Latin name: Symphytum officinale .

Description :
Comfrey is in bloom throughout the greater part of the summer, the first flowers opening at the end of April or early May. Comfrey's medieval reputation for knitting broken bones is reflected in its name , which comes from the Latin "conferre", meaning to bring together

Perennial-hardy-3ft spread-purple or yellow blooms, large leaves. I have found this easy to grow and take rooted shoots and transplant them everywhere. I love this herb. I have it planted in the full sun, and in my shade garden. I started with a purchased plant and now have about 8. You can grow by using root cuttings. Dig up a piece of root, cut into 1in. sections and plant. They like moist soil. Comfrey does not do well grown indoors. But does well in a container on your porch or patio in partial shade, and do give plenty of water in the hotter climates.

Comfrey is reported to cause serious liver damage if taken in large amounts over a long period of time. Sow seeds in the spring. Also in the spring it is time to divide plants and take root cuttings. In the summer cut back leaves for composting, or to use as a mulch around other herbs in the growing season. In the fall you can sow the seeds again. During the winter nothing needs to be done, but would suggest mulching in colder climates. Cut leaves for drying before flowering. You should be able to get four cuttings a year. Dig up roots in autumn for drying.

The impressive wound-healing properties of Comfrey are partially due to the presence of allantoin. This chemical stimulates cell proliferation and so augments wound-healing both inside and out. The addition of much demulcent mucilage makes Comfrey a powerful healing agent in gastric and duodenal ulcers, hiatus hernia and ulcerative colitis. Its astringency will help haemorrhages wherever they occur. It has been used with benefit in cases of bronchitis and irritable cough, where it will soothe and reduce irritation whilst helping expectoration. Comfrey may be used externally tospeed wound-healing and guard against scar tissue developing incorrectly. Care should be taken with very deep wounds, however, as the external application of Comfrey can lead to tissue forming over the wound before it is healed deeper down, possibly leading to abscesses. It may be used for any external ulcers, for wounds and fractures as a compress or poultice. It is excellent in chronic varicose ulcers. It has a reputed anti-cancer action. Comfrey has received much attention in recent years. It is a valuable healing herb. Comfrey is useful as a poultice for varicose ulcers and acompress for varicose veins. Also it is good for chest colds and as a tonic to lessen arthritic pain and give a feeling of general well-being.Comfrey is also good for athlete's foot.