If you find yourself with a broken bone today,
modern medical procedures will usually include
a cast of some sort to minimize movement while
the bone heals. In days long past, an herbal treatment
might have been included, too.
Comfrey is a bone-healing member
of the Borage family. The herb holds a place of
high esteem in the herbal remedy arsenal. Symphytum,
meaning to join or unite, is the genus name, most
likely a reflection of the function the herb serves
as a medicinal.
Other common names for the plant
attest to its healing properties – knitbone
and bruisewort.
Allantoin is a highly beneficial
healing chemical found in abundance in the comfrey
plant. It’s known to promote growth in bone,
cartilage, and soft tissues and is probably the
source of the plant’s bone-healing magic.
The high mucilage content of
the comfrey plant helps bind together broken bones
and fractures, allowing speedy healing and straighter
repairs. This same gelatinous goo makes an effective
poultice or ointment for soothing external inflammation
and pains in softer tissue.
Said to be influenced by the
planet Saturn, ruler of the skeleton and skin,
Culpeper considered comfrey to be a highly effective
treatment for these systems.
In a time when tuberculosis
hit hard and hit often, celebrated herbalist John
Gerard prescribed comfrey-root syrup to treat
“ulcers of the lungs,” a painful sounding
description of an often fatal disease.
Homeopaths today use comfrey
extracts for treating bones, fractures, and other
joint-related ailments but caution is advised
when using comfrey internally. Long-term use might
be dangerous although no conclusive studies have
been undertaken.
Reference
Kruger, Anna; An Illustrated Guide to Herbs: Their
Medicine and Magic; A Dragon’s World Book;
Limpsfield and London; 1993
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