How to harvest comfrey root: photo with description. Comfrey plant: photos, types, cultivation, planting and care in open ground Comfrey planting and care in open ground

Comfrey officinalis. Botanical illustration from the book “Köhler’s Medizinal-Pflanzen”, 1887.

Ancient sources indicate that in Ancient Rome Comfrey was widely used as a powerful remedy for wound healing for soldiers. The plant was also noted by the ancient Greek physician Dioscorides. And, despite the fact that even at the dawn of the development of medicine it was known about the medicinal properties of comfrey, its study by scientists began only in the 19th century. But traditional medicine has never lost sight of this medicinal herb and recommended the use of comfrey for joints and in the fight against inflammation.

Botanical description

You can find the herbaceous plant in forests and ravines, in clearings and meadows, near swamps and rivers. Comfrey can grow near homes. He feels comfortable in gardens and even vegetable gardens. Distinguish medicinal plant, popularly nicknamed larkspur, can be identified by the following characteristic features.

• Stem. The branched, erect stem can reach one meter. It is densely covered with light dense hairs.
• Leaves . Large petiolate leaves grow in the lower part of the stem, the length of which reaches 15 cm and the width - 5 cm. The upper leaves of comfrey are sessile. They are rough to the touch and have stiff hairs. When the leaves are rubbed, a faint cucumber smell appears.
• Flowers. Bell-shaped flowers form paniculate inflorescences. They are located at the ends of the stem and multiple branches of the plant. Comfrey flowers can be purple, blue, and sometimes lilac and even purple.
• Fruits. The large black fruits are oval or round in shape. Four to five such nuts are formed in one flower.
• Root. The plant has a black rhizome with long root shoots. The cut of the root is white, very juicy, and sweetish in taste.

The root is mainly used for treatment. However, in folk medicine It is believed that the leaves also bring benefits. The rhizome is dug up in early spring or after the growing season, in the fall. The leaves are harvested during the flowering period of the grass.

The use of comfrey in folk medicine

Medicinal properties comfrey are dictated by the content of biologically active components that provide the plant with various healing effects. Among them is allantoin. This substance is a natural antibiotic with pronounced antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Allantoin gives larkspur the ability to accelerate regeneration and restore bone tissue. This is why comfrey herb is useful for treating pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. The healing properties of comfrey include the following positive effects on the body:

• restoration of bones and soft tissues;
• stimulation of healing of injuries and wounds;
• relieving pain, spasms;
• relief of inflammation.

In official medicine, a variety of ointments, creams, and balms are prepared from comfrey, intended for the treatment of joints. Particularly popular is the balm based on larkspur (comfrey) Dr. Taisa. The herb is appreciated by homeopaths. On its basis, a homeopathic drug for the treatment of ODA, “Symphytum” ointment, was created.

Comfrey is used not only in medicine. The herb is used in cosmetology. Medicinal larkspur extract is added to the bath to ensure effective softening and moisturizing of the skin. The aromatic procedure eliminates acne, inflammation, and promotes tissue regeneration.

Contraindications

Larkspur can cause serious harm. It is important to remember that comfrey is poisonous. The plant contains alkaloids (consolidine, cynoglossin, lasiocarpine), which have carcinogenic properties and, in the case of large accumulations in the body, can lead to tumors. Therefore, the plant is not used for oncology. In addition, these substances can affect the central nervous system. Therefore, side effects from the abuse of comfrey sometimes manifest themselves in the form of paralysis and difficulty breathing. Doctors give the following contraindications to the use of larkspur:

• pregnancy;
• hypotension;
• liver diseases;
• larkspur allergy;
• lactation period.

The use of larkspur must always be agreed with a doctor. Even when it comes to using external means.

Recipes

Comfrey roots are used to prepare medicinal infusions and various decoctions. They are used as raw materials for the production of ointments. A medicinal powder is prepared from the roots and even the juice is squeezed out. And fresh leaves, rich ascorbic acid, are used not only in medicine, but also in cooking. They are added to salads to give the dish a spring taste. Traditional healers recommend the following recipes for medicines.

