History of Comfrey Various cultures have used comfrey remedies for centuries as an herbal first aid to heal skin wounds and bones. Chinese traditional medicine used the herb for over 2,000 years. Some cultures ingested the herb to treat internal conditions such as arthritis and ulcers, but herbalists no longer recommend ingesting comfrey. Some of the earliest modern day comfrey uses come from the 19th century when botanic physician Samuel Thomson used comfrey to heal a foot injury, which saved his foot from amputation, according to Dr. Christophers Herbal Legacy. Common Uses Comfrey is commonly used in herbal pastes, ointments and salves, which are applied topically to the skin to treat a number of different conditions. Comfrey is also rich in vitamins A, C and B12, in addition to allantoin. Bruises Comfrey remedies are particularly beneficial for healing bruises and contusions. Allantoin is the healing compound in comfrey that has been shown to break down red blood cells and accelerate the production of new cells to speed healing. Comfrey also reduces the swelling that often accompanies a bruise. Wounds and Burns Comfrey has many natural soothing and anti-inflammatory properties to help heal inflamed tissues, making it an ideal treatment for wounds and burns. Comfrey is an effective wound and burn treatment because allantoin protects skin against irritants and helps heal burns and close wounds faster. Vitamin C also boosts collagen production, which is essential for wound and burn healing. Skin Conditions Comfrey remedies can help heal a number of different skin conditions including eczema, (a chronic skin disorder that causes scaly, itchy skin); and dermatitis, a general term for inflamed skin and viral skin infections. Allantoin helps keep skin soft and smooth, and vitamin A is an antioxidant that helps alleviate eczema symptoms such as dryness and itchiness.
Posted on: Sun, 10 Nov 2013 01:45:38 +0000
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