Comfrey is a flowering herb native to Europe, although it is now grown in temperate regions of North America, according to the Herbs 2000 website. It is also known as knitbone, a name that caused European herbalists in the 1500s to erroneously believe that the roots of this herb could help mend broken bones. Although comfrey root cannot speed bone repair, it may offer several other medicinal uses. Check with your physician before taking comfrey root for any medicinal purpose.
Wound Healing
Herbalists have recommended comfrey root as a wound healer for more than 2,500 years, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." The roots of the comfrey plant contain a chemical called allantoin, which may speed the healing of scrapes, cuts and surgical wounds. Comfrey root may also ease the inflammation of skin wounds, reducing pain and decreasing the risk of scarring. However, scientific evidence linking comfrey root to wound healing is not conclusive.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by red patches of skin that are covered with small, silver scales. These patches are most common on the knees, elbows, scalp, ears and back, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Although the exact cause is unknown, stress, viral infection, alcohol use and high blood pressure may trigger psoriasis flare-ups. Allantoin may help speed the healing of psoriasis patches, and may reduce the frequency of flare-ups.
Digestive Distress
Comfrey root may be useful if you suffer from peptic ulcers, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis. Allantoin may soothe the lining of your stomach and intestines, which may help relieve abdominal pains, nausea and cramps, according to Castleman. However, current studies linking comfrey root to relief from digestive problems have only been conducted on animals, so the benefit to humans is unknown.
Risks
Comfrey root may cause liver damage and may impair liver function, according to Castleman. Allantoin may cause hepatic veno-occlusive disease, a condition characterized by narrowing of the blood vessels in your liver. This may impair your liver's ability to remove wastes from your bloodstream and deliver bile to your digestive system. In rare cases, comfrey root may also cause stomach cramps or diarrhea.
References
- Herbs 2000: Comfrey
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
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