The Herb Comfrey

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a large perennial herb that is a common ingredient in natural skin creams and salves. Although the presence of rosmarinic acid in comfrey eases inflammation, it is this herb's ability to encourage skin regeneration that has won its reknown. The key component is allantoin, which serves as a trigger for the production of new skin cells. Allantoin exists in larger quantities in the root than in the leaf.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Comfrey is used topically to reduce pain caused by tissue inflammation. The leaf and root have tannins and rosmarinic acid, which combine to ease swelling in damaged skin. The anti-oxidant value of this herb increases its anti-inflammatory actions. The Phytochemical Database says, "The antioxidant activity of rosmarinic acid is stronger than that of vitamin E."

Cell Regeneration

Allantoin is considered the key to comfrey's success with cell regeneration. The alkaloid stimulates cell proliferation, which assists in healing dry or damaged skin. The therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, "Complete Commission E Monographs," lists allantoin as a topical wound healer and treatment for bruises and sprains.

Nutritional Content

Comfrey offers vitamins and minerals that aid the skin. Mark Pederson's reference book, "Nutritional Herbology" notes that 100 gm of comfrey contains 18,000 IU of vitamin A, 80 mg of vitamin C, 8.9 mg of niacin and 1,800 mg of calcium, along with 0.12 mg of selenium. This combination, combined with comfrey's other constituents, makes the herb a favorite among natural healers.

Warning

Comfrey's reputation has come under fire with information about the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. A 1991 study at the University of Otago's Wellington School of Medicine concluded that comfrey posed a health hazard when taken internally. Scientists documented liver damage in rats fed a diet of comfrey-derived pyrrolizidine alkaloids. The Food and Drug Administration has stated that internal use is not recommended. Comfrey was primarily for external use until Western health-care providers began to use it internally in the 1800s.

Other Uses for Comfrey

Comfrey promotes human health by providing a base for organic fertilizer. The National Sustainable Argiculture Information Service recommends using comfrey as a base for "compost tea" fertilizer.