Comfrey leaf is used exclusively for external applications. It is a very popular ingredient for making topical preparations like infused oils, salves, creams, and poultices, which are then applied to the skin.
No. It is not safe to consume comfrey in any form. Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can be harmful to the liver when ingested. For this reason, comfrey should only ever be used externally and should not be taken internally.
To make a simple poultice, take a handful of dried comfrey leaves and add just enough hot water to form a thick, moist paste. Allow it to cool so it's warm but not hot, then apply the paste to the desired area of skin.
Comfrey is a fantastic garden plant. It is a 'dynamic accumulator', meaning its deep roots pull nutrients from the soil. The leaves are rich in nutrients and can be used to make an excellent natural liquid fertiliser (comfrey tea for plants) or added to compost heaps as an activator.
No, you should not apply comfrey preparations to broken, open, or damaged skin. It should only be applied to intact skin surfaces.
Both parts of the plant are used in herbalism, but the root is generally considered to be more potent and concentrated in its compounds than the leaf. The leaf is more commonly used for general skin preparations and garden fertilisers.
