Comfrey – The Queen of Multi-Functional Plants

Used successfully for over 2,000 years.

Among the stars of the organic garden, comfrey (Symphytum officinale, F. Boraginaceae) wears the crown. Revered for centuries as a healer of soil, animals, and humans alike, this deep-rooted perennial is a powerhouse of productivity and healing. Yet, despite its history of safe and beneficial use, comfrey fell victim to a government scare campaign in 1984 and was labelled as a “poison” – not to be consumed.
But let’s have a reality check.

Alcohol is listed as a poison too, yet bottles of wine, beer, and spirits are widely available without warnings of potential liver damage or death – and it happens, tragically, often. Nicotine and peanuts, both known to be fatal for some, are freely sold. And comfrey? No recorded deaths. In fact, it was calculated that you’d need to consume 5–6 large comfrey leaves every day for 16 years to detect even a minor liver change. I definitely don’t recommend you try that many leaves EVER. Perspective matters.
So what is comfrey?

Plant Profile

Comfrey is a hardy, evergreen clumping plant with dark green, rough, hairy leaves and delicate pink to lavender flowers. Its deep taproots mine minerals from far below the soil, delivering them to the surface. It thrives in full sun or part shade, loves water, and yet is surprisingly drought-tolerant. Propagation is easy—just divide the roots.

In the Garden

Comfrey’s value in the garden is unmatched. Here are just a few ways to put it to work:

Plant around the drip line of fruit trees (never near the trunk!)—mow to release nutrients.
Edge swales or garden beds to slow water runoff and prevent erosion.
Chop and drop mulch—comfrey is rich in potassium, nitrogen, phosphate, and calcium.
Avoid inside vegetable beds, as it will take over!
Use as a summer mulch—breaks down quickly and enriches the soil.
Wrap seed potatoes at planting, and place leaves around tomatoes and strawberries pre-flowering.
Add to compost piles to activate decomposition.
Lay as a weed barrier between rows or paths.
Use as a natural poultice for tree wounds and damaged bark.
Make Comfrey Tea for plants: Fill a bucket with chopped leaves, add water, cover, and let it ferment for about 4 weeks. Stir occasionally. Strain and dilute 50/50 before applying. (Tip: wear gloves—it’s pungent!)

For Animals

Comfrey is a hit with the animal kingdom too.

Chickens love fresh comfrey tossed into their pen.
Cows, pigs, and horses benefit from wilted leaves added to their feed.

For Health & Healing *** eat small amounts. If you have liver problems – avoid.

Despite its controversial label, comfrey is food—nutrient-rich and medicinally valuable. Mature leaves (lower in alkaloids) are safest for consumption. Comfrey is bursting with vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C, E, and minerals like boron, calcium, chromium, cobalt, iodine, potassium, selenium, sulfur, and zinc.

Ways to Enjoy:

Comfrey tea (with mint)
Fresh juice (add pineapple!)
Fritters, soups, stews, salads, stuffings
Wraps (only for the bold!)
Dried and ground into a nourishing leaf flour

Comfrey as Medicine

Comfrey has long been called “knitbone” for its ability to heal bruises, sprains, and broken bones. It soothes inflammation, stimulates cell regeneration, and
supports the healing of muscle, cartilage, and connective tissue.

Poultice (not for open wounds):

Apply wilted or mashed leaves directly to bruises, varicose veins, insect bites, pulled tendons, and more.

Comfrey Healing Cream:

1 cup finely chopped comfrey leaves
Simmer in 1 cup olive oil until soft
Cool and strain
Add 50g beeswax
Blend and pour into jars

This cream soothes arthritis, bites, sprains, and general inflammation.

Why We Grow Comfrey

As the legendary herbalist Isabell Shipard once said:

“Comfrey should be eaten regularly because it penetrates every part of your body and brain, improving both the structure and function of each part. Comfrey contains the same structural material of which the human body is built.” – How Can I Use Herbs in My Daily Life, p.101

So, let’s return comfrey to its rightful place—not on a list of poisons, but on the pedestal of powerful, natural allies. Plant it for your soil, your animals, and your own well-being.

Comfrey truly is the Queen of multi-functional plants.