Comfrey Leaf (Symphytum officinale) — Bulk Dried Herb
Comfrey Leaf (Symphytum officinale)
Comfrey is one of the most remarkable and botanically fascinating plants in the Western herbal tradition — a robust, hairy perennial of the borage family whose large, lance-shaped leaves and drooping clusters of tubular purple, pink, or white flowers have made it a beloved fixture of cottage gardens and herb gardens across Europe for centuries. Known historically as “Knitbone” and “Boneset,” Comfrey has been used externally by European herbalists for over two thousand years, valued for its exceptionally high content of allantoin — a compound that promotes cell proliferation and tissue repair.
Important Note: Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) and is recommended for external use only. This product is offered for topical botanical preparations.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Symphytum officinale
- Family: Boraginaceae (Borage family)
- Common Names: Comfrey, Knitbone, Boneset, Bruisewort, Slippery Root, Blackwort
- Plant Part Used: Leaf
- Preparation: Cut & Sifted
- Cultivation: Certified Organic
- Origin: Europe
- Appearance: Large, rough, dark green dried leaf pieces with prominent midrib
- Aroma: Mildly earthy, slightly grassy, faintly sweet
- Flavor Profile: Mild, slightly mucilaginous (for reference only — not for internal use)
About the Plant
Native to Europe and western Asia, Symphytum officinale is a robust perennial that grows to 1.2 meters in height, producing large, rough, lance-shaped leaves covered in stiff hairs and drooping clusters of tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white. The plant grows in moist, rich soils along riverbanks, in meadows, and in disturbed habitats. Its deep taproot makes it extremely difficult to eradicate once established. Comfrey is one of the richest plant sources of allantoin — a compound that stimulates cell proliferation and has been used in cosmetics and topical preparations for decades. The plant also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are hepatotoxic when consumed internally, leading to regulatory restrictions on internal use in many countries.
Traditional Context
Comfrey has been used externally in European botanical traditions since the time of Dioscorides and Pliny. It appears in virtually every major European herbal and was one of the most important plants in medieval European monastic medicine. Its traditional use was almost exclusively external — as poultices, salves, and compresses applied to bruises, sprains, and wounds. It remains widely used in contemporary Western herbalism for external preparations and is a key ingredient in numerous commercial topical products.
Suggested External Preparations
- Poultices: Apply moistened dried herb directly to the skin
- Infused Oils: Infuse dried leaf in carrier oil for use in salves and balms
- Salves & Balms: A classic ingredient in topical preparations for bruises, sprains, and sore muscles
- Compresses: Steep in hot water, cool, and apply as a compress
Quality & Sourcing
- ✓ Certified Organic
- ✓ Identity Verified
- ✓ Ethically Sourced
- ✓ Small Batch
- ✓ No Additives or Fillers
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Properly stored, dried Comfrey leaf maintains its quality for 1–2 years.
Important Safety Notice — External Use Only
Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) which are toxic to the liver when consumed internally. This product is sold for external use only and is not intended for internal consumption. Do not apply to broken skin or open wounds. Do not use for more than 10 days consecutively. Keep out of reach of children. Not for use during pregnancy or nursing. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use.
Every purchase supports Twin Dragons Botanical Institute’s mission of botanical conservation, responsible sourcing, and the preservation of plant knowledge for future generations.