Comfrey is a plant that has many medicinal benefits, is a great healing, analgesic and anti-inflammatory. But it is necessary to be careful with the use of this plant, as a toxic substance for the liver was found in it, when taken internally, which may cause hepatotoxicity. Learn a little more about comfrey and how to use it correctly.
Index
Origin
Comfrey, scientifically known as Symphytum officinale , is a perennial shrub that belongs to the Borraginaceae family. Its origin comes from central and northern Europe and temperate Asia, the comfrey arrived in Brazil in 1980 and had a good adaptation.
Its roots and leaves are sold as ointments, compound oils, creams, compresses and leaf extracts for medicinal purposes. This is an easy plant to grow, but it cannot survive far from water.
Features
Comfrey, also popularly known as russian purple grass, cardinal grass. It is a perennial plant, which presents itself as a small clump, its leaves have an oval shape and come out practically at ground level, they are large at the base of the plant and decrease in size at the top. Its flowers are gathered in bunches that are more or less leafy and twisted. They have a yellowish, whitish or violet color. Even with the flowers, there is no fruit or seed production, this is because this is a hybrid herbaceous.
Properties and benefits
This plant has numerous medicinal properties and benefits. It consists of folic, ascorbic, nicotinic, tannic, galo-tannic and pantathenic acids. It also has vitamins A, B1, B2, B12, C, E and others, such as starch, essential amino acids, carbohydrates, carotene, calcium, iron, phosphorus, iodine, manganese, potassium, proteins, zinc among others.
Comfrey can be used as: astringent, anti-anemic, anti-asthmatic, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory, anti-leukemic, anti-rheumatic, soothing, healing, depurative, moisturizing, laxative, cell regenerator and tonic.
It is indicated for abscesses, bone affections, goiter, bronchitis, headaches, contusion, weakness, dislocations, pain, cuts, fever, wounds, fissures, fractures, boils, gastritis, bruises, pulmonary hemorrhage, hepatitis, skin, blood pressure, stings insects, psoriasis, burns, colds, rheumatism, kidneys, sinusitis, cough, among others.
the comfrey tea
Comfrey tea should be made from the whole plant, but it should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor. To make the tea, place 30 grams of comfrey leaves in a liter of water, bring to the heat, after bringing to a boil, remove from heat and strain.
It can help speed the healing of small skin wounds because the root and leaves contain a chemical called uric acid that can stimulate the growth of new skin cells.
It helps to reduce bleeding from skin wounds and can also help stop nosebleeds, as its leaves and roots have tannins, which have an astringent effect on blood vessels.
Contraindications and side effects
It is necessary to be very careful with the use of comfrey, it should only be used externally, as its internal use can cause liver poisoning, cancer and gastric irritation. Internal use should only be done under medical advice. Pregnant women or people who have cancer should not use this plant.
