Comfrey is a plant indigenous to Europe. The comfrey leaves have been used for centuries for treating various health problems. The medicinal property of comfrey leaves is primarily attributed to its bioactive compounds such as allantoin, tannins and rosmarinic acid. In the folk medicines, the dried comfrey leaves are used for topical application as salve and poultice. They are also used for making herbal concoction and taken internally to treat certain ailments.
Comfrey Leaf Offers The Following Health Benefits:
Reduces Osteoarthritis Pain
Degradation of the joint tissues is a common problem in older adults that leads to osteoarthritis. Traditionally, inflammation and pain of the joints affected by osteoarthritis is treated with poultice prepared with comfrey leaves. The effectiveness of this topical herbal remedy is supported by clinical studies. The compound allantoin found in comfrey leaf helps in suppressing activities of inflammatory mediators in the joints, thereby providing relief from inflammation and pain.
Slows Down Osteoporosis
Comfrey leaf is an excellent source of calcium and amino acids that help in strengthening the bones. Folk healers recommend drinking herbal concoction prepared with the calcium and protein rich leaves to strengthen the bones and slow down progression of osteoporosis.
Kills Intestinal Parasites
The anthelmintic property of comfrey leaf makes it a suitable herbal remedy for killing and expelling intestinal worms. Parasitic infection causes diarrhea and appetite loss. To get rid of the parasites and restore the optimal health of the digestive system, drink tea prepared with comfrey leaves.
Helps Heal Stomach Ulcer
The mucilaginous compounds present in comfrey leaves forms a protective coating on the stomach lining that helps in healing stomach ulcers. Intake of comfrey leaves can help in providing relief from gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Soothes Sore Throat
The mucilaginous compounds in comfrey also help in soothing the irritated mucus membrane of the throat. For fast relief from sore throat and to alleviate coughing triggered by irritation in the throat, drink a cup of warm tea prepared with dried or fresh comfrey leaves.
Relief from Bronchitis
Comfrey tea also acts as an expectorant. By removing the phlegm from the lungs, it helps in providing relief from chest congestion. The anti-inflammatory ingredients in comfrey also help in reducing inflammation of the airways that occurs in people suffering from bronchitis.
Treats Eczema
Herbalists recommend applying compress with tea prepared with comfrey leaves to dry the open sores and promote healing of the skin affected by eczema flare-ups. The astringent effect of the comfrey tannins helps in reducing excessive dryness of the skin, itching, irritation and pain.
Heals Wound
Topical application of comfrey salves and tea accelerates wound healing. The leaves are loaded with allantoin that helps in inducing collagen production that helps in covering the wounds. Herbalists frequently combine fresh comfrey leaves with antibacterial herbs to treat the infected wounds.
Heals Broken Bones
Traditionally, comfrey poultice is used for healing broken bones. Comfrey is a rich source of calcium, vitamin C and amino acids that help in repairing the fractured bone. This fast acting herb helps in speeding up the healing mechanism.
Treats Sprains
Comfrey poultice and compress are also used for treating sprains. The anti-inflammatory compounds in the herb help in reducing pain and swelling and improves flexibility of the sprained joints. According to clinical studies, treatment with comfrey is as effective as the standard ointments used for treating sprains.
Relief From Edema
The diuretic property of comfrey leaves helps in eliminating excess water from the body, thereby providing relief from edema. However, comfrey should be taken only for treating mild cases of edema when the kidneys are functioning normally.
Reduces Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
By restoring the normal hormonal balance, comfrey helps in providing relief from excessive menstrual bleeding. Drinking comfrey tea also helps in reducing abdominal cramp and pain that a large number of women experience during menstrual periods.
Treats Gum Diseases
Herbalists recommend comfrey leaves poultice for treating gum diseases. Allantoin, the active ingredient in comfrey leaves, helps in reducing swelling and pain of the gum. Rinsing the mouth with comfrey tea also helps in speeding up the healing process.
Reduces Varicose Vein
The anti-inflammatory property of comfrey leaves helps in healing varicose vein. To reduce the swelling and pain caused by the enlarged vein, apply poultice prepared with fresh comfrey leaves on the affected area. Alternatively, applying warm compress with comfrey tea also helps in treating varicose veins.
Heals Hemorrhoids
Comfrey poultice and salve can also be used for shrinking hemorrhoids. The anti-inflammatory effect of the herb helps in reducing the swelling and pain. It also speeds up healing of the anal fissures. Furthermore, drinking comfrey tea helps in easing bowel movement, thereby providing relief from constipation, which causes hemorrhoids.
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