Organic Comfrey Root (Symphytum officinale) is a traditional herb, famously known as 'Knitbone.' It has a long history in European herbalism for being used externally in poultices, salves, and infused oils for topical application.
Comfrey Root must NEVER be taken internally. It contains compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are toxic to the liver (hepatotoxic) and can cause serious harm. This product is sold only as a raw botanical for topical use.
It earned the name 'Knitbone' from its traditional use. Herbalists would apply a Comfrey Root poultice externally over intact skin in the area of bruises, sprains, or bone fractures, believing it supported the body's natural mending process.
It is typically prepared as an infused oil or a poultice. For an oil, the dried root is steeped in a carrier oil (like olive oil) for several weeks. For a poultice, the powdered root is mixed with hot water to form a paste and applied to intact skin.
No. Comfrey should only be applied to intact skin. The toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through broken skin or open wounds, which is dangerous. Never use it on cuts, scrapes, or ulcers.
Comfrey Root contains several compounds, most notably allantoin, which is a substance known to support cell proliferation, and rosmarinic acid. However, it also contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which is why it is for external use only.
