Tag: Comfrey

Historically known as 'knitbone,' comfrey has been used for centuries to aid in the healing of fractures, sprains, and connective tissue injuries. But is comfrey good for bone health in practice today? The answer depends heavily on the method of application, as modern science reveals serious risks associated with ingesting the herb.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), all oral comfrey products were advised to be removed from the market in 2001 due to serious health concerns, including severe liver damage. This warning applies directly to the practice of drinking comfrey tea, which contains toxic compounds known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs).

According to numerous health authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), internal use of comfrey is likely unsafe due to the presence of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). Therefore, the direct and urgent answer to 'can you eat wild comfrey?' is an emphatic no, as all species contain these harmful compounds that can cause irreversible liver damage and liver failure.

According to one analysis, the dried leaves of comfrey can contain 7.09% potash, 2.77% calcium, and 0.144% iron, among other elements. This makes it an exceptionally rich plant known to accumulate a diverse profile of minerals from deep within the soil.

One analysis of fresh Russian comfrey revealed a dry matter magnesium content of 4.3 g/kg. The deep-rooted comfrey plant is renowned for its ability to pull various minerals from the soil, including magnesium, making it a valuable accumulator for enriching garden soil and as a nutrient-rich feed source for livestock. However, its use for human consumption is now restricted due to potential liver toxicity.

In 2001, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised dietary supplement manufacturers to remove oral comfrey products from the market due to safety concerns. So, can you drink comfrey juice? Despite historical uses, modern scientific understanding has revealed that ingesting comfrey, even in a processed juice, poses significant and life-threatening risks.

Comfrey has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for various ailments, including digestive issues. However, modern regulatory bodies warn that oral preparations containing comfrey are highly unsafe and banned in many countries due to severe liver toxicity.

Historically, comfrey has been known as 'knitbone' for its traditional use in aiding minor skin issues and bruises. Today, a key question for those preparing this herb is: how long do you boil comfrey to create safe and effective topical remedies like compresses or salves? For topical compresses, a simmer of 10-15 minutes for the root is often recommended, while oil infusions for salves may simmer for up to two hours.

For over 2,000 years, comfrey has been known by the folk name "knitbone" for its purported ability to heal bone fractures and wounds. However, the modern understanding of comfrey is bifurcated, with its use as an herbal tea for humans now widely considered unsafe due to liver toxicity, while its application as a nutrient-rich garden fertilizer is highly effective.

As a plant with exceptionally deep taproots, comfrey is a powerhouse known for accumulating a wide spectrum of nutrients, from potent minerals to valuable compounds. This guide explores exactly what nutrients is comfrey high in and the crucial safety considerations for its use.