COMFREY is a plant that is easily grown and is the premier herb for injuries of all kinds. It is used externally and internally to heal bruises, broken bones, lacerations (cuts), abrasions (rubbed sores), contusions (wounds with bruising also), burns (heat, chemical and friction) and any swelling or inflammation. To use internally, it must be temporary and no longer than 60 days at a time because it can eventually irritate the liver. Infusions are drunk or dosed in small amounts often. Sometimes tinctures or capsules are taken (according to package directions).
Comfrey is used for Humans, Horses and Dogs.
Comfrey leaves are brewed as an infusion - steep one handful dried leaves (2 fresh) to 2 quarts pure water just off the boil, covered in a non-metal pot. Let steep for 25 minutes and strain well. The infusion of LEAF is mild and used for infants (externally only, always), small and delicate animals or elderly persons. This infusion is applied COLD to acute injuries and WARM to old, chronic injuries. I use a spray bottle for application.
Comfrey Roots are boiled to make a decoction - one handful dried roots (2 fresh) to one quart of pure water in a non-metal pot. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 25 minutes. Then let sit, covered for an hour before straining. Squeeze all the moisture from the herb. I also use a sprayer (or sponge) for the decoction. Apply COLD to acute injuries, WARM to old chronic injuries.
Comfrey Oil is made by heating the roots and leaves in safflower oil.
Comfrey Ointment adds beeswax to the infused oil to form a salve.
The root of the Comfrey plant stimulates the growth and healing of bone cells! It contains allantoin to soothe and stimulate skin cell growth. It used to be called "bone knit" and is a profound healer of bone fractures and injuries to the skull or blows to the eye (especially in HOMEOPATHIC form). Do not use Comfrey until a fracture has been set. Do not use Comfrey on a wound that has debris in it.
Comfrey can heal things too quickly.
Homeopathic Symphytum is made from Comfrey and is the first thing to dose when a severe injury occurs (along with Homeopathic Arnica or Bellis). It is good for excessive pain, injuries to the cartilage and periosteum that covers the bones. Use it for any injury to the eyeball or head. Homeopathic remedies are usually in small pellet form and you dose humans, horses or dogs the amount suggested on the container - it is not the amount that determines the strength of the healing, but how often it is dosed. The little pellets can be added to bland treats, mixed with water and placed in the mouth or put under the tongue.
For information on the use of Homeopathic remedies, go to
http://tinyurl.com/lc3eot where you will also find healing information for all species using Nature.
Natural Healing of Injuries to Horses is a series of articles by Katharine in the Summer, '09 issues of Natural Horse Magazine.
The
NP Store has more guides to Holistic Health.
