© Agnieszka Kwiecień (Nova) · CC BY 2.5 · Commons
Symphytum officinale
CautionEchter Beinwell · (Symphytum officinale)
Borage family (Boraginaceae)
Description
Symphytum officinale is a perennial flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae. Along with thirty four other species of Symphytum, it is known as comfrey. Internal or long-term topical use of comfrey is discouraged due to its strong potential to cause liver toxicity.
External use only!
This plant must NOT be taken internally. Use only as compress, salve, or bath.
CONTRAINDICATED during pregnancy
-
CONTRAINDICATED during breastfeeding
-
CONTRAINDICATED for children
Contraindicated under 3-4 years; in older children only on intact skin, short-term
- SalveRootExternalEMA well-established
Blunt trauma: bruises, sprains, strains
Preparation & dosage
[#src_ema_symphyti_radix] [#src_bfarm_pa_symphytum] [#src_kommission_e_symphytum]
- SalveRootExternalTraditional use
Closed fractures, post-fracture support (traditional name 'Wallwurz' = wound-healer)
Preparation & dosage
[#src_ema_symphyti_radix] [#src_heilkraeuter_symphytum] [#src_pfaf_symphytum]
- CompressRootExternalTraditional use
Acute swelling after sports injury (cold compress)
Preparation & dosage
[#src_heilkraeuter_symphytum] [#src_pfaf_symphytum] [#src_kommission_e_symphytum]
- SalveRootExternalClinical trial
Muscle and joint pain (osteoarthritis-adjunct, external)
Preparation & dosage
[#src_ema_symphyti_radix] [#src_kommission_e_symphytum] [#src_wp_symphytum]
- SalveLeafExternalFolk medicine
Traditional leaf salve for skin irritations (today controversial due to PA)
Preparation & dosage
[#src_heilkraeuter_symphytum] [#src_kommission_e_symphytum] [#src_bfarm_pa_symphytum]
Distribution in Europe
🤝 Permaculture Partners
In your garden, this plant acts as: