles and joints, speed the healing of bruises and contusions and potentially aid in the treatment of fibromyalgia.
In the U.K., researchers found that practitioners prescribed it in about 15 percent of all consultations regarding tendon, ligament and muscle problems, fractures and wounds.
Although it was commonly used internally for many years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as well as governing bodies around the globe, banned the use of dietary supplements containing comfrey and advised against any internal usage in 2001. Studies have found that it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic to the liver.
Comfrey is still highly useful for external uses. It can help serve as a powerful pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. In fact, it can even help speed the healing of wounds. 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. Can relieve muscle and joint pain
A large review released in 2013 about the medicinal uses of comfrey stated:
It is clinically proven to relieve pain, inflammation and swelling of muscles and joints in the case of degenerative arthritis, acute myalgia in the back, sprains, contusions and strains after sports injuries and accidents, also in children aged 3 years and older.
However, available scientific evidence seems to back it up. In multiple studies, comfrey application improves the healing and pain response of bruises, sprains and painful muscles and joints, particularly related to exercise.
In a single-blind, randomized clinical trial of 164 participants comparing the efficacy of comfrey against a common NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) used for ankle sprains and pain, it performed better than diclofenac gel, leading the researchers to state their encouragement that this natural product functions as a safe and effective alternative to the standard treatment.
2. Effective for lower back pain relief
Searching for lower back pain relief can be an exhausting and daunting task for the 31 million Americans struggling with this pain at any given time. However, comfrey may offer an alternative method for this chronic condition.
Two double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trials showed significant pain relief when compared with a placebo on an external application of comfrey root extract gel on the back.
3. May aid in reducing arthritis pain
An astounding 1 in every 5 people in the U.S. suffer from arthritis pain. Worn-down cartilage and connective tissue cause bones to rub together and cause chronic pain.
Because of the possible side effects involved with most medications for arthritis, such as heartburn, stomach ulcers, increased risk of heart attack or stroke, cataracts, bone loss and more, many people seek alternative remedies for relieving their pain in a safe way.
It turns out that using a topical comfrey ointment or poultice can help to significantly decrease the pain associated with arthritis. Various study reviews have seen results consistent, in some cases, with topical NSAIDs and even arnica, all without any negative side effects.
For arthritis relief, try creating a poultice of comfrey with pain-relieving essential oils such as peppermint oil and applying it to the painful areas two to three times a day.
Please note: comfrey should only be used topically up to 10 consecutive days, in order to avoid bioaccumulation. There are no studies showing a danger of this, but we take this precaution to stay on the safe side.
4. Natural fibromyalgia remedy
Because fibromyalgia is associated with pain in various parts of the body, comfrey application might help to offer some relief. Again, stick to no more than 10 consecutive days of application. And limit use to four to six weeks per year.
If you suffer from fibromyalgia pain, remember that your best option is to seek a multi-targeted approach to address whatever the root cause of this pain may be. Adjusting lifestyle to lose extra weight, eliminating problematic food ingredients like excitotoxins and eating anti-inflammatory foods may offer some additional relief.
5. Speeds wound healing
Comfrey contains an ingredient called allantoin, which aids the regrowth of skin, 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.
That’s a likely reason it may help wounds to heal faster. One folk term for it is “knitbone” because it was believed to activate the healing of bones.
While bone regrowth has not been proven scientifically as a benefit, researchers have noted an improvement in collagen production and wound healing when applying topically.
For safety, never use comfrey on an open wound. If you want to see how it works for your own wounds, wait until the wound has totally closed before applying it.
6. Lessens skin irritations
Probably also due, in part, to the presence of allantoin in comfrey, another use in folk medicine for it is the soothing of inflamed, irritated skin.
Two controlled clinical studies saw a healing effect on irritation caused by UV-B rays (a mild sunburn) was equal to or greater with comfrey than diclofenac, one of the more often used over-the-counter medications used to soothe skin. (15)
In another study, researchers purposefully irritated the skin of healthy young adults and then tested a liquid extract of comfrey on the skin. They found that topical applications of “comfrey extract may have a great application in the treatment of skin irritation.” (16)
History
In folk medicine, comfrey was a common feature among those in Europe. Known as “knitbone,” it was used for everything from the speeding of bone growth to nausea to acne relief. Historically, it has been prescribed to remedy diarrhea and for lung issues.
It can be used in gardening as a fertilizer as well as an herb.
Comfrey products such as poultices, ointments and salves have been used as herbal remedies because of the plant’s ability to reduce inflammation and urge healing. The root has also been used in the past as a decoction to help gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea. However, using it internally is not recommended.
It’s not just humans who can benefit from comfrey — in 2014, researchers in Taiwan looked at the ability of its leaves to alleviate UV damage to the fins of zebrafish, suggesting it as a potential development for an agent to protect zebrafish embryos from future damage.
There is also preliminary research on the development of comfrey extract in creating an anticancer drug to combat prostate cancer. An animal study found very promising results — although it’s very important to note here that this does not mean you should ever ingest it. Controlled research in a lab of a chemically-extracted component of the plant is extremely different than just eating or drinking the substance.
