WOUND & SCAR HEALING

Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

also known as comfrey root, comfrey leaf

Comfrey — Köhler 1887 botanical illustration

A topical-only herb, traditionally used on bruises, sprains, and slow-healing wounds. The root and leaf contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause severe liver injury if taken internally — never swallow.

Eases bruises, sprains, and muscle strains topically
Supports the healing of broken bones — old folk name is knitbone
Allantoin promotes skin cell turnover
Mucilage soothes inflamed skin

Topical use only — never take internally

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids can cause severe liver injury (veno-occlusive disease)

Do not apply to broken or open skin

Avoid in pregnancy and nursing

Do not use on infants or young children

Limit topical use to 4 to 6 weeks at a time

Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs · EMA Herbal Medicinal Product Monographs · American Botanical Council HerbMedPro · Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs · EMA Herbal Medicinal Product Monographs · American Botanical Council HerbMedPro

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