For joint pathologies

Peculiarities . To reduce joint pain, reduce inflammation caused by arthritis, arthrosis or rheumatism, it is recommended to resort to healing ointment. This product is used to apply compresses. A thin layer of medicinal ointment is applied to the affected area. Compress paper is applied on top. The joint is then wrapped in a woolen scarf. This compress is kept for at least four hours. The event is repeated daily for ten days.

Compound:

• comfrey root - two tablespoons;
• pork fat - four tablespoons;
• pharmacy "Dimexide" - one teaspoon.

Preparation

1. The root is carefully ground to obtain a powder.
2. Comfrey is combined with pork fat.
3. Add Dimexide.
4. The ointment is mixed.

After injuries and skin ailments

Peculiarities . Larkspur decoction promotes bone regeneration in case of fractures. It is used to eliminate pain, relieve inflammation after sprains and bruises. The drug is recommended for washing bleeding wounds. This remedy will help get rid of skin problems and effectively speed up the process of boil ripening. Therapeutic compresses will help relieve the pain of polyarthritis. Apply compresses for four hours, carefully wrapping the source of discomfort with a woolen scarf. It is recommended to repeat the procedure ten times.

Compound:

• comfrey root - 100 g;
• water - 1 l.

Preparation

1. The larkspur is slightly chopped.
2. The rhizomes are filled with water and simmered over low heat for ten minutes.
3. The broth is filtered.

For osteomyelitis and varicose veins

Peculiarities . For the treatment of osteomyelitis, as well as varicose veins, compresses from a medicinal decoction are recommended. Such compresses are applied throughout the night. The recommended course of treatment can last from two to three weeks, depending on the severity of the pathology.

Compound:

• comfrey root - one tablespoon;
• water - glass.

Preparation

1. The dry root is slightly crushed.
2. It is placed in water and boiled for 20 minutes.
3. The solution is filtered.

For bone tuberculosis and gout

Peculiarities . For the treatment of bone tuberculosis and gout, internal administration of larkspur infusion is recommended. This remedy can be used to treat rheumatism and arthrosis. Take the infusion one tablespoon at a time. The medicine is taken three times during the day and preferably before meals. One course lasts on average two weeks.

Compound:

• comfrey root - 15 g;
• milk - 250 ml.

Preparation

1. Comfrey rhizome is ground to a powder.
2. The milk is brought to a boil.
3. Chopped larkspur is poured with hot milk.
4. Cover the container and leave for half an hour.
5. Filter the drink.

For pain due to intervertebral hernia

Peculiarities . For the treatment of intervertebral hernias, compresses made from larkspur tincture with vodka are recommended. In case of severe pain, it is necessary to rub the concerned areas with the drug. In addition, for ten days, compresses from the tincture are applied to those areas of the spine in which hernias are found. After the course, take a break for ten days. Then the treatment is repeated. To prepare comfrey tincture at home, use the following recipe.

Compound:

• comfrey root - 50 g;
• vodka - 0.7 l.

Preparation

1. The dry root needs to be slightly soaked in plain water.
2. The soaked raw materials are poured with vodka.
3. The medicine is infused, shaking occasionally, for two weeks.
4. Be sure to filter.

For bleeding

Peculiarities . To stop bleeding, it is recommended to apply powder obtained by grinding larkspur root directly onto the wound. This product will disinfect the wound and accelerate healing. But, as reviews show, fresh comfrey juice copes with bleeding faster and more effectively. This liquid can be used not only for wounds, but also in case of nosebleeds. To eliminate the problem, turundas are prepared. They are soaked in larkspur juice and inserted into the nasal passages. When the gauze is completely filled with blood, the turundas are replaced with new ones. This can be repeated three times.

Compound:

• larkspur root (exclusively freshly dug) - 100 g.

Preparation

1. Comfrey is carefully washed under water and cleaned.
2. Fresh raw materials are crushed.
3. The pulp is placed in cheesecloth and the juice is squeezed out.

For prostatitis

Peculiarities . Herbalists recommend using suppositories made from larkspur and black poplar buds to treat prostatitis. This remedy provides a strong antiseptic effect, thanks to poplar buds, and an effective reduction in the inflammatory process due to the inclusion of comfrey in suppositories. Place candles for a month, every other day, at night.

