Comfrey Ointment

[SunKat]

Please note – this article is not medical advice nor a substitute for consultation with a qualified physician. If you are injured, be sure to seek expert medical attention.

Usage of Comfrey throughout History

Since time immemorial, comfrey has been widely used in treating a wide range of diseases especially in Europe. In the past, comfrey was known by all kinds of weird and wonderful names – as knitbone, blackwort, Slippery Root, yalluc (Saxon), consolida, bruisewort, consound, Ass Ear, boneset, gum plant. However these old names for herbs very often give strong clues as to the benefits of the herb.

The early Romans and Greeks held boiled comfrey leaves in high regard as being effective for healing broken bones. Knitbone indeed! Through time, people across the globe have claimed tremendous successes with these uses for comfrey, though there is some controversy over its use. Comfrey products were at one point restricted from sale in Australia, though I don’t know what the status of it is now there. Comfrey has also at times been used as a plant fertilizer and treatment for open wounds.

The Health Benefits of Comfrey

Known for its old name, knitbone, comfrey is best recognized for its ability to enhance healing on fractured bones as well as in treating sprains, bruises and reducing swelling within just a short period of time. Aside from its ability to alleviate pain, comfreys are also helpful in relieving scrapes and cuts.

More than its ability to treat open wounds, this herb is also capable of promoting cardiovascular health and in preventing respiratory disorders. When eaten, it helps in treating hemorrhoids, internal bleeding, intestinal disorders, diarrhea and dysentery.

What Makes Comfrey Effective?

This plant is actually a good source of allantoin which is known to promote new cell regeneration. As a result, open and superficial wounds are easily treated. This powerful herb is also known to contain anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that serve as disinfectants.

Even modern doctors and medics today have recognized the importance of comfrey in treating open wounds. In fact, many pharmaceutical companies are still on quest on finding and developing powerful compounds that are found on comfreys.

Comfrey ointment is easy to make – although you will need fresh comfrey. Comfrey is easy to grow as a garden plant – it is easy to propagate and hardy.

Ingredients: (yield: 300ml, shelf life: several months, approx)
300ml vegetable oil (I used olive, although sunflower is also recommended)
large handful of fresh comfrey leaves (next time I will allow mine to wilt for a day or so, just so they aren't so 'splattery' in the oil
25g-30g beeswax, grated for faster melting

I placed the oil into a small pot and as many comfrey leaves I thought could fit in there and placed (jammed) the lid on. The oil was gently heated over a low heat until the leaves were mushy, wilted and the oil had turned green. It was a bit of a guessing process as this was the first ointment I had made. I would think the slow cooker would perform this task beautifully, too. My book also suggests heating the oil in a stove-top water bath (bain marie), to be sure the oil does not overheat and burn.
The oil was left to cool slightly and then strained. For a stronger oil, this process could be repeated a second and third time if need be. 

The grated beeswax was then added to the comfrey oil and placed back over a low heat for a couple of minutes, until the beeswax had melted into the oil. This was then poured into a clean jar and left uncovered until set. It's worth noting that any residue in the bottom of the pan should be left in there and not added to the jar as this excess moisture will cause the ointment to spoil faster than usual.

Apply as needed by rubbing a small amount onto the affected area (not to be used on broken skin - just aches and pains) as often as needed. 

http://www.herbs-info.com/blog/how-to-make-comfrey-ointment/

http://slowlivingessentials.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/comfrey-ointment...