Comfrey in Herbalist: Properties of Comfrey

Scientific name

Family

Origin

Synonyms

Parts Used

Root drug

Chemical constituents

• Tannins;
• Mucilage;
• Triterpene saponins;
• Allantoin;
• Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (synphithin);
• Salicylic acid;
• Proteins.

Comfrey in Herbalist: Properties of Comfrey

The comfrey root was used until a few years ago, also in our country, as a folk remedy against gastritis and gastric ulcer, in relation to the allantoin content.
However, since many studies have shown the presence of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, the use of comfrey should be abandoned, or possibly reserved, only on medical prescription, for external use as an anti-inflammatory, for short periods and on confined surfaces.
The revulsive properties of comfrey mean that, when applied to the chest with poultices, it helps eliminate excess phlegm.