Steemit'ers!
Today is a SPECIAL one for me, as I have a deep admiration, respect and love for this wonderful herb.
Symphytum officinale, otherwise known as Comfrey.
This beautiful plant is superb. The word Comfrey is latin based and means "to grow together".
Symphytum officinale is also known by the names:
- Bruiswort
- Knitbone ---------->Yes....It puts bones back together....And wounds!
- Slippery Root
- Ass Ear ------------------> :')
- Boneset ------------->Again- this plant HEALS BROKEN BONES
- Blackwort and
- Yalluc (saxon)
(Photo credit: Me!) Comfrey at the back, just been cut back for processing and drying of leaves :) So looks naked.
Comfrey is quite controversial when it comes to internal use, as during research, high doses of Comfrey were linked to liver damage in mice. Which, unfortunately, has stalled all further research and investigation into developing this plant further into a modern food, medicinal and forage crop.....
HOWEVER!
As with most things natural that work with an amazing intelligence that precedes our current technological understanding-Science Poo-Poo's it and disheartens the masses.
I am bringing Symphytum Officinale back, <3 Bitches <3.
Dances. :')
All parts of this plant are used medicinally. And homoeopathically, a tincture, made of the roots and mixed with wine, is given 10 drops in a tablespoon of water several times a day to cure everything from whooping cough to haemorrhages to gangrenous wounds.
Comfrey is great for SOOOOO many things and here are a few for your pleasure-And mine! <3
For diarrhoea or dysentery, a decoction made of 1/2 oz-1 oz crushed root in 4 cups of water or milk (almond is fine), then consumed by the cup full, regularly.
For coughs (whooping cough particularly), the root is more effective than the leaves. This same decoction is used to treat haemorrhaging-whether from the lungs, bowels, stomach or piles....1-1.5oz crushed root with 2-3 cups water-Drink until haemorrhaging ceases. (in severe cases-add a tsp of witch hazel)
For Sprains, swelling, bruising, severe cuts, to promote healthy festering of boils, abscesses and gangrenous ulcers Symphytum officinale 's leaves are made into a poultice (hot or cold depending).
--->Hot poultice= Crush whole plant (as much as required) into almost a 'cast' like consistency, soak cloths that will be used in the poultice (muslin or cheesecloth works best) in hot water. Whilst the cloth is soaking, coat affected area in the Comfrey mash then apply the (well wrung) warm/hot cloths around area. This method WILL cause discomfort for the first 2 or so applications depending on the severeness of whats being treated.
--->Cold Poultice= Same as above, just using cold water.
- A salve can be made from the leaves to assist with small wounds, bruises and also helps broken bones.
- Powdered root dissolved in water will stop haemorrhaging
(Photo Credit: Me) Jar of already prepped and dried leaves
One of my fave herbalists of ALL time-Nicholas Culpeper, has this to say about Comfrey:
'The great Comfrey ("great" to distinguish it from the "Middle Comfrey" - another name for the Bugle) restrains spitting of blood.
The root boiled in water or wine and the decoction drank, heals inward hurts, bruises, wounds and ulcers of the lungs, and causes the phlegm that oppresses him to be casily spit forth....
A syrup made there of is very effectual in inward hurts, and the distilled water for the same purpose also, and for outward wounds or sores in the fleshy or sinewy parts of the body, and to abate the fits of agues and to allay the sharpness of humours.
A decoction of the leaves is good for those purposes, but not so effectual as the roots.
The roots being outwardly applied cure fresh wounds or cuts immediately, being bruised and laid thereto; and is specially good for ruptures and broken bones, so powerful to consolidate and knit together that if they be boiled with dissevered pieces of flesh in a pot, it will join them together again.'
He goes on to describe its curative effect on haemorrhoids and continues:
'The roots of Comfrey taken fresh, beaten small and spread upon leather and laid upon any place troubled with the gout presently gives ease: and applied in the same manner it eases pained joints and tends to heal running ulcers, gangrenes, mortifications, for which it hath by often experience been found helpful.'
Comfrey root, together with chicory and dandelion roots, are used to make a non caffeinated coffee, that tastes identical to the real thing.
This wonderful herb is also an AMAZING fertiliser because of its high potash levels! So crush it down and make a "tea". then fertilise the rest of your beloved garden! (Also can use the whole leaves for a compost activator)
Gosh, I love nature...
Hope you enjoyed today! <3
Much love all
SteemON!!! <3