Compound:

• cocoa butter - 30 g;
• comfrey root - 30 g;
• black poplar buds - 20 g.

Preparation

1. Cocoa butter is melted.
2. Powders from comfrey roots and poplar buds are poured into this mixture.
3. The drug is mixed thoroughly.
4. The mixture is placed on a sheet of foil. By rolling the foil, a “tube” with a diameter of 10-12 mm is formed.
5. The drug in foil is placed in the refrigerator.
6. Waiting for it to harden.
7. Then the foil is unrolled. The frozen tube is cut into “candles”, 3-4 cm long.
8. From the components indicated in the recipe, you should get ten suppositories.

Traditional medicine recommends taking comfrey preparations orally for gastritis and bronchitis. However, the US FDA food products and Drug Administration (FDA) at the beginning of this century removed all internal medicines from comfrey from sale. This was due to the discovery of carcinogenic properties in the plant, that is, the ability to cause tumors. Therefore, taking comfrey internally is dangerous.

However, if you have larkspur growing in your garden, then do not rush to dig up the roots. An effective “lifesaver” at your fingertips. Pay attention to the leaves. If your lower back hurts or the joint makes itself felt, then treatment with comfrey can help you. Simply tear fresh leaves into pieces and apply to the sore spot. Wrap in clean gauze and leave the compress for 10-12 hours.

Comfrey is the official name of the plant that many people know as larkspur. People were able to appreciate its beneficial properties during wars and epidemics, since it can be used to effectively treat severe fractures and wounds. Therefore, every field doctor always had comfrey with him. Therapeutic effect This plant is associated with its effects on bones and joints. With timely use, damaged tissues begin to quickly recover, so it is often used for fractures, dislocated joints and bruises. In other words, this plant is ideal for situations where it is necessary to disinfect a wound and speed up the process of tissue regeneration.

Description and photo of comfrey

Comfrey is one of the famous representatives herbaceous plants that can be found in Europe and Western Asia. In our country, this plant is represented everywhere in the European part, in the south of Western Siberia, in the Crimea and in the Caucasus. The favorite habitats of this plant are deciduous forests, clearings, wet meadows, shores of reservoirs, as well as forest ravines and the outskirts of swamps. It often grows near houses, in gardens and orchards, as well as in waste storage areas where high humidity prevails.

Comfrey is a classic perennial belonging to the borage family. During the growth process, it forms a branched stem that can grow up to 1 m. At the bottom, the plant has a tetrahedral shape, it is decorated with large oblong leaves, having a length of 10-15 cm and a width of 5 cm. The foliage located in the lower part of the stem has long winged petioles, the leaves located in the upper part are sessile. A characteristic feature of the leaves and stems of comfrey is the presence of stiff hairs.

An adult plant has a short black root with a thickening. At the cut site the rhizome has White color, the pulp has a sweetish astringent taste.

During the growing season, small tubular-bell-shaped flowers are formed. They grow as panicles at the ends of stems and branches. They resemble a one-sided curl that remains closed until flowering. When this time comes, the flowers begin to transform: at this moment they can acquire a purple, lilac or violet hue. Flowers usually begin to open between May and June.

At the seed ripening stage, it forms four smooth black nuts, reaching a length of 4-5 mm. They usually ripen in July-September. Each adult comfrey can produce 800-1000 seeds per season. For propagation, you can use seeds or divide the rhizome.

The roots and leaves of comfrey are used for medicinal purposes. Collecting roots should be done in early spring before the leaves bloom. They can also be prepared in the fall, but only after the flowering time has passed. The collected raw materials must be thoroughly washed, cut and left in the drying room. This process takes a long time, since during growth the comfrey roots accumulate large amount of moisture. Comfrey leaves are collected during flowering.

The roots of this plant are of great value due to the presence of biologically active substances in their composition: allantoin, alkaloid cynoglossin, saponins, tannins, etc.

Among specialists this the family is called Symphytum, which translated from Greek means “to grow together.” And this is quite logical, since the properties of comfrey allow you to treat bone fractures. The species itself is called officinale, which can be translated as “medicinal.”

