In this article, you will learn how to make comfrey ointment yourself. There are step-by-step instructions as well as tips on the effects and use of comfrey as a medicinal plant. We also explain how to harvest and dry comfrey roots.
Comfrey has been used as a medicinal plant since ancient times. It has an analgesic, wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effect and can be processed into ointments, gels or other comfrey extracts. The most common is comfrey ointment, which is made from the roots of the plant (rarely from the leaves). It is mainly used for sports injuries such as strains and bruises, but also for rheumatic pain. Comfrey ointment or comfrey compresses, which are made from cleaned, finely grated comfrey roots, have also proved effective for osteoarthritis, bursitis and bone fractures. For minor sprains, compresses with comfrey leaves can provide relief.
Our tip: If you want to grow your own comfrey for ointment, you can read here what you need to consider when sowing, caring for and harvesting comfrey.
Due to its poisonous ingredients, comfrey should only be used externally and not on open wounds. Its effective ingredients are numerous: allantoin, saponins, phythosterols, various mucilages and tannins, rosmarinic acid, resins and silicic acid provide rapid relief from various ailments. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can have a toxic effect on organs and tissues when used internally, are also typical of broadleaf plants.
The allantoin it contains promotes, among other things, the formation of new bone substance (callus) and thus the coalescence of bones. The scientific name Symphytum, as well as the German name "Wallwurz" (from Old German "wallen" = to grow together) refers to these properties. The most commonly used name comfrey is derived from the word "leg", which was formerly used for bones (bones). Comfrey can also help with skin problems such as dry skin, itching or minor wounds.
To harvest comfrey roots, you should first choose the right time. The ideal time is spring or fall, when the plant has its highest concentration of active ingredients. Only select healthy, strong comfrey plants that show no signs of disease or pest infestation for harvesting. And you're ready to go!
Use a garden fork or spade to carefully dig around the plant to expose the roots and loosen the soil. Be particularly careful not to damage any roots. The plant with the exposed roots is then carefully lifted out of the ground and the excess soil is shaken off.
Now cut off the roots close to the plant stem. If you want to replant the plant, you should leave enough root material so that it can regenerate. Remove small side roots and set aside the main roots. Then wash the roots thoroughly under running water to remove dirt and soil and remove all impurities.
If you want to dry the roots, you can spread them out on a clean cloth and dry them in a well-ventilated, shady place. This process can take several days to weeks, depending on the size and moisture content of the roots. Once the comfrey roots have been harvested, cleaned and possibly dried, they can be used to make remedies such as ointments, tinctures or compresses. Drying the root is particularly important if the roots are very moist. Then there is a risk that they will start to mold in the oil. So if you have enough time, we recommend drying the comfrey roots.
Comfrey ointment is very easy to make yourself and helps with sprains, bruises, muscle tension, joint pain and bruising.
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Marie studied agricultural science at the University of Hohenheim. Her main focus is on ecological agriculture and permaculture. She writes articles for Fryd to educate people about ecological interrelationships and alternatives to current land use. Our current economic systems, especially in agriculture, have numerous negative effects on nature and destabilize our ecosystems. We need a great diversity in our gardens and beds again to counteract the extinction of species. Every gardener can contribute to creating and maintaining habitats and food for a wide variety of creatures. With her articles, she would like to pass on her experience in dealing with natural systems and give people the opportunity to contribute to a stable ecosystem and thus also to securing our livelihood.
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There are just 7 days between the pictures. 😱😍😍😍 The #tomatoes are stepping on the gas! And are just waiting for consistently warm temperatures. 😊
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The raised bed project in my little garden is progressing folks 💪🏻 pow pow pow 🎊 Just in time for sowing season! Briefly about the start of my project : We only have a sloping area in our little garden with a decent gradient. That's why I leveled the site beforehand. To do this, I laid brick after brick on edge along the garden shed into the ground and plastered the outer edge with concrete. Why this discreetly exaggerated method? We still had bricks and concrete left over from building the patio and because I wanted it to be extra fancy, I naturally chose the most fancy method 😂. And what else do you take a vacation for🙈? But let's be honest, it's more for the look than anything else🤭. I wanted to create a visually separate area in the garden that has a straight overall surface. After also protecting the outer wall of the garden shed from moisture, it was time to level the ground and fill the area with woodchippings. These wood chips are kind of trendy for raised beds right now, aren't they? (at least according to my Pinterest algorithm 😂). The 120 x 80 raised bed frames are standard plug-in frames from the DIY store (my second home 🥰). I sanded the frames briefly, sealed them with a protective glaze and put them together. Secured with chicken wire to protect against uninvited guests and covered with bubble wrap, I'll continue with the filling today 🎊! I'm really looking forward to this point. Finally, all the garden waste that has been piling up in every free corner of the garden for weeks can be put to good use and disappear behind wooden cladding 😅. Then it will be watered and the area tilled 😬 FINALLY!!! I'll keep you up to date 🌷♥️ enjoy the sun How would you have dealt with the slope? 🤗 Are your raised beds already in place or are there still newbies like me? Ciaoi 🌷
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They are still small, but hopefully they will soon be big and nutritious 😊
Which oil do I need for a comfrey ointment?
It is best to use coconut oil for the oil extract. Mix this extract with beeswax or a vegetable oil to obtain an ointment.
How does comfrey ointment work?
Comfrey has an analgesic, wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effect. However, ointments and tinctures should only be used externally for skin, muscle or bone problems, as comfrey contains toxic substances.
When is the best time to harvest comfrey root?
The best time for harvesting is either in spring or fall, as this is when the plant has the highest content of active ingredients. This gives you a particularly effective ointment!
Do you have to dry comfrey roots for an ointment?
Drying comfrey roots is an advantage and extends the shelf life of your ointment. Otherwise there is a risk that the remains of the root in the ointment will start to mold.
