Comfrey is a shrub that grows in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. It can grow up to 5 feet tall. It produces clusters of purple, blue, and white flowers, and it’s famous for its long, slender leaves and black-skinned roots.

Comfrey as a remedy

People still use comfrey as an alternative remedy for joint and muscle pain, as well as closed wounds.


Some clinical research supports the claim that comfrey has wound-healing powers. For example, a research review published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found some evidence that comfrey can help heal abrasion wounds.
 

According to the same research review, results also suggested that comfrey can help treat osteoarthritis, as well as some injuries, such as ankle sprains. A study reported in Phytotherapy Research also suggests that creams containing comfrey root can help relieve upper and lower back pain.
 

Historically, some people have eaten comfrey leaves as a vegetable. Traditional healers have also used oral preparations of comfrey to treat stomach issues, such as ulcers, colitis, and diarrhea. You can also drink dried comfrey root and leaves as tea.
 

Today, eating or taking any form of comfrey by mouth isn’t recommended. It’s considered unsafe, due to the pyrrolizidine alkaloids that comfrey contains.
 

If you want to try the effects of comfrey, we recommend HillVital Black Comfrey Balm.