The name of this plant, which is popular among residents of our country, can be explained by the places where comfrey grows. Most often it can be found in damp, low-lying places. It is also known under other names - borage, apothecary's grease, right-handed.

Comfrey officinalis: application

Traditional healers have long been able to become acquainted with the beneficial properties of comfrey root. Preparations made from these raw materials are very effective in the treatment of bone fractures, wounds, kidney diseases, coughs, bronchitis, and pulmonary tuberculosis. They can also help with inflammation of the stomach and intestines, diarrhea, and restore metabolism. As an external agent they used in the fight against such diseases, How:

• stomatitis;
• purulent rashes;
• skin cracks;
• trophic ulcers.

For internal consumption, comfrey-based products are used in cases where it is necessary to achieve rapid bone fusion and tissue healing. Herbal decoctions and infusions have unique properties, thanks to which you can stop bleeding. They also help with hemoptysis, chronic inflammation of the respiratory system, as well as with the development gastrointestinal diseases. External use of these drugs is associated with the treatment of conditions such as:

• dislocations;
• fractures;
• bruises;
• inflammation of the veins;
• skin diseases;
• ulcers;
• wounds;
• rheumatic pains.

Uses of comfrey root

No other plant can compare with this plant in the treatment of joint diseases, because it has healing, anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic effect.

Similar healing properties Comfrey herbs can be explained by the fact that it contains a large amount of allantoin. This is a unique natural antibiotic that has a powerful bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect, perfectly cleanses the lesion, and triggers the formation of new, healthy cells.

This plant is indispensable in the treatment of fractures, severe bruises and dislocations, as well as joint diseases, since it has the ability to relieve inflammation and swelling. But most importantly, it stimulates the healing process of cartilage.

Comfrey root infusion

For this remedy you need to take one tablespoon of crushed roots and pour one glass of hot boiled water. Next, the mixture is allowed to brew for 6-8 hours and filtered. When the roots increase in size, they are again filled with 1 cup of boiling water, but now Infusion time is reduced to 30 minutes. After this, the infusion is filtered again. After these steps, take two parts of the infusion and combine. Drink two tablespoons of the finished product every two to three hours.

This infusion helps in the treatment of chronic bronchitis and catarrh of the respiratory tract. Effectively fights inflammatory processes and facilitates the process of removing phlegm.

Comfrey root tincture

For this remedy you will need half a glass of fresh crushed roots, which need to be filled with vodka 40° in the amount of 0.5 liters. Next, the mixture is placed in a dark, cool place. After 10 days, the finished tincture should be strained. The product is drunk 20-30 drops. Dosage regimen: 3-5 times a day before meals, adding to a small amount of water.

With the help of infusion and tincture of the comfrey plant, you can speed up the healing process for bone fractures, dislocated joints, severe bruises, osteomyelitis, as well as wounds and purulent periodontal disease.

These remedies are also effective as baths, rinses, lotions, compresses, which can be combined with oral administration.

The drugs can alleviate the patient’s condition with chronic inflammation, stomach and duodenal ulcers, diarrhea, dysentery, chronic bronchitis - they relieve inflammation and pain in the intestines.

The beneficial properties of the infusion from this medicinal plant are manifested in improving metabolism, digestion and increasing appetite.

Comfrey root decoction

To prepare this remedy, you will need 1 tablespoon of roots, which must be poured with one glass of hot boiled water. Next, the mixture is placed on the stove and boiled over low heat for 10 minutes. The finished broth must be filtered.

The product is intended for internal and external use in the treatment of conditions such as:

• rheumatism;
• gout;
• wounds;
• boils;
• ulcers and other skin diseases.

Also, a decoction of comfrey root can help people who have uterine, hemorrhoidal and other types of bleeding, and there are also signs of bladder inflammation.

It is useful to use a decoction of a medicinal plant to eliminate nosebleeds. To do this, you will need tampons, which are moistened in the broth and then inserted into the nostrils. This remedy can also treat skin wounds, abrasions, bruises with hemorrhage.

