COMFREY

Comfrey ( Symphytum officinale) is a helpful garden tonic that has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. It was thought to have been able to heal broken bones and external wounds. Even today, its potential for reducing swelling and bruising as well as healing external wounds, when used as a poultice or compress, is unchallenged. Also commonly known as knitbone, boneset or bruisewort, one of comfrey‘s key constituents is allantoin, a cell proliferant that helps repair damaged tissue. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. There was a time when it was also eaten regularly in salads or drunk as a tea, but this is no longer recommended as it’s currently under suspicion of being a carcinogen.

Comfrey couldn’t care less where it grows, which has given it a bad rap in some areas. It can be invasive, as every cut or damaged piece of root will regrow. Confine it to one area and dig in plenty of compost or aged manure. Plant in a spot where it can get its roots down 1.5m. Space plants about 60cm apart. Comfrey will grow in sun or part shade. Harvest four to five times a year.