Learn about planting, growing, and harvesting comfrey, along with instructions for making a poultice, infusion and more.

Late last year, I set up a poll asking about herbs. More specifically, I asked the question “Name herbs you would like to learn more about relative to wellness and healthcare”.  There were close to one hundred responses with the clear leader being Comfrey.

What is Comfrey?  How do you grow it?  What is it used for?  In this first of a series of articles on plants used for health and wellness, I share what I know along with what I have learned from Susan Perry, a practicing herbalist, educator, and master gardener who is also a Backdoor Survival reader.

Comfrey has been called “The Legendary Herb of Life”.  Known for centuries for its amazing healing properties, it is used a fertilizer for gardens, and as food for farm animals, this herb is truly a homesteader’s best friend.

Legend has it that if you cut raw meat, then put a comfrey poultice on the cut, it will grow back together! I can’t say I believe that, but it’s a great reminder of one of comfrey’s talents: healing cuts and scrapes.

Medicinal Use of Comfrey

by Susan Perry

Parts used: The entire plant is used medicinally: leaves, roots, and rhizomes.

Herb Actions:  Don’t worry – this next part is the closest we get to talking chemistry! These terms help you understand how herbs work and which herbs to use.

1. Vulnerary:  Helps the body heal wounds, cuts and other tissue damage.

Comfrey is a most impressive wound-healing herb. This is partly due to a chemical (allantoin) that stimulates cell growth, promoting healing both inside and out. It is used for healing cuts, and scrapes, surgical incisions, stubborn leg ulcers, and skin irritations. It also promotes smooth and proper healing of scar tissue.

Comfrey has even been used to heal broken bones, particularly fractures of small bones or those that cannot be put in a cast such as ribs, fingers and toes. A poultice of its large leaves is wrapped around the affected area. (see directions below)

Source: Healing Herbs: What You Need to Know About Comfrey