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Comfrey - application, effects and recipes
contents
- Wanted poster for comfrey
- herbs portrait
- Caution: liver toxins!
- Ingredients and effect
- Application and dosage
- side effects
Wanted poster for comfrey
plant genus: Comfrey (Symphytum)
plant family: Raublattgewächse (Boraginaceae)
Folk name: Comfrey, bee root, gladiolus, hare bread, rabbit leaves, sky bread, Hinigblum, Komfrei, kuchenkraut, milkwort, Schadheilwurzel, Schmalwurz, comfrey, soldier root, bacon, wallroot, worm, miracle, wound
Occurrence: Africa, Asia, Europe
Used plant parts: Leaves, roots
medically relevant type: Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
application areas:
- wound treatment
- skin diseases
- Fractures and lesions
- Bone and joint diseases
- Muscle pain and joint pain
- rheumatic diseases
- vascular
- respiratory diseases
- inflammation
- indigestion
Comfrey (Symphytum) helps not only - as the name implies - in injuries of the bones, but also in many other wound diseases. (Image: Ruud Morijn / fotolia.com) useful informationWhen it comes to the name of the Beinwells in association with its healing effect, one must first know that the word "leg" in Old German was also used as a term for "bones". The addition "well", in turn, is derived from the old German word "wallen". The starting point for the naming of the medicinal herb was thus the property of the comfrey to positively influence the formation of new bone mass (for example after a bone fracture). The scientific name of the legworm, derived from ancient Greek, Symphytum, refers to this mode of action, meaning the term translates as "growing together".
"To all wounds / tears and breaks / outside and inside a wholesome Wurtzel [...]. Every wound doctor / should aim at Wallwurtz / she is very healing and comfortable to all wounds / leg fractures and damages. "(Lonicerus - naturalist, physician and botanist)
herbs portrait
Comfrey is a herbaceous and deciduous plant that can grow up to a meter tall in good site conditions. Its bristly stalk is bordered by large, lanceolate leaf blades, which - as usual for Raublattgewächse - have a rough leaf surface. On the edge of the lanceolate leaves are more or less coarsely toothed depending on the species. The underside of the leaf has a fine hair and is traversed by a strong Blattadermuster.
During its flowering period from May to October, Beinwell also wears ornate bell blossoms, which can radiate from white and yellow over pink to blue-violet in numerous colors and make Symphytum in addition to its suitability as a medicinal herb to a decorative ornamental plant. True comfrey (Symphytum officinale), which is in the foreground during medical use, it usually has purplish-purple flowers, although there are also variants with yellowish-white flowers.
Beinwell is found mainly in moist, nutrient-rich and loamy locations with sunny to partially shaded position
- shore locations,
- swampy, damp trenches,
- peat meadows
- and damp roadsides
have taken the herb especially. It is therefore hardly surprising that the most important subspecies of the true legwells is called swamp comfrey (Symphytum officinale subsp. Ulginosum). In addition, Symphytum is regarded as an indicator of nitrogen in the soil, which the plant greatly absorbs due to their nutrient hunger. For herb gardeners or gardeners in general, this plant property is very beneficial, as comfrey can be used wonderfully in this respect for the normalization of soil pH values.
In the flowering period from May to October, comfrey bears magnificent bell blossoms, which also make it a decorative ornamental plant. (Image: gratysanna / fotolia.com) The uses of comfrey today range from wound treatment and bone fracture management to specific diseases of the vessels, muscles, bones and joints. Officially approved as a medicinal plant, Symphytum is used to treat the following conditions:
- General wound treatment, e.g. Treatment of poorly healing wounds, broken bones, scar treatment, bruises, bruises, cuts, abrasions or puncture wounds,
- Vascular disorders such as Circulatory disorders, varicose veins, phlebitis or arteriosclerosis,
- Skin complaints, such as Chronic inflammatory skin diseases, ulcers, itching or periostitis,
- Muscle and joint complaints such as Sore muscles, muscle tears, muscle strain, rheumatism, tendonitis, bursitis, dislocation, sprains or arthrosis.
Unofficially, comfrey, however, still far more health complaints application, which is mainly due to the long use history of the herb in folk medicine. Because Symphytum is one of the oldest medicinal herbs in Europe and found already more than 2000 years ago medical application. Even the famous Greek doctor and scholar Dioskurides used the plant for the treatment of ulcers, fractures and other wounds or injuries.
In the Middle Ages comfrey was then also in Germany the traditional herb in the wound treatment. As a pioneer in the application here Hildegard von Bingen, the comfrey extract in combination with honey and extracts of marigold recommended for the treatment of varicose veins and ulcers.
