POWERFUL COMFREY

Heal the body, heal the spirit
Black root, Bruise wort, Knitbone, Boneset
Method and logic in the choices
Spell to bring out lover's best

Comfrey, Symphytum officinale, has long been a staple in the herbalist's garden.  This perennial that is native to Europe and Asia has a history of use that is more than 2000 years.  This is one of the herbs that is listed in the earliest materia medica references.  Comfrey is a powerful healer that was carried on the battlefields of ancient Greece and Rome.  In Europe, it is known by a number of names, including black root, bruise wort, knitbone, and Boneset.

Traditionally, comfrey root is the part of the plant that is used, but all parts have medicinal value.  This herb is an ancient remedy for healing wounds, stopping bleeding, reducing pain from arthritis, and healing bruises.  The ancients used it to treat broken bones and damaged ligaments.  It is used to soothe irritated and damaged skin.  The boiled roots were even used to make casts.

The modern scientific evidence backs up many of these ancient uses.  This proof includes effectiveness as pain relief and to reduce inflammation and swelling.  It is shown to be effective in relieving issues with arthritis, bruising, and blunt force wounds.  It has been shown to promote healthy skin, relieve irritations, and rashes, and promote tissue regeneration.  It may help speed the healing of strains and sprains.

Comfrey is a powerful herb that as some risks associated with it.  Never use comfrey on deep wounds or puncture wounds as it can cause premature healing at the surface.  Never take comfrey internally as it contains toxins that can damage the liver and use it topically sparingly.  Comfrey should not be used by pregnant or lactating people or on young children.  Those with pre-existing conditions should consult their medical provider before using comfrey.

As with most powerful herbs, comfrey is considered to be quite magical.  This herb of healing is said to be effective on all levels of the person, body, mind, emotion, and spirit.  It is said to be an aid for divination and spiritual communication.  If you want to mend a broken heart, you might try a spell with comfrey.  Comfrey smudge or wash can be used to heal the chakras and improve focus.

Comfrey is believed to be a highly protective herb.  Carrying a bit of leaf in your pocket is said to protect you during a journey and bring you safely home again.  If you plant comfrey beside the door, it is said to protect the home from theft.  Carried in the pocket, it may deter a mugging, but I wouldn't push it too far.

This is believed to be an herb of luck and prosperity.  It can be used in spells to attract wealth and abundance.  If you are going gambling, you might want to wrap the gambling money in comfrey first.  Or instead of gambling, maybe an investment would be better.  Take the money that you intend to invest and wrap it in a comfrey leaf for a few days.  Then set the intention as you invest the money so it will come back and bring its friends.

Whether for healing or magic, comfrey is a good herb to have around and to get to know.  This is a sturdy plant that you should only plant where you want it to make a home.  Once planted, it is difficult to remove as even a small fragment of root left in the ground tends to regrow a new plant.  It can be grown in a large pot or in a raised bed where it can be contained.

Some of the sources for this article are:
mountsinai.org
healthline.com
ncib.nih.gov
crystalvaults.com
flyingthehedge.co
wiccanw.com

Go to my Buy Me a Coffee page to see how I use comfrey:
​

Manitu's Answer To a Life of Hard Physical Labor