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 on the skin, depending on the type and severity of pain they have. 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: The Skin & Bone Healer You Need to Know
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 recognised 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 pain and inflammation.
Comfrey is rich in mucilage, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, polyphenols, phytosterols, and triterpenoids
A large 2013 review on medicinal uses for comfrey reports:
“It is clinically proven to relieve pain, inflammation and swelling of muscles and joints…sprains, contusions and strains after sports injuries”
It’s no wonder comfrey tablets were once standard in World War II first-aid kits. They sped up healing of bones and wounds—and helped soldiers recover faster.
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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.
4. Top 5 Comfrey Medicinal Uses
Comfrey poultice for bruises, sprains, and skin wounds
I mash a handful of leaves, place directly on the injured area, cover with a cloth, and leave for a few minutes or hours. It speeds healing and eases pain fast.
Comfrey salve/comfrey oil uses for joint pain, arthritis, varicose veins
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 tea for mild internal use
Only for occasional use and never during pregnancy or in children, or those with liver issues. Do your own research before using comfrey internally. I steep dried leaves (not roots) for about 5 minutes. It soothes ulcers, cough, and lung irritation.
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.
Fertiliser? DIY comfrey “compost tea”!
And pollinators love the flowers—those bell-shaped blooms feed bumblebees and butterflies.
5. Ancient Roots & Healing Legends
Stories of comfrey medicinal uses go way back:
Pliny the Elder in Naturalis historia recommended comfrey for bruises and sprains as early as 23–79 AD. He even mentions using root decoctions in wine as an emmenagogue.
Dioscorides, Nero’s physician, touted comfrey in De Materia Medica for broken bones and gastrointestinal problems.
In medieval Wales, a bone “union potion” combined comfrey, wine, pepper, and honey for nine days to strengthen broken limbs.
Monastery herbals from 1000 AD mention its use for “internal bleedings, ruptures, and hernias.”
It was so trusted, people even made comfrey cast-like bandages to hold bones in place while they healed.
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, arthritis 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: Is comfrey really toxic?
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.
9. Real-Life Healing: Herrick Kimball’s Story
YouTuber Herrick Kimball once treated scratched eyes with a comfrey leaf poultice. After 30 minutes, he said:
“It was like I had never had anything wrong with it. It was 100 percent cured.”
10. Comfrey in Modern Studies
Modern evidence backs ancient wisdom:
European clinical trials confirm comfrey balm reduces pain and swelling in backache, osteoarthritis, sprains, contusions, and muscle pain—and works as well as NSAIDs like diclofenac, with good tolerability pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
A 2024 rat study showed comfrey speeds wound healing and encourages new tissue growth cdn-uat.mdedge.com+15healthline.com+15researchgate.net+15.
Lab studies show allantoin and rosmarinic acid promote skin repair and reduce inflammation at a cellular level rxlist.com+8pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+8indigo-herbs.co.uk+8.
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 or arthritis, although there are lots of tales of even speedier results.
Is comfrey good for varicose veins?
It can help reduce pain and swelling 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?
Healing skin, bones, muscle aches, garden fertiliser, 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 fertiliser, and pollinator support.
Common comfrey medicinal uses?
Bruises, sprains, arthritis, wounds, skin irritations, and bone support—backed by research.
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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.
Precautions and Side Effects
Like I’ve mentioned, it’s imperative that you do not ingest comfrey, whether in fresh or tea form (or any other method).
Comfrey is toxic because it contains a substance called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). The main concern with these PAs are liver toxicity. PAs can cause veno-occlusive disease of the liver, a blockage of microscopic veins within the liver that can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and/or cancer.
Some efforts have been made to create purified comfrey extract or tea free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Both of these have resulted in even worse side effects than before.
There is also at least one reported case that comfrey tea was linked to a second-degree heart blockage of a female patient in the U.K.
While there have been no cases to date of toxicity resulting from epidermal application, a minuscule amount of PAs do pass through the skin when you use it. Because of this, it’s best to use it for no more than 10 days in a row and only for a maximum total of 4–6 weeks each year to avoid any negative side effects.
Never use comfrey on an open wound or broken skin. People with liver disease, cancer or a history of alcohol abuse should also avoid even the external use of it.
Most sources agree that comfrey is safe externally for children over 3 years of age. But others recommend never using it for children under the age of 18. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use it.
Final Thoughts
- Comfrey is a traditional herbal treatment for muscle and joint pain. It helps to reduce painful inflammation and soothe the skin as well as help heal bruises.
- This perennial herb grows mainly in the United Kingdom. But it can grow in most climates, although the plant does prefer shaded environments.
- Using comfrey as a poultice or simply by using its dried leaves on the skin, you may find relief from pains relating to conditions like ankle sprains, muscle aches, arthritis and fibromyalgia.
- Comfrey is not ever safe for ingestion, as it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are extremely dangerous to the liver. External applications do not have the same toxic effects.
- Pregnant/nursing women, as well as young children or those with any potential liver damage or disease, should avoid comfrey entirely.Popular Nutrition Posts
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