Caution: liver toxins!
Hildegard von Bingen is not only one of the first comedians to make comedy popular in the German-speaking world. At the same time, the "mother of all herbal witches" also issued a warning about the use of the herb for internal use:
"Complementary use of comfrey disrupts the whole order of humors. But applied to the skin, it heals ulcers of the limbs "
The ingredient that upsets the order of humors is known to medicine today. It is a poisonous ingredient of the legwells called pyrrolizidine alkaloid. The phytochemicals belonging to the alkaloids are found in many Raublattgewächsen and usually serves the plants as a natural insect repellent. Even animals are usually deterred by the bitter taste of the alkaloid, which ensures better chances of survival in the field.
What is essential for comfrey, however, can be life-threatening for humans when used internally. During the degradation of Pyrrolizidinalkaloiden in the liver, namely, hepatoxic degradation products, which can lead to dangerous disorders in the liver function. In the worst case, it threatens a liver closure, which can not only lead to an enlargement of the liver and jaundice, but also to liver and kidney failure. We would therefore like to point out that comfrey is only suitable for external use. Also, applying to open wounds is not recommended because the alkaloids could enter the liver via the bloodstream.
Danger: The toxic potential of comfrey is often underestimated by users. Researchers from Utah came to this conclusion, comparing the poisonous effect of the plant with other gif extracts. Used for comparison were Lycopsamin, a plant toxin, as found, inter alia, in the common ox tongue, and Intermedin. The result of the study showed that even reduced comfrey extract is even more toxic than the two substances. In view of this result, we can only advise against preparations such as comfrey tea or legworm tablets for internal use. At most, the use of sufficiently dilute Beinwelltinktur for mouthwash, such as for the treatment of oral ulcers or the like, can be represented medically.
Ingredients and effect
Apart from its pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which exclude comfrey for internal use, the medicinal herb has relatively useful and healing ingredients. These have an accelerating effect on wound healing processes in particular.
allantoin
Comfrey is one of the most commonly used herbs for bone fractures, burns, varicose veins and muscle and tendon problems, according to a survey by the Institute of Health Sciences at the University of New York. Straight athletes put almost standard on Beinwellsalbe, when it comes to typical sports injuries such as strains, sprains, tendon tears, soreness or fractures. Of essential importance for the good healing properties of comfrey in such complaints is, among others, the active ingredient allantoin. It is a herbal substance that is very similar to human urea (urea).
Individuals suffering from chronic skin diseases such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis are well acquainted with the term 'urea' because urea is considered an important component of many ointments with a highly effective effect on dermal diseases. The same applies to allantoin, which is known for it
- to calm the skin,
- to support the cell structure,
- to stimulate cell formation
- and accelerate cell regeneration.
The vegetable substance is used both in the field of cosmetics (for example in skin creams, sunscreens and aftershaves) and for the production of medical wound healing ointments. The best example of this is the famous legwells ointment itself, which was widely considered to be the best healing ointment well into the 20th century. And special ointments for the treatment of skin irritations often lead allantoin as an ingredient.
Legwells ointment is proven for sports injuries such as strains, sprains, tendon tears, muscle soreness or fractures. (Image: Madeleine Steinbach / fotolia.com) Also of importance are the cell regenerative properties of allantoin for the healing of bone fractures. Here, it is always important that the fracture fragments grow together again as quickly as possible, which is only guaranteed if, in the near future, enough new bone tissue is formed (so-called callus formation). Otherwise, it could lead to adhesions that affect the shape as well as the functionality of the affected bone extremely. The positive influence of allantoin on cell formation is therefore also a useful help here. Overall, the urea-like substance helps with the following complaints:
- skin lesions,
- injury-related pain,
- bone fractures,
- arthritis,
- Muscle or tendon injuries
Important: Allantoin is relatively heat resistant but breaks down extremely quickly when in contact with metals. It is therefore not advisable to store self-made comfrey creams and comfrey creams in metal containers.
choline
When it comes to the circulation-promoting properties of comfrey, the ingredient choline is of particular importance. The substance has a vitamin-like character and is therefore often mixed in food supplements and feed. On the other hand, choline is also of medical interest. For example, it finds application as an ingredient for medicines for liver damage. The circulation-promoting properties of choline on the liver tissue play an extremely important role here. And in wound healing, too, these properties are an advantage, they can be
- reduce the leakage of tissue fluid,
- improve the circulation of wound tissue
- and speed up the removal of bruises.
tipAdvantageous is the high content of choline in comfrey, especially in case of bruising, heavy bruises and other lesions, because thanks to the ingredient bruises can be kept within limits.
