Comfrey medicinal uses: are you already familiar with comfrey, also known as “knitbone”?
Here’s what you’ll discover in this post:
A deep dive into common comfrey medicinal uses and wild comfrey medicinal uses
Safe DIY home remedies like comfrey salve recipe and comfrey tea
Answers to all kinds of questions like is comfrey poisonous, is comfrey edible, is comfrey a perennial, and more.
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1. What Is Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)?
Native to Britain and stretching across Europe and into Siberia, wild and garden comfrey has been recognised since ancient times for its healing powers.
In fact, Symphytum comes from Greek words meaning “grow-together plant” because it was used to knit broken bones.
Comfrey grows fast—up to four feet tall—with fuzzy leaves and bell-like flowers in purple, blue, pink, or white.
It is a hardy perennial that comes back each year.
2. The Science Behind the Healing
Let’s take a quick look at the science:
Allantoin stimulates cellular mitosis (new tissue growth).
Rosmarinic acid relieves pain and inflammation.
Comfrey is rich in mucilage, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, polyphenols, phytosterols, and triterpenoids
A large 2013 review on medicinal uses for comfrey reports:
“It is clinically proven to relieve pain, inflammation and swelling of muscles and joints…sprains, contusions and strains after sports injuries”
It’s no wonder comfrey tablets were once standard in World War II first-aid kits.
Comfrey tablets sped up healing of bones and wounds—and helped soldiers recover faster.
3. Comfrey Root vs. Leaves: What to Use When
Have you ever wondered what can comfrey be used for?
Comfrey leaves are gentle. They’re perfect for soothing cuts, scrapes, stings, and applying to skin.
Making a comfrey poultice with the leaves is easy and effective.
Comfrey roots are richer in mucilage and excellent for deeper healing, especially for “hot/dry” conditions like old injuries or deep bruises.
4. Most Popular Comfrey Medicinal Uses
Comfrey poultice for bruises, sprains, and skin wounds
Mash a handful of leaves, place directly on the injured area, cover with a cloth, and leave for a few minutes or hours.
A comfrey poultice speeds healing and eases pain fast.
Comfrey salve uses for joint pain, arthritis, varicose veins
I infuse dried comfrey leaves or roots in olive oil, strain, and mix with beeswax (or you could use vegan wax).
Comfrey salve works like magic on sore knees or swollen veins—especially if used consistently for several weeks.
Comfrey tea for internal use
Only for short-term use and never during pregnancy or in children, or those with liver issues.
I recommend to do your own research before using comfrey internally.
To make comfrey tea, steep dried leaves for about 5 minutes.
Drinking comfrey tea soothes ulcers, cough, and lung irritation.
Comfrey baths & compresses for skin irritations
A warm bath with comfrey leaves or a compress on sunburn and rashes soothes instantly thanks to its natural mucilage.
Comfrey uses in the garden
Beyond medicine, comfrey is a gardener’s friend. You can use the leaves as mulch or compost.
Comfrey leaves are loaded with potassium and nitrogen—perfect for heavy feeders like tomatoes.
Need fertiliser? Try your hand at DIY comfrey “compost tea”!
And pollinators love the flowers—those pretty bell-shaped blooms feed bumblebees and butterflies.
5. Ancient Roots & Healing Legends
Stories about comfrey medicinal uses go way back:
Pliny the Elder in Naturalis historia recommended comfrey for bruises and sprains as early as 23–79 AD. He also mentions using root decoctions in wine as an emmenagogue.
Dioscorides, Nero’s physician, touted comfrey in De Materia Medica for broken bones and gastrointestinal problems.
In medieval Wales, a bone “union potion” combined comfrey, wine, pepper, and honey for nine days to strengthen broken limbs.
Monastery herbals from 1000 AD mention the use of comfrey for “internal bleedings, ruptures, and hernias.”
Throughout history, it was also common to make comfrey cast-like bandages to hold bones in place while they healed.
