green living
plant medicine
The Comfrey Plant
T
he leaves of the amazing and beautiful comfrey plant are high in potassium and nitrogen, which are good for tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, currants and fruit tree fertilizer. The name itself means to heal and to come together. Used appropriately, comfrey provides myriad healing and anti-inflammatory properties when applied topically to the skin.
Wound Healing Salve
Add about two to three tablespoons calendula, yarrow, plantain and comfrey with coconut and olive oils. Shake and mix well. Place the jar in a dry, cool dark place for a month. Add stained mixture to beeswax to make a salve. It can be applied to minor cuts and abrasions to speed the healing process. Comfrey salve is beneficial to use on insect bites, bruises, blemishes and scars. It is safe to use for children over 12.
Fractured Bone Tincture
Combine comfrey, common horsetail, alfalfa, dong quai, St. John’s wort and rue or use comfrey alone. Add to 2 cups of 40 percent alcohol or olive oil. Keep in a jar in a cool, dry location for about 3 weeks. Strain and use as a rub. Comfrey has antiinflammatory and pain-relieving properties. April Smith, owner of Native Holistics, is an herbalist in Morgantown, WV. See ad, page 13. 14
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