Boraginaceae Anodyne Comfrey

Boraginaceae Anodyne Comfrey
Family:Boraginaceae Anodyne; Astringent; Demulcent; Emollient; Expectorant; Haemostatic; Homeopathy; Refrigerant; Vulnerary.
Common name:Comfrey
Comfrey is a commonly used herbal medicine with a long and proven history in the treatment of various complaints. The root and the leaves are used the root being more active and they can be taken internally or used externally as a poultice. Comfrey is especially useful in the external treatment of cuts bruises sprains sores eczema varicose veins broken bones etc internally it is used in the treatment of a wide range of pulmonary complaints internal bleeding etc. The plant contains a substance called 'allantoin' a cell proliferant that speeds up the healing process. This substance is now synthesized in the pharmaceutical industry and used in healing creams.The root and leaves are anodyne astringent (mild) demulcent emollient expectorant haemostatic refrigerant vulnerary. Some caution is advised however especially in the internal use of the herb. External applications and internally taken teas or tinctures of the leaves are considered to be completely safe but internal applications of tablets or capsules are felt to have too many drawbacks for safe usage. See also the notes above on toxicity. The leaves are harvested in early summer before the plant flowers the roots are harvested in the autumn. Both are dried for later use.A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh root harvested before the plant flowers. This has a very limited range of application but is of great benefit in the treatment of broken bones and eye injuries.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 01:47 []