Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

Habitat: By river banks, in ditches and in wet spots.

Also called: Knitbone; Knitback; Consound; Blackwort; Bruisewort; Slippery Root; Boneset; Consolida; Ass Ear

Treatment for: wounds; broken bones; ulcer; hernia; haemorrhage; bronchitis

Preparation:
[Root, rhizome, leaf]

Unearth the roots in spring or autumn. Split and dry in fairly cool place. Infuse one to three tsp of the dried herb in a cup of water, bring to a boil and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Active ingredient: Allantoin

vulnerary; demulcent; anti-inflammatory; astringent; expectorant

A relative of the forget-me-not, comfrey is recognizable by its broad, hairy leaves. One of the best known of traditional herbal treatments; its use goes back at least to the Middle Ages and into the indefinite past. Has been used for gout and aching joints as well as for all kinds of breaks, wounds and ulcers.