Herbs & Herbal Remedies @ Green Papaya

The ancient Greeks and Romans were right about comfrey aiding wound healing, but the herb’s stickiness has nothing to do with it.

Wound Healing - Comfrey contains a chemical (allantoin), that promotes the growth of new cells, thus validating its more than 2,500 years of external use on everything from minor cuts and burns to major battle wounds. Studies show comfrey also helps relieve inflammation, adding to its wound-treating effect.

Allantoin is the active ingredient in several over-the-counter skin creams, such as Unicare Lotion, for example. Two prescription skin preparations also contain it, Herpecin-L Cold Sore Lip Balm for relief of oral herpes, and Vagimide Cream for irritation associated with vaginal infections.

Comfrey is not absorbed through the skin, and even its harshest critics have never questioned its safety for external use. However, be sure to wash wounds thoroughly with soap and water before applying comfrey.

For wound treatment, comfrey roots are preferable to the leaves. Roots contain more than twice as much allantoin.

Digestive Aid - Some animal research suggests comfrey calms the digestive tract, lending support to its traditional use as a digestive aid.

Myth - Despite the assertions in some recent herbals, one of which calls comfrey “one of the best healers of the respiratory system,” no research to date shows any benefit for the lungs.

Rx for Comfrey

To use comfrey externally, sprinkle some dried, powdered root on clean cuts and scrapes.

Internal use of comfrey continues to be controversial in the United States. If you’d like to put its stomach-soothing powers to the test, ask your physician about using it for a short time. Herbalists traditionally took it in the form of an infusion or a tincture. Comfrey tastes earthy and slightly sweet.

If you’d I ike to use an herbal stomach soother on a regular basis, try peppermint, ginger, or any of the other herbs listed as Digestive Aids.

Comfrey should not be given to children underage 2.