tannins
The fact that the wound healing effect of comfrey is real has been confirmed several times in several studies, including a Brazilian study, which could prove in addition to promoting the healing of Symphytum also its anti-inflammatory properties. The responsible scientists used comfrey extract for inflammation-induced damaged cells. As a result, the rate of inflammation of these cells decreased by as much as 46 percent, whereas the rate of regeneration of the connective tissue cells tested was as high as 240 percent after 28 days. A curative effect, the comfrey significantly by a wealth of vegetable tannins, so-called tannins, receives. Especially rosmarinic acid is very abundant in the medicinal herb. Basically, all tannins have one
- antioxidant,
- antiviral,
- antibacterial,
- antifungal,
- anti-inflammatory
- and anti-diuretic effect.
For this reason, they are also traditionally used for tanning leather to rid it of harmful germs before further processing. In medicine, tannins are more likely to inhibit inflammation and infection. Thus, they are perfect as part of a medicinal plant used for wound treatment.
The good protection of tannins against germs is based on their property to ensure a narrowing of the skin pores and dermal blood vessels. In this way, the skin tissue thickens and becomes impermeable to possible infectious agents. The risk of wound infection is thus significantly reduced to completely eliminated. In addition, the astringent (astringent) action of the comfrey tannins also inhibits wound secretion, which relieves bleeding and reduces bruising. Overall, tannins in the Symphytum promote the following healing effects:
- wound disinfection,
- Prevention of gangrene,
- Reduction of wound bleeding,
- Reduction of hematomas,
- Strengthening the skin barrier against germs.
By the way: The astringent effect of tannins is also interesting for patients with varicose veins. These are caused by baggy veins that show through the skin. If the skin and vessels contract, the unsightly varicose vein condition can be alleviated very well.
silica
Speaking of varicose veins: Another comfrey in comfrey, which also helps against this venous disease, is silica. These are acid extracts of the semi-metal silicon, which is used in medicine for the treatment of all sorts of health problems, including:
- arthrosis,
- connective tissue,
- vascular,
- dermatitis,
- skinfold,
- Blemishes,
- muscle aches,
- scar treatment,
- and rheumatism.
Especially in the vascular area, silicic acid can help both the arteries and the veins. Because silicon is a natural component of the connective tissue in the vessel walls in the body and keeps them so elastic. Vascular diseases such as varicose veins and arteriosclerosis, which result in relaxation of the vascular connective tissue, thus benefit from additional silicon supplements, which make the vascular walls more elastic again. In addition, silicic acid also lowers blood pressure, which relieves additional vascular disease. It is therefore beneficial to rubbed-in blood vessels with comfrey regularly. On the way to the vessels, the silica contained in the medicinal herb also strengthens the skin tissue.
The regenerative ability of silicic acid on joints, skin, bones and muscles makes comfrey a significant contraceptive for athletes too. Whether muscle strain, sprains, tendonitis, bone or joint lesions - as an essential component of the body's own tissue structures, silicon actively helps to arouse the regenerative powers of affected body parts. Especially the anti-inflammatory and stimulating effect of silica intensifies the healing properties of comfrey in case of injuries and broken bones. While the chemical successfully binds inflammatory secretions in inflammation and stimulates the production of antibodies to the immune defense, it stimulates the bones by forming the bone matrix and thus can accelerate fracture healing. The secret lies in the special peculiarity of silicic acid to improve the storage of calcium, the essential mineral for bone formation. Overall, the silica can be a
- vascular and connective tissue tightening,
- geweberegenerierende,
- bone and joint strengthening
Certify the effect that makes comfrey not only a good herb, but also a herbal secret tip for skin problems and vascular disease.
Comforts in comfrey strengthen the skin tissue and can accelerate the healing of broken bones by improving the incorporation of the calcium essential for bone formation. (Image: georgerudy / fotolia.com) mucilage
As fractures and injuries commonly cause pain, the soothing mucus in comfrey is an added bonus. They are a special type of polyhydric sugars, which, when added with water, have a slimy texture and, when applied to the skin, develop their analgesic properties perfectly. Thanks to their viscous nature, the mucus forms around the wound like a protective film and then acts
- reassuring,
- sooth,
- decongestant,
- anti-inflammatory,
- strengthening the immune system
- and even detoxifying.
In the case of injury, the latter property also helps to remove toxins from the wound area, or to keep them away from the wound, which prevents blood poisoning (sepsis).
The detoxifying effect of the plant's own mucilage makes comfrey predestined for further uses in the area of the skin. For example, insect bites and local symptoms of poisoning can be treated with it or can provide infection and poisoning bites on animals. In addition, the detoxifying effect of the mucilage provides for a cleaner skin, which is particularly interesting for people suffering from acne, blackheads or similar blemishes.
