Comfrey
Symphytum officinale
The impressive wound-healing properties of Symphytum are partially due to the presence of allantoin which stimulates cell proliferation, thereby accelerating wound-healing both internally and externally. In superficial wounds this acceleration of the healing process can prevent scar formation, but one must take care when dealing with infected wounds to ensure that the infection is addressed first. Allantoin is able to diffuse through the skin and tissues, hence its traditional use as an external application for the treatment of bone fractures. On the surface of the skin its action is aided by the contracting 'plaster' effect of the mucilage, tannins and resins as they dry. Symphytum is an excellent remedy in the treatment of chronic and varicose ulcers, and it has been used topically with some success in the treatment of psoriasis (allantoin promotes keratin dispersal).
Allantoin is also effective when taken internally as it absorbed directly from the gut, so is of use in gastrointestinal disorders. In addition, Symphytum is rich in demulcent mucilage which augments allantoin’s powerful healing action in gastric and duodenal ulcers, hiatus hernia and ulcerative colitis. The aqueous extract of the plant increases the release of prostaglandins of the F series from the stomach wall, pointing to a direct action in protecting the gastric mucosa from damage. An Italian study has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity in vivo. Symphytum’s astringency, due to its tannin content, will help arrest bleeding wherever it occurs. The mucilage also ensures Symphytum's usefulness as a bulk laxative and as a soothing remedy for the lower gut, and this may in turn operate by reflex to account for its usefulness in excessive menstrual bleeding, haematuria, and urinary spasm.
Symphytum has been used with success in cases of bronchitis and irritable cough, where it soothes and reduces irritation whilst helping expectoration. It also has a reputed anti-cancer action.
Actions
- Demulcent
- Vulnerary
- Astringent
- Wound healing
- Cell proliferant
Uses
- broken bones
- spraions
- sport injuries
- bruises
- scars
- arthritis
- rheumatism
- bursitis
- tendonitis
- phlebitis
- mastitis
- glandular swellings
- tendons
- ligaments
Comfrey contains some toxic compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These are in much higher concentrations in Russian Comfrey (Symphytum uplandicum) than in our own native species, Symphytum officinale. Russian comfrey is frequently founsd on allotments, as it was specifically imported into this country for making fertilisers and compost. It’s not that easy to tell them apart as the colour of the flowers is not a reliable indicator. The best way is to look at where the leaves run down to the stem. In our native comfrey the leaves run down to the joint below, giving the stem a winged appearance.