Symphytum x uplandicum is a Russian comfrey and can only be propagated. It does not have seeds to harvest. It is the most common and is easier to manage.

Symphytum officinale or common comfrey  and Symphytum asperum or rough comfrey and the second most popular varieties of the 35 that are available.

Rough comfrey and common comfrey have seeds and will self seed and a patch will spread fairly well. They make great companion plants for fruit trees as they bring potassium up to the more tender roots of the trees and the large leaves provide a ground cover to keep the soil moist. It can grow in full sun or partial shade and its leaves can survive drops as low as 15 degrees and the roots can survive ground temperatures as low as -40 degrees. It is a very hardy plant in zones 4-9. It is a great pollinator attractor and not only good for trees but would be a great companion plant that has tender roots. It is best to harvest the leaves in the second year if you are growing it. It does grow wild in most of the United States and is considered an invasive species in Oregon. It is also related to Borage but has different properties than Borage. If you have seen them growing, the flowers are very similar. Comfey will pull nitrogen from the soil so it may have to be amended to compensate, which can be done by adding the leaves back into your compost or by making a comfrey compost tea.

There are toxins in comfrey that are believed to cause liver damage, lung damage and cancer when used in high large doses. However internal use has been recorded as far back as 400 BC with small, temporary dosages. This is not a long term herb. It has many benefits but should be used with caution internally. Comfrey should never be used by pregnant or nursing mothers internally or externally. Both can be hazardous and are believed to cause birth defects.Do not use them if you have liver disease or any liver problems. It has been used to help repair bones after they have been broken but you must have someone set the bone properly before use.

Do not apply to open puncture wounds or any open wound you might feel is infected. It will seal it closed fast and the infection will be trapped. Deep puncture wounds require healing from the inside out and cleaning as it heals. 

Comfrey is one of those plants that I keep on hand as it is very handy for sprains and muscle problems of all kinds. The roots and leaves can be used for all applications, however the roots are mucilaginous when cooked and it would be very hard to swallow. The roots can be used in salves and ointments and leaves for any application you want.

Comfrey is helpful for its acceleration of healing in just about anything it is applied to. It is antibacterial,antioxidant properties help prevent infections and even minimizes scarring. It helps with cell regrowth and repair. It is anti-inflammatory and relieves swelling in joints and muscles. Comfrey tea can be used sparingly for stomach problems, heavy menstrual bleeding, bloody urine and breathing problems, cancer and chest pains.

Not many studies have been done on Comfrey for Cancer but the allantoin and rosmarinic acid in comfrey has been studied for cell regrowth and is showing that it can be effective for regeneration of healthy cells that will help with stopping the growth of abnormal cancer cells. The very compounds that help with bone remodeling can help with cell regrowth. According to Sloan Kettering more research needs to be done on its application to cancer.  The NIH have studied for many other applications and have found that it is very effective topically and research done on treatment that is common in the Moldivia with comfrey for hepatitis is also worth more investigation as it showed better results than a prescribed medicine.

 

Comfrey salves, compresses and ointments are some of the best applications for Sprains, bruises,breaks, back pain and Osteoarthritis. The compound speeds up healing, reduces swelling and relieves pain. The quickest way to use it would be to apply a leaf poultice in the field if needed by just brushing off the prickly spikes on the leaves, bruising them and applying directly to the area.