6. How to Make a Comfrey Salve Recipe
Here’s my easy comfrey salve recipe—perfect for gifting and keeping at hand:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried comfrey leaves or chopped root
- 2 cups olive oil (or avocado oil, almond oil, apricot kernal oil are all good choices)
- 2 tbsp beeswax
Instructions:
- Gently heat comfrey and oil in a double boiler for 2–3 hours.
- Strain leaves/root.
- In sauce pan, melt wax, stir in infused oil.
- Pour into jars and let cool.
Use it to soothe sore muscles, arthritis aches, or skin irritations.
This homemade comfrey salve is a simple way to turn comfrey-infused oil into a soothing topical preparation for sore muscles, aching joints and dry or irritated skin.
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7. Safety First: Is comfrey really toxic?
Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)—which may potentially harm the liver if ingested long term.
There is a long history of people using it internally long term with no ill effect, so the issue is not clear-cut.
Please do your own research before deciding whether to use comfrey.
I never use it internally for long term—just in moderation, with occasional leaf tea.
I don’t use it during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or on young children.
Some people recommend limiting topical use to 10 days at a time.
So yes, is comfrey safe? Yes—if used thoughtfully, with respect and caution.
8. Growing Your Own: Comfrey plant benefits in the garden
When comfrey is present, gardens thrive—it’s hardy, attractive, and useful:
It tolerates mowing, partial shade, and poor soil.
It flowers from late spring to summer, and is popular with the bees.
It can become invasive, but it’s possible to control it with deep border beds or large containers.
You can grow the Bocking 14 variety to avoid spreading seeds.
Harvest leaves whenever needed, chop them up for compost, or dry them for tea and remedies.
9. Real-Life Healing: Herrick Kimball’s Story
YouTuber Herrick Kimball once treated scratched eyes with a comfrey leaf poultice. After 30 minutes, he said:
“It was like I had never had anything wrong with it. It was 100 percent cured.”
10. Comfrey in Modern Studies
Modern evidence backs ancient wisdom:
European clinical trials confirm comfrey balm reduces pain and swelling in backache, osteoarthritis, sprains, contusions, and muscle pain—and works as well as NSAIDs like diclofenac, with good tolerability pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
A 2024 rat study showed comfrey speeds wound healing and encourages new tissue growth cdn-uat.mdedge.com+15healthline.com+15researchgate.net+15.
Lab studies show allantoin and rosmarinic acid promote skin repair and reduce inflammation at a cellular level rxlist.com+8pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+8indigo-herbs.co.uk+8.
These findings add to the growing body of evidence behind common comfrey medicinal uses, particularly for pain, bruising, sprains and other minor injuries.
11. Comfrey for Back Pain, Muscle Pain and Sore Muscles
One of the most interesting comfrey medicinal uses is something many people don’t immediately associate with the plant: back pain.
Topical comfrey root extract has been studied in people with acute upper and lower back pain.
In one clinical trial, a comfrey root extract ointment was applied three times daily for five days. The researchers found a substantially greater reduction in pain during movement compared with placebo.
This makes comfrey oil, comfrey cream and comfrey salve good options for people looking for a traditional herbal alternative for muscular aches.
Comfrey has also been investigated for myalgia (muscle pain).
Clinical research using a topical Symphytum preparation found improvements in pain during movement, pain at rest and tenderness compared with a lower-concentration reference preparation.
A comfrey-infused oil or salve can be massaged gently into areas of everyday muscular discomfort, such as a stiff lower back, aching shoulders, tired legs or muscles that feel sore after physical work.
This is why comfrey can be an especially useful remedy to keep in your home apothecary.
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12. Comfrey for Arthritis and Aching Joints
Can comfrey help arthritis pain?
There’s some good clinical research that answers this question!
Several studies have examined topical comfrey root preparations in people with osteoarthritis of the knee.
In a trial involving people with painful knee osteoarthritis, a comfrey root extract ointment was used for three weeks.
Pain scores, mobility and measures of quality of life improved significantly more in the comfrey group than in the placebo group.
Another trial investigated topical comfrey creams containing 10% or 20% comfrey root extract in people with knee osteoarthritis.
