Comfrey is the prime first aid remedy. When applied to the skin
allantoin diffuses easily into the underlying tissues so that when
applied over a fractured bone it can accelerate healing and closure.
Applied fresh to wounds, sores or ulcers
<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/ulcers.htm>, the mucilage in the
roots or leaves seeps out onto the injured skin, dries and then thickens
and contracts, drawing the sides of the wound together, inhibiting
infection <http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/infection.htm>. Where the
wound is fairly superficial comfrey will heal the skin with little
scarring <http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/scarring.htm>.
A poultice or ointment can be used for bruises
<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/bruising.htm>, sprains and strains
<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/sprains_strains.htm>, gout
<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/gout.htm>, arthritis, bleeding
piles, varicose veins
<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/varicose_veins.htm>, phlebitis, and
ulcers, swellings and burns
<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/burns.htm>. A decoction of the root
or infusion of the leaves makes a good eyewash for sore, inflamed eyes
and a wash for skin problems
<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/skin_problems.htm> such as psoriasis
<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/psoriasis.htm>, eczema
<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/eczema.htm>, acne
<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/acne.htm>, and boils
<http://www.herbs2000.com/kids/boils.htm>.
The leaves have healing properties and a particular affinity with the
respiratory, digestive and urinary systems. Comfrey is used for sore
throats <http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/sore_throat.htm> and
laryngitis <http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/laryngitis.htm>, as a
soothing expectorant for dry coughs
<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/cough.htm>, pleurisy
<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/pleurisy.htm> and bronchitis
<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/bronchitis.htm>. In the gut comfrey
soothes and heals gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers and can be used
to reduce irritation causing diarrhea
<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/diarrhea.htm>, dysentery
<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/dysentery.htm> and ulcerative
colitis <http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/colitis.htm>. In the urinary
system comfrey relaxes urinary spasm, soothes cystitis and clears
irritation and infection. Comfrey is taken for gout and arthritis
<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/arthritis.htm>, as well as other
painful or inflamed conditions such as tendinitis
<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/tendinitis.htm>, sprains, and fractures.
Comfrey's ability to promote the healing of bruises, sprains, fractures,
and broken bones has been known for thousands of years. Comfrey
encourages ligaments and bones to knit together firmly. A comfrey
compress applied immediately to a sprained ankle can significantly
reduce the severity of the injury. The combination of tannins, and
mucilage helps to soothe bruises and scrapes
<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/cuts.htm>.
*Skin problems* - Comfrey oil or ointment is used to treat acne
<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/acne.htm> and boils and to relieve
psoriasis. Comfrey is also valuable in the treatment of scars.
*Other Uses* - Hantavirus
<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/hantavirus.htm>, Housemaid's knee
<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/housemaids_knee.htm>.
The principal ingredient allantoin works to promote the healing of
tissues within the body. It is complemented by the rosmarinic acid, an
anti-inflammatory agent. The mucilage is demulcent and works to soothe
irritative conditions, both internally and externally. The tannins act
as an astringent. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids are thought to be damaging
to the liver. These pyrrolizidine alkaloids are mainly concentrated in
the root of the plant, and therefore there is common agreement by the
main bodies of herbal practitioners that this should not be taken
internally. It has, however, also been substantiated that the leaf does
not present this problem, and may be taken internally under the guidance
of a qualified herbal or medical practitioner. Both the leaf and the
root can be safely used externally.
Dioscorides, author of one of the oldest herbal texts, ‘Materia Medica’
of 50 AD, prescribed the plant to heal wounds and broken bones.The genus
name symphytum means to heal together, and for this use, it is renown:
that it can assist the body to heal any part that is torn or broken,
which also explains the reason for another common name, knitbone. Leaves
or roots applied as a wash, poultice or ointment are used for bruising,
sciatica, boils, rheumatism, neuralgia, varicose veins, bed sores,
wounds, ulcers, insect bites, tumours, muscular pain, pulled tendons,
gangrene, shingles and dermatological conditions.
Internally, comfrey has been used for: indigestion, stomach and bowel
problems, excessive menstrual flow, hoarseness, periodontal diseases,
bleeding gums, thyroid disorders, diarrhea, gastro-intestinal ulcers,
hernia, glandular fever, coughs, lung conditions, hemorrhaging, cancer,
catarrh, anemia, sinusitis, lupus, lowering blood pressure, hiatus
hernia, blood purifier, to ease inflammation of the joints and mucus
membranes.
Finally, I well remember the enthusiastic remarks of the butcher who
regularly killed our comfrey-fed calves. He told us that he had never
before, seen such healthy livers … that, mind you, after being reared on
a herb that was supposed to cause liver diseases!"
Various sources.
Lisa wrote:
Will this help for stiff joints?
My hands seem to be very stiff these days -- and would love to try something
that will loosen them up a bit (they don't actually hurt...but rather ache
and are stiff...no blatant signs of swelling either).
Thanks for any advice.
Lisa
-----Original Message-----
From: Rowena [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2010 5:40 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: CS>help for cracked vertebrae
Comfrey ointment (comfrey knitbone old name)?
Rowena
John E. Stevens wrote:
Annie's advice was excellent, too.
John
On Mon, Jan 25, 2010 at 9:43 PM, Deborah Gerard <[email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
My mom just called and my poor 80 year old dad has been diagnosed
with a cracked vertebrae in his lower back...any suggestions on
supplements that may help with the healing? Or is surgery the only
answer?
Thanks in advance folks,
Debbie
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