Comfrey
Symphytum officinale
Uses
Identification
Harvesting Instructions
- Contains high levels of allantoin, a powerful cell proliferant internally and externally which can knit damaged tissues back together
- Commonly used externally in salves, oils, ointments and fresh as a poultice
- Safety note: When treating deep wounds, avoid regenerating surface tissue before the internal wound is healed or risk infection
- A food source rich in vitamin B, amino acids, protein, calcium, potassium, and trace minerals (though it should be eaten sparingly due to the possible presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids which may have harmful side effects in large doses, especially in folks with pre-existing liver problems)
- Traditionally, root and leaves were used internally for their demulcent qualities, smoothing irritated mucous membranes in the respiratory and digestive systems
- Can be used as animal feed or to make a nutrient-dense compost tea fertilizer
Identification
- Grows prolifically in many conditions but thrives in a sunny environment with moist, well-drained soil with high fertility
- Large, deep green, lance-shaped leaves with pronounced veins
- Stems and leaves have a high water content and are hairy and rough in texture
- Produces vivid purple flowers that hang at the apex of the plant
- Flowers bloom throughout summer
- Roots are black on the outside and fleshy and white on the inside, growing up to 2” deep
Harvesting Instructions
- Multiple leaf harvests possible in one season and abundant root harvests are possible in early spring and fall after 2 – 3 seasons of growth
- To harvest leaves all summer, cut entire plant down on a dry, sunny day, leaving 3 – 4” to allow for regeneration
- Leaves can be dried individually in a single layer on a rack after being separated from their stems (make sure to remove all dirt and debris before drying)
- Use leaves fresh to make topical medicine or store dried in an airtight container for later use (preferably with paper or desiccation packets added to absorb moisture and prevent molding over time)
- Roots can be dug by hand once aerial growth had died
- Loosen the soil around the plant, then dig by hand with a spade, fork, or shovel – carefully work the root out of the ground, maintaining as much of it as possible without breakage
- Cut up and wash long roots with a scrub brush, then cook and eat, dry in a single layer on a rack, or tincture for later use
Carpenter, Jeff, and Carpenter, Melanie. The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer. Chelsea Green Publishing, 2015.
|
|
|