THE BENEFITS OF THE USE OF COMFREY
IN HERBAL PREPARATIONS
DOSAGES & APPLICATIONS OF COMFREY
IN HERBAL PREPARATIONS
DOSAGES & APPLICATIONS OF COMFREY
COMFREY
by Sabrina G. Seitz, RN
by Sabrina G. Seitz, RN
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"Natural Healing with Herbs for a Healthier You"
Traditionally, Comfrey has been taken as an infusion (tea) made from the leaves. If a stronger solution is needed, a decoction can be made from the bark. Both the infusion and the decoction are able to extract the active constituents into distilled water. Decoctions are more suitable for fomentations, enemas or as a base for ointments.
Extracts or tinctures of comfrey can also be made by soaking comfrey leaves or root in a menstruum of 100 proof vodka, pure, undistilled apple cider vinegar or olive oil. For more detailed instructions on making extracts and tinctures, refer to School of Natural Healing by Dr. John R. Christopher. These can be purchased and one alternative is Herb Pharm, who produces a pyrrolizidine-free comfrey extract. The herb extracts that contain the PA’s are run through an ion exchange bed that removes them. The finished extract contains less than one part-per-million of PA’s. Comfrey oil is wonderful when massaged into pregnant bellies to promote elasticity and prevention of stretch marks.
The dried leaves/roots can be powdered and put into vegetable-based or gelatin-based capsules for internal use as well. It is important not to forget the use of Comfrey as a poultice. The fresh leaves are best used for this application. Pick the leaves, rinse and shake them dry, then blend with enough distilled water to create a thick mash. Apply to affected area and wrap with gauze. In an emergency, pick the leaves, bruise them and apply directly to wound. Another application is by suppository.
The following chart is taken from School of Natural Healing and is the recommended dosages for comfrey:
Decoction:2 fl.oz. three times/day
Fluid extract:½ - 1 teaspoonful three times/day
Infusion(tea):1 cupful, three times/day
Capsule:2 - “00” capsules three times/day or 1 teaspoonful of the powder
Tincture:½ - 1 teaspoonful three times/day
Extracts or tinctures of comfrey can also be made by soaking comfrey leaves or root in a menstruum of 100 proof vodka, pure, undistilled apple cider vinegar or olive oil. For more detailed instructions on making extracts and tinctures, refer to School of Natural Healing by Dr. John R. Christopher. These can be purchased and one alternative is Herb Pharm, who produces a pyrrolizidine-free comfrey extract. The herb extracts that contain the PA’s are run through an ion exchange bed that removes them. The finished extract contains less than one part-per-million of PA’s. Comfrey oil is wonderful when massaged into pregnant bellies to promote elasticity and prevention of stretch marks.
The dried leaves/roots can be powdered and put into vegetable-based or gelatin-based capsules for internal use as well. It is important not to forget the use of Comfrey as a poultice. The fresh leaves are best used for this application. Pick the leaves, rinse and shake them dry, then blend with enough distilled water to create a thick mash. Apply to affected area and wrap with gauze. In an emergency, pick the leaves, bruise them and apply directly to wound. Another application is by suppository.
The following chart is taken from School of Natural Healing and is the recommended dosages for comfrey:
Decoction:2 fl.oz. three times/day
Fluid extract:½ - 1 teaspoonful three times/day
Infusion(tea):1 cupful, three times/day
Capsule:2 - “00” capsules three times/day or 1 teaspoonful of the powder
Tincture:½ - 1 teaspoonful three times/day