Greater comfrey: a boost for muscles and bones

In the Italian language, the verb “consolidare” refers to an action that makes something stronger and more stable.

In light of this straightforward definition, we can easily grasp the utility and properties of Greater Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.), an herbaceous plant belonging to the Boraginaceae family. Its roots find significant application in cases of sprains, bruises, hematomas, and muscle tears.

The name “Consolida,” derived from the Greek “symphuò,” meaning “I unite,” is related to the healing power of the roots. In the past, it was believed that these roots could contribute to the healing of fractured bones. Greater Comfrey enjoys a long tradition dating back to ancient Greek times. The Greeks used the plant’s roots externally to treat wounds. In ancient battlefields, they often soaked bandages in a paste made from the rhizomes and wrapped them around fractured bones. Once dried, this resulted in a primitive but effective casting.

These prestigious properties were not mere assumptions. Published clinical studies observed that the external application of Greater Comfrey, in cases of sprains or bruises, can alleviate pain and swelling more effectively than a regular anti-inflammatory drug.

Comfrey roots stimulate the regeneration of damaged tissue, whether cartilage or bone tissue, making it ideal for the topical treatment of sprains, tendonitis, muscle tears, hematomas, and periostitis (chronic inflammation of the periosteum, the connective tissue membrane covering bones).

How does greater comfrey “consolidate” damaged tissue?

As we know, a plant’s properties are never attributable to a single molecule but to the entire phyto-complex, the combination of principles contained in the drug that synergistically operate.

Certainly, allantoin is the substance in the roots that exhibits the most activity, acting as a cell proliferant and promoting tissue repair.

Tannins, astringent substances, help hold the edges of wounds together, participating in the healing process, while mucilages have a soothing, calming, and anti-itching effect.

The anti-inflammatory action of Greater Comfrey, partly due to the presence of phenolic acids (especially rosmarinic acid) and partly due to allantoin, makes it an excellent remedy for hematoma reabsorption. This action can be strengthened by combining it with other plants with similar anti-inflammatory effects, such as Arnica, Meadowsweet, and Devil’s Claw. Alternatively, Horse Chestnut, Centella Asiatica, and St. John’s Wort can complement the healing action and promote circulation at the connective tissue level.

Use is restricted to EXTERNAL application only, as Greater Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, toxic and harmful substances.

Internal use of the drug is strongly discouraged.

Once again, we can experience nature’s generosity in providing the right remedies within plants that, in most cases, grow spontaneously, even on the sides of roads.

Greater Comfrey is among these hardy plants, typically found in the wild in ditches and damp, marshy areas. The best time to harvest the roots is in the fall, when there is the highest concentration of active principles.

So all that remains is knowing how to recognize it!

Pay attention; the botanical identification of a plant is an essential operation not to be underestimated to avoid errors that can be unpleasant for our health.