Also, a decoction of the herb can be used for cosmetic purposes. To do this, lotions are made to eliminate the effect of dry skin, as well as poultices that are effective against irritation, redness and peeling of the skin.

With regular use of a decoction of the herb, you can improve the condition of hair that has a problem such as baldness - hair loss.

Conclusion

Comfrey is a fairly well-known plant in our country, which is often used as effective means in the treatment of fractures. Moreover, the most valuable part of comfrey is roots from which preparations are prepared. The healing properties of comfrey are associated with its ability to act on damaged tissue, triggering the mechanism of their regeneration. Therefore, this remedy is appropriate to use not only for minor injuries, such as wounds and abrasions, but also for more serious conditions, such as fractures.

Infusions, tinctures and decoctions are prepared based on the roots and leaves of comfrey, which can also help with other painful conditions. Therefore, for inflammatory processes occurring in internal organs, as well as weakened immunity, many experts advise using preparations based on this plant.

Medicinal plant comfrey

Vigorous, fast-growing, cold-hardy herbaceous perennials with beautiful tubular or cup-shaped flowers and wrinkled, hairy leaves. The most suitable place for comfrey is a corner of the garden in a natural style, although their variegated varieties will be an excellent decoration for any flower garden. These are hardy plants that do not place high demands on either soil quality or lighting levels.

Asperum (O. hard)

A spreading bush with bristly stems bearing hard green oval or heart-shaped leaves up to 25 cm long. Beautiful flowers up to 1 cm long bloom in the first half of summer. They start out pink and eventually turn purple or blue. The height and diameter of the plant is 1-1.5x1 m.

Caucasicum (O. caucasian)

A low perennial with stems covered with soft hairs and oval or lanceolate green leaves up to 20 cm long. Arc-shaped inflorescences of reddish-purple, eventually turning blue flowers 8 cm long bloom in early summer. The height and diameter of the plant is 60x60 cm.

"Eminence"

The variety has velvety medium green leaves with a grayish tint and short inflorescences of deep blue flowers. The height and diameter of the plant do not exceed 45 cm.

S. "Goldsmith"

A hybrid variety characterized by wide lanceolate leaves 15-25 cm long, edged with a wide golden or cream stripe. Pink with white or blue flowers 10 cm long bloom in early spring. The height and diameter of the plant is 30x45 cm.

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S. Hidcote Blue

Numerous flowers bloom in late spring and early summer. At first they are blue, and as they fade they turn white. A strong, fast-growing variety with hard oval or lanceolate leaves up to 20 cm long. The height and diameter of the plant is 45x45 cm.

S. "Langthorn's Pink"

A tall variety with swirls of bright pink flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Hard elliptical or lanceolate leaves reach a length of 20 cm. The height and diameter of the plant are 1.2x1 m.

S. officinale (O. officinale)

The leaves of this plant can be placed in layers in a compost heap to speed up the maturation of the compost. They are green in color, oval or wide lanceolate in shape and reach a length of 25 cm. The flowers are small, yellowish, cream, pink or purple in color, bloom in late spring and summer. The height and diameter of the plant is 1.2x1 m.

Var. ochroleucum

The flowers of the variety are pale yellow.

S. orientale (O. eastern)

Clusters of numerous white flowers up to 2 cm long bloom in late spring and summer. Matte green oval or heart-shaped pubescent leaves reach 15 cm. A hardy species that can grow in poor soils. The height and diameter of the plant is 60x60 cm.

S. peregrinum

A good ground cover plant with small red flowers that bloom in abundance throughout the summer. The leaves are medium green, from wide lanceolate to oval, up to 20 cm long. The height and diameter of the plant is 60x45 cm.

Comfrey or larkspur refers to perennial plants. The plant has medicinal properties, for which it is valued primarily.

The decorative value of larkspur lies in its abundant and long-lasting flowering. The flowers are tubular with a diameter of up to 2 cm, come in blue, light blue, white, yellow, purple, and are collected in inflorescences. The flowers are odorless; during the entire flowering period, the color of the flowers gradually changes. Flowering begins in May and continues until July. The bush reaches a height of 20-100 cm.

