Plants of the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden

Notes: Comfrey has made its appearance in the Garden in the 1990s up through at least 2005 when it was mentioned in a Naturalists' report; it was found in the Woodland Garden along Lady-slipper Lane in the Marsh. It has not been recorded on any Garden census and is currently absent from the Garden. Comfrey is found in most of North America except the far north Canadian Provinces and the far south states of the U.S. Mostly absent also in the great plains states. It is a native of Eurasia, brought to North America by the early settlers from Europe. It is the only species of Symphytum found in Minnesota. The DNR reports its presence but they only list Lake County for a location.

Medicinal Use: Comfrey has been used for medicinal purposes for several thousand years, beginning in China and then spreading to Europe. An external poultice made from the leaves and a decoction or tincture made from the roots has been considered effective in reducing inflammation in the area of a sprain or fracture, allowing the body to heal - and from that ability came the derivation of the common and scientific names. The root also contains an abundance of mucilage and the chemical Allantoin in about 0.6% to 0.8% concentration. This is is used in ointments for psoriasis and other skin problems. Mucilage is used to create a medicine for intestinal disorders. The reputation of Comfrey in reducing inflammation, treating of wounds and burns is attributed to the Allantoin. Comfrey tea is said to ease bronchial and intestinal disorders but caution was advised in making this as when not in bloom the plant resembles foxglove which is a poisonous plant. Mrs. Grieve (Ref. #7) has much detail on the use of this plant.

Comfrey grows new leaves very rapidly so harvesting leaves for medicinal purposes from this plant provided a never-ending supply during the growing season as long as harvesting stopped in autumn, allowing the plant to build up reserves for the following year. Culpepper (Ref. #4b) wrote in the English Physician: "The great Comfrey helpeth those that spit blood, or make bloody urine. The root boiled in water or wine, and the decoction drank, helps all inward hurts, bruises, wounds, and ulcers of the lungs, and causeth the phlegm that oppresseth them to be easily spit forth... The roots being outwardly applied, help fresh wounds or cuts immediately, being bruised and laid thereto; and is special good for ruptures and broken bones; yea, it is said to be so powerful to consolidate and knit together, that if they be boiled with dissevered pieces of flesh in a pot, it will join them together again." Wow! He goes on to talk about soothing women's breasts during milk flow, to treating hemorrhoids and gout.

That these remarks, echoing the ancient Chinese, were still the belief in the mid 1600s when Culpepper first wrote is a testament to the ability of Comfrey to actually have some effects. Somewhat earlier in 1597 Gerard (Ref. #6a) wrote almost the same words in his Herball: "The rootes of Comfrey stamped, and the juice drunke with wine, helpeth those that spit bloude, and healeth all inward wounds and burstings." Among other uses Gerard lays out this tidbit: "The slimie substance of the roote made in a posset of ale, and given to drinke against the paine in the backe, gotten by any violent motion, as wrastling, or overmuch use of women, doth in fower or five daies perfectly cure the same; although the involuntarie flowing of the seed in men be gotten thereby."

Food and forage use: Young leaves are said to be edible when boiled and treated as a vegetable but English Botanist John Lindley wrote in the 19th century "not, however, valued by persons of refined taste." The leaves have been used, even recently, as cattle fodder as they contain 35% protein. Cattle usually don’t care for it but will eat it when nothing else is available.

Toxicity: The leaves contain a toxic hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid and in humans, ingesting large amounts of this can lead to liver failure. In addition the hairs on the leaves and stems irritate the skin. Gloves should be worn when handling the plant. Culpepper (Ref.#4b ) wrote: "The Great Comfrey hath divers very large hairy green leaves lying on the ground, so hairy or prickly, that if they touch any tender part of the hands, face, or body, it will cause it to itch."