Comfrey Root

The comfrey plant (Symphytum officinale L.) is a native of the American and European continent. This perennial herb has been used for several years for the treatment of varied diseases. Most parts of this herb provide for several health benefits.

Though the leaves of this herb are known to be very beneficial, the role of the comfrey root cannot be disregarded. It has been seen that, of the several herbal remedies that are present, the comfrey root provides for one of the most extensive health choices.

In the following story, we will try to see what these health benefits are and how to go about including them as a part of your routine.

The comfrey plant grows in moist and damp places and has leaves that are generally broad, bearing bell-shaped flowers that range from colors like white, purple, and light pink. It is known by several other names as well which include blackwort, salsify, healing herb, and wallwart among others.

The comfrey root is dark and large and assumes the shape of a turnip. The range of its uses is very wide.

• The presence of the anodyne substance in the comfrey root helps in relieving severe and chronic pain along with the inflammation that injuries bring along.

• It treats ulcers of the mouth as well as internal ulcers that might develop in the throat. It destroys the parasites that cause these ulcers and leads to relief.

• It is infused with the properties of demulcent. This lends it the ability to smooth the inflamed mucus membranes and thereby cures coughs and sore throats along with any other irritation that is caused in the throat.

• Comfrey root tea has been known to provide relief and cure several skin conditions like burns, abrasions, insect bites, boils, and other irritations.
• The ingestion of comfrey tea has been known to lead to the production of new cells thus leading to the faster healing of sprains, injuries, and fractures.

• A powdered form can be prepared and then made into a paste. This paste can be applied directly to the wounds. It can also be used as a wet bandage over the sprains and fractures for faster healing.

• The comfrey root extract is used as a very effective diuretic. It makes the body accumulate great amounts of water and then dispels it. In that way, it leads to dispelling of the varied toxins and waste matter from the body, thereby preventing kidney and urine infections like kidney stones and urinary tract infections.

• With the toxins being flushed out, the results are seen on the skin as well. It leads to the cure of varied skin diseases like acne and eczema which are caused by excess heat and inflammation in the body.

• This root is also a very effective expectorant because it leads to clearing of the blocked airway by allowing the mucus to loosen and thereby freeing the lungs.
• It also has the properties that allow it to clot any wound faster and therefore helps in healing as well.

• It strengthens the pituitary gland in the body.
• It has been used as an agent to strengthen the bones for several centuries. It causes the bones to regain strength and thereby prevents osteoporosis and any other diseases that come about due to weak bones.

• It has a high content of proteins which help in carrying forth several bodily functions as well.
• It helps in the treatment of fever and helps to quell frequent thirst.

As is clear, there are varied forms that the comfrey root can be consumed and used in, both internally and externally. The roots can be dried and the powder used in several forms, for example, to make tea. This is done by boiling the powder in water for 20 minutes and adding sugar or honey for taste. 

The powder can also be used as a dressing on varied wounds. One can also use the extracts for the same purpose.

The advantages and health benefits that the comfrey root provides for have been clearly listed in this story. All one needs to do now is procure some of the root powder or the roots and use them for their advantage.