Comfrey (komprey in tagalog)

(Symphytum officinale) Part used: Leaves and root. Properties: Demulcent, expectorate, mucilage, vulnerary; alternative, astringent, nutritive. What it affects: Bones and muscles, general effects on whole body.

Preparation and amount: Infusion (leaves): Steep 30 min. Take 6 oz. 3 times daily. Decoction (root): Simmer 30 minutes. Take 3 oz. frequently. Tincture: Take 1/2 – 1 tsp. 3 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 – 2 tsp. 3 times daily. Powder: Take 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) 3 times daily.

Purposes: Comfrey is an all-around good remedy. It has a healing, soothing effect on every organ it contacts. It may be used both internally and externally for the healing of fractures, wounds, sores and ulcers. It aids cell proliferation, helping to heal wounds rapidly.

Internally, comfrey is excellent for dysentery; one of the best for internal bleeding; excellent for coughs; catarrh; ulcerated bowels, stomach and lungs. It helps the pancreas in regulating blood sugar levels. It helps relieve irritations associated with the gallbladder, kidneys, small intestines and stomach. It helps promote the secretion of pepsin and is a general aid to the digestion. Comfrey has the highest content of mucilage of any of the herbs. Its demulcent properties, especially of the root, have been used to treat lug troubles and coughs. It is used for anemia, arthritis, asthma, internal bleeding, as a blood purifier, bronchitis, calcium deficiency, colitis, coughs, diarrhea, dysentery, emphysema and gallbladder inflammation.

Externally, comfrey is used for boils, bruises, burns, psoriasis and sprains. It is good for bedsores, bites and stings, leg ulcers, nosebleeds, psoriasis, scabies, skin rashes and sunburn. For bleeding, use a strong decoction of the root, using 1/2 – 1 oz. of the root every two hours until the bleeding has stopped. Bruise the fresh leaves and apply as a poultice to wounds, burns, open sores, gangrene, and moist ulcers. The tea can also be put on them.

• Keep some comfrey growing in your garden. Once established, it will keep coming up year after year. It is extremely prolific and versatile. A small piece of the root will reproduce itself in any shady, moist area in a very short time.