Decorative types of comfrey

• Hard– reaches a height of more than 100 cm, flowers are pink or blue.
• Hybrid– the bush reaches a height of 45 cm, the flowers are blue or pink.
• Caucasian– reaches a height of up to 100 cm, with favorable conditions forms lush bushes and grows quickly. Blooms abundantly, blue flowers.
• Drug– reaches a height of more than 60 cm, the leaves are large, the flowers are dark purple or pink.
• Large– reaches a height of up to 30 cm, yellow flowers, large light green leaves with a pale border along the edge.

Care and cultivation of comfrey

Larkspur grows best in fertile, moist soils. The plant does not grow well in heavy and acidic soils, so before planting comfrey, measures are taken to improve the soil composition. Choose a place for planting that is sunny or slightly shaded.

Provide moderate watering on dry and hot days. When grown near a pond, watering is not required at all.

Pruning shoots after flowering has ended will encourage new shoots to grow and re-bloom.

The plant does not require fertilizing and overwinters well without shelter. In general, comfrey is unpretentious and does not require much attention.

Comfrey propagation

Larkspur is propagated by cuttings of rhizomes and seeds. Propagates well by self-sowing. Seeds are sown in spring or before winter immediately in open ground. When propagated by seeds, flowering begins 2 years after sowing.

The rhizomes of adult plants are divided after flowering, at the end of summer. The rhizome sections are immediately planted in a permanent place. At first, plantings are watered regularly, and as sprouts appear, watering is gradually stopped.

On a note

Comfrey contains alkaloids that have a negative effect on the human body if ingested in large quantities.

Usage

The plant is suitable for landscaping the coastal zone of water bodies. Larkspur is planted under trees and shrubs. Looks good in group plantings or mixed flower beds, among other shade-tolerant plants.

The above-ground parts are used to make liquid fertilizers for other plants.

The plant contains useful substances, thanks to which it is used in folk medicine to treat wounds and bones.

Diseases and pests

Larkspur is resistant to diseases and pests, but can sometimes be affected by brown spot. When grown in full sun, leaf scorch may occur.

Even the ancient Greeks knew about beneficial properties this miracle plant.

The Latin name “comfrey” comes from the Greek – Symphytum officinale, which means “to grow together” or “to connect”.

The name larkspur is more popular among people because of its main medicinal properties.

You can also find other names in the literature: greasy root, bone crusher, viz-grass.

Comfrey officinalis

Since ancient times, healers, healers and physicians have used comfrey to treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system!

During the war, field doctors and nurses treated wounds with larkspur. With timely use of comfrey, it is possible to produce disinfection wounds and speed up the process tissue regeneration.

Comfrey is a representative of forest herbaceous plants of the Borage family, distributed throughout Europe.

In Russia, this plant is found in all regions of the southeast and the black soil zone, less often in the northern regions of the country.

It grows in damp places, on river banks, along ravines, near ditches and streams. It can also be found near residential buildings, gardens and vegetable gardens, if the soil there is sufficiently moist.

Appearance

Therefore, larkspur is widely used in folk medicine, both externally in the form of powders and ointments, and internally in the form of tinctures.

Ointment

Decoction

Contraindications

It is worth paying attention to the fact that the root of this miracle plant is poisonous!

Scientists have discovered that with prolonged use, a carcinogenic and mutagenic effect is observed.

Therefore, you should be very careful when using this medicinal plant. Before use, be sure to consult with your doctor.

How to prepare comfrey root tincture and ointment

Over the long time that comfrey has been used in medicine, it has gained enormous trust among the people as one of the most effective remedies for fractures.

Below are the most popular and effective recipes from comfrey root, which are easy to prepare at home.

Recipe 1. Anti-inflammatory tincture

This tincture is suitable for treatment various diseases bones and joints, has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-traumatic effects.

Recipe 2. Tincture for stomatitis

Recipe 3. Larkspur ointment

Use for joint diseases and protrusion, popularly known as intervertebral hernia.

The preparations you prepare according to these recipes are in no way inferior to the ready-made ointment that you can buy at the pharmacy.

These are just the simplest recipes that have been proven by generations.