Application and dosage
As already shown, Symphytum is only suitable for external use because of its pyrrolizidine alkaloids. In addition to the leaves of the leg well, which already hold a wealth of medically relevant ingredients, the beet roots of the leg well are also important for medical treatment. The up to 50 cm long rhizome can be easily recognized by its purple-brown color and, like the herb of the plant, is first dried before it is used for medical purposes.
After drying leaves and root herbs of the legwells can be further processed, for example, to oil extracts or tinctures, which in turn can serve as a basis for healing ointments. Alternatively, it is also possible to apply the comfrey herbs directly on affected areas of the body, such as in the form of an envelope or herb mash.
comfrey tincture
Comfrey tinctures are particularly suitable for very serious ailments, as they contain a high concentration of active ingredients. However, it should be noted that the tincture may only be applied to closed wound and skin surfaces to avoid poisoning by Pyrrolizidinalkaloid. It is therefore advisable to use the cortical tincture more for under-skin problem areas, such as:
- varicose veins,
- phlebitis,
- arteriosclerosis,
- rheumatism,
- Muscle and joint complaints,
- Broken bones without open wound.
An exception to these treatment areas is the use of alcohol-based comfrey extract for wound disinfection. The alcohol, in combination with the plant's own active ingredients, can both render the wound sterile and accelerate wound healing. However, you should proceed very carefully and the tincture well dosed and apply only to the wound area around.
application Note: Ideal tools for this are swabs or cotton swabs for careful work. With regard to the duration of application of cuneiform tincture, a maximum treatment time of no more than six weeks per year is indicated.
Production of legwort tincture
For the preparation of a tincture of comfrey usually used the root herbs of the plant. The active ingredients of the hard herbal ingredients are wonderfully soluble in alcohol and also provide a particularly intensive concentration of active ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 30 g comfrey root
- 250 ml of clear alcohol (e.g., vodka)
- 1 screw jar
Step 1: Place the cut comfrey root in a screw-top jar and then top up with alcohol.
Step 2: Next, the glass is sealed airtight and placed in the sunlight (e.g., on the windowsill) for about two to four weeks to mature.
Step 3: Filter the tincture through a colander after ripening and then store the extract cool in a dark vial. Keep in mind that metallic vessels destroy allantoin, so it's best to use a glass bottle.
For the preparation of a coccyx tincture, one usually uses the root herbs of the plant, which can be easily dissolved in alcohol and also provide a particularly intensive concentration of active ingredient. (Image: Madeleine Steinbach / fotolia.com) Comfrey oil and comfrey ointment
Superficial wounds are best rubbed with comfrey oil or legwrath ointment, but the oil must never enter an open wound. The use of the oil is unobjectionable at:
- bruises,
- bruises,
- Wounds with closed wound surface,
- skin irritation,
- and insect bites.
Of course, an application for vascular disease, fractures, muscle and joint complaints is conceivable. Since not everyone has a legworm tincture in the house, offer legwells albums from the pharmacy here an uncomplicated alternative. Nevertheless, the preparation of comfrey oil or ointment is not a problem.
application Note: Ointments ointments and oils can be applied to affected areas of skin one to three times a day. Overall, the application should not exceed four to six weeks a year.
Make comfrey oil or ointment yourself:
If you are interested in supplementing your home pharmacy with your own products, you can use the dried comfrey herbs to make an oil. Just put 300 to 500 g of the herbs in a light bottle, pour them with edible oil (use the best tasting oil such as sunflower oil) and let it mature in the sun for about 40 weeks, similar to legwort tincture. Then the oil extract is filtered and stored in a dark glass bottle or used to make an ointment. As an alternative to comfrey oil, this can also be done with a previously prepared legworm tincture.
Ingredients:
- 20 ml of legworm tincture and 35 ml of olive oil
- alternatively: 50 ml comfrey oil
- and 45 g of wool wax (lanolin)
Step 1: Gently heat the oil together with the wool wax in a water bath. Be sure to wait until the wax has completely melted and combined with the oil to form a homogeneous mass.
Step 2: If you have used olive oil instead of comfrey oil, add the tincture with constant stirring. After a good thick ointment consistency has emerged, you can remove the mixture from the heat and let cool. The legwort ointment is then stored in a dark ointment pot, which should also be made of glass and not of metal.
side effects
When used correctly and dosage Comfrey usually causes no side effects. However, if you do not follow the instructions for use and dosage, you risk poisoning with pyrrolizidine alkaloid. (Ma)