Both active treatments produced greater improvements in pain, stiffness and physical function than the reference cream.
Clinical research gives comfrey for arthritis, comfrey for knee pain, comfrey for stiff joints and comfrey for joint inflammation a strong evidence base.
This is one reason comfrey salve for arthritis and comfrey oil for joint pain remain popular herbal preparations.
13. Comfrey for Sprains, Strains and Sports Injuries
If you have ever wondered why comfrey is sometimes called knitbone, look at its modern use for soft-tissue injuries.
A sprain damages ligaments, while a strain affects muscles or tendons.
Both can result in pain, swelling, tenderness and restricted movement. Topical comfrey has been studied particularly well for these types of acute injuries.
In a trial involving people with acute ankle sprains, a comfrey root extract ointment was applied four times daily for eight days.
The comfrey preparation produced significantly greater reductions in pain and ankle swelling than the placebo, with improvements also seen in ankle mobility.
Another trial involving people with acute ankle distortion compared different concentrations of a topical comfrey preparation and found significant improvements in pain, functional impairment and swelling.
These studies support several comfrey uses for injuries, including:
- ankle sprains
- bruising and contusions
- muscle strains
- sports injuries
- painful swelling
- stiffness after minor injuries
- sore muscles after exercise
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) specifically recognises traditional topical use of comfrey root preparations for the relief of symptoms associated with minor sprains and bruises.
Of course, that does not mean comfrey replaces proper treatment for a serious injury.
A badly swollen joint, suspected fracture, and severe pain should always be assessed appropriately.
14. Comfrey for Tendons and Ligaments: What Do We Actually Know?
Comfrey has a long traditional reputation for injuries involving connective tissues, and its allantoin, mucilage and phenolic compounds have made it an interesting subject for research into tissue repair and inflammation.
There is clinical evidence for topical comfrey in acute ankle sprains, which involve ligaments, and for pain associated with muscles and other soft tissues.
If you are using comfrey salve for tendon pain, think of it primarily as a traditional topical preparation for discomfort and inflammation rather than a substitute for rehabilitation.
Rest, appropriate loading, movement and professional assessment can all be important depending on the injury.
15. Why Comfrey is so Interesting for Skin
Comfrey has another important medicinal identity: it is a traditional skin-soothing and tissue-supporting herb.
The root contains allantoin, while both root and aerial parts contain mucilage and phenolic compounds including rosmarinic acid.
Allantoin is particularly popular in skincare formulations for its skin-conditioning properties.
Traditionally used in poultices and salves, comfrey for skin has a long history in herbal medicine, particularly as a comfrey salve for dry skin or comfrey cream for irritated skin.
The mucilage gives preparations made from comfrey a soothing, slippery quality. The plant’s other constituents have been investigated for their beneficial anti-inflammatory and tissue-repair effects.
16. Comfrey Poultice vs. Comfrey Salve: Which Is Better?
There is more than one way to use comfrey externally, and the preparation changes how the herb behaves.
A comfrey poultice uses the plant material itself, usually freshly crushed or prepared leaves. Because there is no need to extract the constituents into an oil or wax, it is one of the simplest traditional ways of applying comfrey to a local area.
A comfrey oil is different. The plant is infused into a carrier oil, traditionally olive oil, which extracts some of the oil-soluble constituents and produces a preparation that is easy to massage into the skin.
A comfrey salve takes that infused oil one step further by combining it with beeswax. The result is thicker, easier to store and particularly convenient for areas such as knees, elbows, hands and other joints.
Then there are standardised comfrey creams and ointments. These may contain measured concentrations of specific extracts and have been used in clinical research.
17. Comfrey Leaf or Comfrey Root: Does It Matter?
Comfrey root contains allantoin, mucilage polysaccharides, phenolic acids and other constituents that have attracted particular interest in research.
This is one reason many clinical studies of comfrey for pain and injuries have used comfrey root extract.
The leaves also contain these powerful constituents and are commonly used by herbalists for poultices, infused oils and other external preparations. The leaves are less concentrated in these compounds than the roots.
