Wound healing, anti-inflammatory, astringent, protection of internal mucous membranes, expectorant

Oil or water infusion, poultice, salves, fomentations

Comfrey is a great herb for topical treatment of burns, ulcerations, abrasions, lacerations, insect bites, etc. It can also be used to help bruises, fractures, sprains and other closed-tissue injuries.

Comfrey also provides a soothing protection to the skin and inflammation of the digestive tract.

Comfrey can also be used for treating bronchitis and other respiratory ailments.

For treatment of closed-tissue injuries, apply a poultice, salve or infusion of the leaves.

For treatment of skin ulcers, a poultice or fomentation should be made from the fresh or dried leaves. To make the fomentation, wrap a handful of fresh comfrey leaves in a clean towel, and place it in a bowl of boiling water. Allow it to soak until the water begins to turn green, then remove the towel and leaves and squeeze the excess water from the towel back into the bowl. Allow it to cool slightly and then apply it to the affected area. The extra comfrey water can be added to the compress from time to time when needed.

For treatment of mastitis, an ointment or salve should be used, or a strong tea of the leaves can be used to rinse the entire area with the lukewarm liquid several times per day.

For treatment of colitis, stomach ulcers or other inflammations of the digestive tract, use 1/2-1 teaspoon of the dried leaves for each pound of food fed.

For treating bronchitis and other respiratory ailments, administer 1 tablespoon of cooled comfrey tea per 20 pounds of the animal’s body weight, twice daily.

• Comfrey can work so well at sealing injuries, it can close bacteria inside the wound. To avoid this, use a strong antibacterial herb such as thyme or Saint-John’s-wort should be added to any comfrey preparation intended for open wounds.
• For all internal uses of comfrey, the feeding should be limited to occasional short term therapies. It should never be fed as a daily supplement because it contains potentially toxic compounds that can cause liver damage or cancer.
• Strong tinctures or decoctions of comfrey should never be used internally.
• Do not use comfrey in pregnant or lactating animals, or in animals with preexisting liver disease.
• Comfrey root should never be used internally.

Wulff-Tilford, Mary, and Gregory L. Tilford. All You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets. Irvine, CA: BowTie, 1999. Print.

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