Botanical Briefs: Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

Commonly known as comfrey, Symphytum officinale (family Boraginaceae) has a long tra­ditional use as a poultice to promote wound healing and reduce joint inflammation. Comfrey is an evergreen perennial plant with large hairy leaves, narrowing ends, and small yellowish to red-violet flowers. Comfrey is native to the United Kingdom but can be found throughout Europe, North America, and Asia, mainly in damp places and par­ticularly near rivers and streams.