There’s also a practical difference for anyone growing comfrey at home. Leaves can be harvested repeatedly during the growing season, whereas harvesting the root means digging up part of the plant.
For medicinal gardening, this makes a vigorous comfrey patch particularly valuable: you can grow it primarily for the leaves while allowing the plant to establish a substantial root system underground.
18. Can Comfrey Really Help Broken Bones?
This is where the ancient reputation of comfrey needs a little modern perspective.
We’ve already mentioned that the name Symphytum comes from the Greek symphyo, meaning “to grow together”, reflecting the plant’s ability to knit tissues and help broken bones to heal. That explains the famous common name knitbone.
There is not currently enough clinical evidence to say that applying comfrey to a fracture will make the bone knit faster. A suspected fracture requires proper assessment, and a comfrey poultice or salve should never be used instead of appropriate fracture care.
What is well established is that comfrey has a long history of external use for bruises, sprains and other minor injuries, and topical comfrey root preparations have been investigated clinically for pain and swelling associated with soft-tissue injuries.
Let me know in the comments if you have experience using comfrey medicinally.
I’d love to hear your stories: they could really help other people! ❤️
19. How Long Does Comfrey Take to Work?
There is no single answer because it depends on the preparation, the condition being treated and the individual.
Interestingly, some clinical trials have reported measurable improvements within only a few days. In the ankle-sprain research, topical comfrey was used for eight days, while the acute back-pain study lasted only five days. Some people may notice symptomatic relief relatively quickly.
Other studies have examined longer courses, particularly for knee osteoarthritis.
Especially for homemade preparations, it is hard to predict the timing because the concentration of active constituents can vary considerably according to the comfrey variety, plant part, harvesting time, drying method and extraction technique.
20. What Makes Comfrey Different From Arnica?
Comfrey and arnica are often placed together in herbal first-aid cupboards because both are traditionally associated with bruising, swelling and minor injuries.
But they are different plants with different chemistry and different research bases.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) belongs to the Boraginaceae family and contains compounds including allantoin, mucilage and rosmarinic acid. Arnica belongs to the Asteraceae family and contains a different collection of constituents.
Comfrey has been particularly studied in topical preparations for ankle sprains, back pain and knee osteoarthritis, while arnica is more strongly associated in popular herbal medicine with bruising and muscular soreness.
FAQs
Can comfrey heal tendons?
Yes. Its anti-inflammatory and pain-relief properties support healing inflamed tendons.
Is comfrey oil good for hair?
Rich in gamma-linolenic acid and omega-6 fats, comfrey may support scalp health and hair growth.
How long does comfrey take to work?
Many people see improvement within 1–2 weeks of topical use for sprains or arthritis, although there are lots of tales of even speedier results.
Is comfrey good for varicose veins?
Comfrey can help reduce pain and swelling when used topically in poultices or in comfrey oil or creams.
Does comfrey tighten skin?
Thanks to allantoin boosting collagen, it can improve skin firmness and smooth rough patches.
Is comfrey the same as borage?
They’re in the same Boraginaceae family, but comfrey is Symphytum – not true borage.
What does comfrey taste like?
Mild but slightly bitter.
Is comfrey poisonous to dogs?
As with humans, regular consumption is not recommended due to safety concerns.
Is comfrey edible?
Young comfrey leaves can be eaten raw or cooked (they’re hairy, so chop finely). Roots can be roasted and used like coffee. But long-term internal use is discouraged due to potential toxicity.
Is comfrey invasive?
Yes—it regrows easily from root fragments. Plant with care or grow in containers.
Is comfrey a perennial?
Yes, it lives for many years and returns each growing season.
What can comfrey be used for?
Healing skin, bones, muscle aches, garden fertiliser, poultices, salves, teas, and more.
Is comfrey really toxic?
It is safe when used topically on intact skin and not taken long-term internally.
Comfrey uses in the garden?
Mulch, compost, fermented fertiliser, and pollinator support.
Common comfrey medicinal uses?
