Comforting Comfrey
I wouldn’t say that I would normally put these two statements together but it flows.
As the seasons change this spring, I see changes in our overall body functions. The skin, being our “largest organ,” is also involved in this process. It protects our internal system from a multitude of injuries. I have to change the different uses of lotion during this season as sometimes I am drier and less coordinated than usual. There is a higher propensity to get skin and musculoskeletal injuries that do not heal well during this changing time. Improvement of healing is important as our body’s defense is down when we are compromised.
I admire the herb/root Comfrey. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is considered a great healer. It comes as a beautiful flower but leaves wonderfully healing roots and leaves. Comfrey is considered a great local anti-inflammatory. It contains allantoin, rosmarinic acid, and tannins, which support skin regrowth and inflammation reduction.
It is to be understood that you should NOT consume this plant. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are found in newer leaves and are poisonous. Roots contain 16 times this amount. These can be very liver-toxic and cause death. It is banned in many countries for oral use, including the US and European nations.
It can be applied topically to inflamed wounds, muscles, or joints. Do not apply to open skin wounds.
Use in small batches. Cease use after 10 consecutive days and no longer than 4-6 weeks in a full year. Alert your healthcare provider of use.
The beauty of nature.
Reference
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/comfrey
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3491633/