Comfrey ( Symphytum officinale ) ( Perennial ) Element: Water Magical Powers: Travel, Safety, and Money. Culinary: Comfrey leaves can be eaten as a vegetable, much like spinach. Steam young leaves and sprinkle a little cheese over, add to salads or use as greenery on sandwiches. Medicinal: Comfrey infusions are used as a remedy to colds, insufficient circulation and to help with mending of broken bones. The roots and foliage are also used for sprains, bruises and wounds. Tea can be drunk to help clean the blood. Oil from comfrey is said to be very affective on skin eczema and other skin irritations. Make a poultice from the leaves for rough skin, aching joints, sores, burns, cuts, sprains, and to reduce swelling on fractures. Cosmetic: Used in facial steams or in creams to aid ageing, tired or dry skins. Comfrey plants send down a tap root 10 feet or longer, so make sure you know exactly where you want to plant it. It is very good for the soil and the old leaves and stalks make an excellent fertilizer. The plant has more protein in its leaf structure than any other plant know to man. The leaf and roots contain allantoin a protein that encourages cell division. All in all its a very good plant to have around. Close page to exit or Return to Herbal Index Return to Home . |