Bruises, sprains, arthritis, wounds, skin irritations, and bone support—backed by research.
Comfrey medicinal uses: final words
We’ve covered the power of comfrey medicinal uses—from soothing salves and healing poultices to garden compost and safety tips.
You’ve learned how to use leaves vs. roots, why it works, and how to grow it.
For every ache, bruise, irritation, or garden chore—comfrey is ready to help.
Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or want to share any information about comfrey.
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Hi!!! Thank you for this information!
When making the comfrey salve do I have to use dried leaves/roots? Can they be freshly cut and heated in the oil instead?
Thank you!!
Hello Sherri, thank you for your question 😊
You can use freshly cut, but it’s recommended to wilt first overnight before the heating process, which allows the rest of the water to evaporate.
There’s a great video by Spiraea Herbs outlining all the steps, where she uses fresh wilted comfrey leaves: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKOFcj7mv4I
I usually use dried herbs in oil to reduce the risks of spoilage, but this method works well for many people.
Good luck with your salve ❤️
Hi Rosa,
I heard about comfrey years ago and thought about growing it. Now 1 month after a bad car accident and 11 discs that are all either herniated bulging or extruding plus 1 disc broke off, I am seeking pain relief and healing as comfrey came to mind. My order of comfrey ointment literally just arrived today. Any downside to using it on my back and neck?
Hello Eli,
Thank you for your message, and I’m sorry to hear about your accident!
Based on the research we have, topical comfrey ointments and creams can help reduce back pain, inflammation, and swelling. Several clinical studies have found comfrey preparations to be effective for acute back pain and other musculoskeletal injuries.
I’ve not found any proof so far that comfrey can heal herniated or extruded discs themselves, but personally I would still be happy to use comfrey ointment to encourage some healing in this type of case. Any healing might only be partial, but it’s still worth a try.
As for downsides, the main concern with comfrey is a group of compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These can be absorbed through the skin, although less will be absorbed than if you ingest the comfrey internally. The PAs cause some people concern when considering long-term use for a period of several weeks or months, due to potential liver damage.
Many herbalists now avoid comfrey for this reason, while some still recommend it. Some recommend using it for a few weeks then taking a break before using it again.
If I was using comfrey ointment for a long period, I would consider supporting liver health by using a daily supplement such as milk thistle, dandelion, or another liver-supportive herb.
I would also avoid anything that causes the liver a higher workload, such as alcohol or processed food. And of course, eating a healthy diet with foods that support bone healing.
There are also many other herbs for pain relief that can be taken internally and applied topically alongside the comfrey. Cayenne, hops, chamomile, cloves and ginger among others can be very effective when you find the right herb in the right dose for you.
I hope you have access to any further required medical treatment or rehabilitation.
Wishing you a smooth recovery and hoping you find some relief soon,
Rosa
Hello Rosa,
I’m new to comfrey and to herbal medicine in general.
I would like to get your advice if possible:
About 2 years ago out of the blue I developed a cyst on my right outer ear. I have never had a cyst before. I applied a “salve” of 50/50 Vaseline and bentonite clay. Very quickly it chewed up the skin and left a crater with elevated rim on the surface of my ear. Ignorantly I continued this treatment for months. Then I stopped and did a 12 day water fast. At the end of the fast I had a small hole in the ear; some of the skin and maybe even some of the cartilage are missing. Then it got infected and inflamed. I apply several times daily Hydrogen Peroxide and it stopped the oozing of pus.
Now I am considering applying comfrey poultice to the wound with the hope that the skin will grow back.
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
I don’t even know what type of comfrey and where to get it.
Thank you very much for any suggestions.
Hello Ben,
Thank you for getting in touch.
I’m sorry you’ve been dealing with this for so long!
A wound that has persisted for two years, especially one with infection, pus drainage, and loss of skin or potentially cartilage, is something that ideally would be assessed in-person by a healthcare professional before applying further treatments.
While hydrogen peroxide can be very effective at killing bacteria, it can also damage the healthy cells involved in repairing the tissue.
