Comfrey Leaf Uses

Comfrey leaves arise as a rosette from the ground and are covered with short stiff hairs. It grows mostly in Europe, western Asia and North America and is used in folk medicine as a healing agent for wounds as well as an expectorant--a remedy that encourages phlegm to be expelled from the lungs--and as a soothing astringent. According to "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism" by herbalist Simon Mills, comfrey's high allantoin content makes it unsafe to use internally for an extended period of time, but it may be safe to use in moderation.

Comfrey Oil

According to herbalist David Hoffmann in his book "The New Holistic Herbal," comfrey has a constituent called allentoin, which is a stimulant of the connective tissue, as well as a mixture of binding tannins that make it a powerful wound healer for both internal and external wounds. The leaves can be used to make a healing oil by filling a glass jar with coarsely chopped leaves and covering them with an organic carrier oil such as almond, jojoba or olive oil. Place wax paper underneath the lid to prevent it from rusting and contaminating your oil. Label your jar with the name of the herb and the date and let it stand for four weeks in a dark and cool place. Drain out the comfrey leaves and keep the oil in your refrigerator. Use the oil on cuts to help speed the healing process. To avoid abscesses, do not use your comfrey oil on deep wounds, as it may cause new tissue to form over the wound before it is able to heal deeper down.

Comfrey Decoction

Comfrey leaves can be made into a decoction to assist with the healing of ulceration and erosion of the stomach lining, says Mills. Its expectorant qualities make it a healing aid for bronchitic conditions, and its mucilage content coats, soothes and lubricates the mucus membranes of the respiratory and digestive tract, says herbalist Matthew Wood in his book "The Book of Herbal Wisdom: Using Plants as Medicine." To make your comfrey decoction, add 3 tsp. of dried comfrey leaves to a cup of water and bring to a boil. Let the herb simmer for 10 to 15 minutes and strain out. Drink this decoction three times per day for a maximum of three days.

Comfrey Poultice

Comfrey leaves are traditionally used to help speed bone fracture healing, says Dr. Susan Brown in her article "How to Speed Fracture Healing" published by the Better Bones website. Make comfrey leaf poultices that you can apply directly onto the skin where you have a fractured bone by blending fresh comfrey leaves with water until you achieve a paste. Wrap the paste with cotton fabric, making multiple poultices that you can store in the freezer in case you need your poultice to be cold for pain relief.