Page 66 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

should not be consumed. The leaves can be used to Stomach Upsets, Ulcers of the Stomach
make a medicinal tea or gargle. and Lungs: Comfrey is used to treat internal ulcers

Medicinal Use: This herb is a valuable remedy that and the bleeding they cause. The comfrey stops the
accelerates healing of the skin and wounds. A com- bleeding and helps the wounded tissue heal. You can
press of the roots or leaves can be applied directly to drink the tea or use the decoction.
the skin or made into a salve. It inhibits the growth of Harvesting: Comfrey leaves are best harvested in
bacteria, helping to prevent infections, and minimizes the spring or early summer, before the plant blooms.
scarring. It is mucilaginous and contains the com- They can be harvested in several cuttings and dried for
pound allantoin, which boosts cell growth and repair. later use. The roots can be dug at any time as needed.
It also is an excellent anti-inflammatory and relieves Leave behind part of the roots to encourage continued
pain, inflammation, and swelling in joints and mus- growth and an additional crop the next year.
cles. Comfrey tea is best used to alleviate stomach
problems, heavy menstrual bleeding, bloody urine, Warning: Harmful toxins in comfrey are believed to
breathing problems, cancer, and chest pain. Be careful cause liver damage, lung damage, or cancer when used
with internal use (see Warning section). It can also be in highly concentrated doses. For this reason, many
gargled to treat gum disease or sore throat. healers do not recommend internal use of comfrey.
However, small doses have been used safely in herbal
Sprains, Bruises and Breaks: Comfrey Salve or medicines for hundreds of years with no reported ill ef-
comfrey compresses are one of the best remedies for fects. Use internally with caution or under care.
sprains, strains, bruised muscles and joints, and frac-
tured bones. The herb speeds up healing while increas- Comfrey should not be used by pregnant or breast-
ing mobility and relieving the pain and swelling. Apply feeding women.
the salvet or a poultice made from crushed comfrey
root up to four times a day. Make sure that a broken
bone is set before applying comfrey.

Back Pain: Use comfrey root salve to treat back
pain. Applied three times a day, it relieves bone and
joint pains.

Osteoarthritis: Likewise, external Comfrey Salve is
beneficial for knee and joint pain due to osteoarthritis.

Coughs, Congestion, and Asthma: Comfrey
Tea treats coughs, congestion, and asthma. The herb Both oral use and skin application could be hazardous
reduces the inflammation and soothes the irritation.
and could cause birth defects. Do not use comfrey if
Minor Skin Injuries, Burns, Rashes, Ec- you have liver disease or any liver problems. Comfrey
zema, Psoriasis and Wounds: One of the best heals wounds very quickly. As such, it is recommended
uses for comfrey is in healing minor injuries to the that bone fractures and bone breaks are properly set
skin. Rashes, eczema, burns, and skin wounds heal before using it. This also applies for puncture wounds,
quickly when the herb is used. I prefer to use the root as its rapid healing can seal in the bacterial infection.
for this purpose, but leaves can also be used. Apply Recipes. Comfrey Salve.: You’ll need: Comfrey
Comfrey Salve three times a day or use bruised leaves root and/or leaves to fill a pint (500ml) jar, 1 cup Or-
or crushed root to make a poultice for the damaged ganic Olive Oil and 1/4 cup of beeswax, or more.
skin. I also use Comfrey Tea or Comfrey Root Decoc-
tion as a wash for the area, especially for rashes, acne, Allow the comfrey leaves and root to dry, removing ex-
eczema, and psoriasis. Do not use for deep wounds or cess moisture. This can be done in a low oven, dehy-
puncture wounds as it heals them too quickly, blocking drator, or by leaving them out in a warm place for a few
in infection. days. Turn the oven on to its lowest setting.

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