Comfrey Skin Uses

Comfrey is a common herb that grows in North America, Europe and Asia. It has dark green leaves that grow in a rosette and are covered in white hair. Folk remedies call for using comfrey to treat skin wounds and irritation, due to its anti-inflammatory properties and high content of allentoin, which is a connective tissue stimulant, says herbalist David Hoffmann in his book "The New Holistic Herbal." Comfrey can be used for the skin in the form of an oil, a poultice and also as an infusion.

Comfrey Oil

Use comfrey to make oil by coarsely chopping fresh comfrey leaves and stems, to fill a glass jar to the rim. Cover the herb with an organic carrier oil such as olive or almond oil. Jojoba oil also makes a good carrier oil, since it is easily absorbed by the skin. Use a knife to move the comfrey inside the jar to let out any air bubbles that can cause the mixture to go rancid.
Next, place a sheet of wax paper under the lid and close tightly. Make a label that gives the herb's name and date and store the jar in a cool and dark shelf for at least four weeks. When ready, strain out the herb with a cheesecloth and store the oil in the refrigerator.
Use this oil anytime you experience skin discomfort due to a rash or infection. Avoid using comfrey oil on deep wounds because it may cause the top layer of skin to heal before the entire wound has healed, and this can create and abscess.

Comfrey Infusion

Comfrey infusion is used to soak the skin in areas that are hard to reach or for overall skin infections. Add 1/4 cup of dry comfrey leaves to a quart jar of boiling water and cover. Let the herbs soak in the water for at least four hours and preferably, overnight. In the morning, strain out the comfrey leaves and add your infusion to your bath water or directly onto your skin by soaking a cotton cloth and applying it to the affected area.

Comfrey Poultice

Use comfrey to make a poultice for any type of skin infection that has inflammation. Blend four cups of fresh comfrey leaves in a blender with 1/4 cup of water until you make a paste. Wrap this paste in a cotton rag, making it 1/4 inch thick. Place your poultice in the refrigerator to use cold for reducing inflammation and itchiness. Leave on your skin for a minimum of 30 minutes.