Comfrey (Symphytum spp.) is a divisive plant in herbalism. There is some very serious contention about how to use it safely and effectively in the herbal community. Some say that it should never be consumed internally, while others drink tea made from the leaves. Some also say that you shouldn’t use plants that were even harvested from the same beds as comfrey for internal use. All of that is to say, there is some drama surrounding this plant! But first, let’s talk botany…
Comfrey Botany
Symphytum is part of the borage family, Boraginaceae, and gets its species name from the Greek words “symphytis” which translates to “growing together” and “phyton” which means plant. So “growing together plant,” which referred to the ancient uses of this plant. The Symphytum genus contains about 35 species, but the most commonly used, at least here in the US, is Symphytum officinale.
Comfrey likes rich and damp soils and once established, can grow quite prolifically. The plant is native to Europe and Asia, though there is a wild comfrey (Cynoglossum virginianum) that is native to North America. For the sake of clarity, this article is about Symphytum spp.
Comfrey Controversy
The point of contention stems from specific constituents naturally found in the plant called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These alkaloids are a defense mechanism of the plant, which vary in concentration depending on the species, growing conditions and location, and plant part used.
There have been case studies of PA-containing herb-associated liver disease and even research linking PAs to liver cancer. Some claim these studies were conducted in a way intended to cause fear around this plant and were given to rodents in dosages that exceeded a reasonable amount for humans to consume. Others claim that the dangers are very real and should, therefore, never be taken internally.
Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Products Association (APA) do not condone the use of comfrey internally. The comfrey sold by Mountain Rose Herbs is for external use only, and we do not and cannot recommend this plant for internal use.
Despite the internal use debate, there is a reason that comfrey appears at the top of many herbalists’ favorite herb list. Comfrey is an incredible herbal ally used topically to support the body's ability to rebound from the minor bumps, strains, and abrasions of everyday life. While PAs are the most talked about constituents in comfrey, it is the allantoin that is responsible for its wellness-supporting qualities. Allantoin supports the body’s ability to repair tissue while also acting as a humectant to maintain moisture in the skin. Sometimes you will see allantoin listed on the ingredient list of store-bought skin care products, but unfortunately, it is usually synthetic these days. I like to stick to the natural form, so comfrey is my go-to!
Comfrey is cooling and moistening in nature. This makes it an ideal herb for conditions that are hot and irritated.
The most used parts of comfrey are the leaf and root of the plant. A common question is when to use comfrey leaves versus the roots. The leaves are more gentle in the way they work and are easier to harvest. Plus, it is easier to create topical poultices with the leaves than the root. Comfrey root, however, contains more mucilage, so in circumstances where you may want to soothe a “hot/dry” condition, the roots may be more effective. It is also important to acknowledge that comfrey roots contain higher amounts of PAs, but also higher amounts of our dear skin-loving friend, allantoin.
Personally, I like to use the root and the leaves together in my topical preparations. I am in the “whole plant camp,” which is to say that I believe that in many circumstances, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. I prefer to work with a fuller spectrum of the plant’s bountiful gifts by using as many of its parts as possible (and while maintaining safe use levels).
Tips for Sourcing Comfrey
Mountain Rose Herbs sources a US-Grown Regenerative Organic Certified comfrey leaf and root from a farm in the Pacific Northwest, and also a European comfrey leaf and root that is grown for us in Bulgaria and Albania. Comfrey is a prolific and sustainable plant that grows well in the United States, making it a great candidate for an herb we can source more locally, though we have not been able to fulfill all of our comfrey needs with domestic farm partners, yet. Remember that remedies can only be as good as the ingredients you use to craft them, so it’s important to use vibrant, organic, and sustainably sourced ingredients, when possible!
Comfrey is recommended for external use only, but can be used for a host of topical applications. The most common preparations include poultices, infused oils, salves, and tinctures.
How to Make a Basic Comfrey Infused Oil
Makes about 8 ounces of infused oil. *Measurements are by weight
Ingredients
Directions
Pro tip: You can also make this herbal oil into a salve! Learn how here!
Mountain Rose Herbs only recommends comfrey for external use. It is not recommended to apply to broken or abraded skin, especially puncture wounds. Do not use when nursing. As with all herbal products, we recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. For educational purposes only.