Comfrey has a long history of use for supporting wound healing and tissue repair. However, many herbalists advise caution when using comfrey on deep, infected, or poorly healed wounds because there is a concern that it may encourage the surface layers of the skin to close before the infection has fully resolved in the deeper layers, trapping the infection inside the body.
If you do decide to use a topical comfrey application, leaf preparations are generally considered safer than root preparations, as the roots contain higher levels of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs).
The PAs in comfrey are a source of concern for some people when considering prolonged use over several weeks or months, due to the possibility of liver toxicity.
Some herbalists suggest using comfrey for a few weeks at a time, followed by a break before resuming use.
If I were using comfrey ointment over an extended period, I would think about supporting liver health with herbs such as milk thistle, dandelion root, or other liver-supportive herbs.
Many online herb suppliers sell comfrey ointments, comfrey gels, and comfrey salves.
You can also buy dried comfrey leaf and make a poultice, which is quite an easy home remedy. You just wet the herb and apply it to the area using cloth.
I would look for a supplier that clearly identifies the species, Symphytum officinale.
I hope you’re able to finally heal this wound!
Wishing you all the best,
Rosa
Rosa,
Thank you for your website. About 25 years ago I was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. I wasn’t sure what that meant but I felt at the time that I had only ten years to live.
I sought out an answer through herbs. I started a diet about ten years ago and did it for about 2 years. This was the, “Incurables Diet”, by Dr Christopher. I became somewhat familiar with comfrey as I was asked to drink a cup of tea per day. I just assumed it was good for strengthening bones or healing tissue. I have to say back in those days when I was in my early 50’s that my bones never felt stronger and they felt thick.
Of late, I’m on a moderate diet where I kicked out a lot of white sugar and focus on vegetables, fruits and certain meats.
Back to the comfrey. For about 2 months I’ve been eating a 1/2 to 1 eggshell a day. It sure feels like my bones are getting stronger. Today, I read something about how to regrow your teeth. Part one is to eat one eggshell a day. Part two is to swish comfrey root 20 minutes per day. I just started today. I never had a problem of drinking the leaf tea for two years. I just want to be cautious. Do you think swishing the root is okay?
Have a great day.
Brendon Rundell
Austin, Texas
Hi Brendon,
Thank you for sharing your story. It sounds like you’ve become very attuned to how your body responds to nutrition and herbs 😊
The pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are higher in comfrey’s roots than the leaves, are thought to place stress on the liver in sufficiently large or prolonged amounts.
Because of this, many herbalists avoid internal use entirely, and some are also cautious even with topical use or mouth rinses.
That said, my personal view is that using comfrey root as a mouth rinse (swishing and spitting rather than swallowing) is likely to result in only very minimal absorption through the mucous membranes of the mouth into the body. I would expect any liver burden from that kind of use to be negligible, and I would be happy to use it in that way myself.
If someone already has liver disease, takes medications that stress the liver, or has other risk factors, I would be more cautious, just in case.
Wishing you continued good health, and strong bones and teeth!
Rosa
Was told comfrey would help my chronic congested lungs better than mullein and even promote new tissue.Is this true?
Hello Daniel, thanks for getting in touch.
I can’t say for sure if comfrey would work better than mullein in your case, but it’s definitely possible and may be something you wish to experiment with.
Have you tried mullein yet, and has it helped at all?
Comfrey leaf tea is indeed said to be rejuvenatory to lung tissue, and to many other types of tissue throughout the body. But I err on the side of caution and don’t generally recommend using comfrey leaf tea long-term due to the pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which may risk liver damage.
Some herbalists are not so concerned, as comfrey has been used by many people long-term without evidence of liver damage in those cases. But many herbalists now advise against the use of comfrey internally.
If you decide it is worth the risk, I would advise getting in touch with a herbalist/naturopathic doctor who uses comfrey internally if possible for more personalised guidance, or doing further research on which types of comfrey leaves have less pyrrolizidine alkaloids, etc. You may also wish to experiment with using comfrey externally as a poultice on the chest.
Wishing you well, Rosa