Medicinal benefits of comfrey oil extract

Introduction to the Comfrey family
Common Name: Comfrey also known as knit bone, boneset and slippery root
Botanical Name: Symphytum Officinale
Botanical Family: Borage family / Boraginaceae
Active Compounds: Allantoin
Historical Uses: In traditional medicine a comfrey compress of the roots and leaves was applied directly to the skin or made into a salve

Comfrey oil extraction process
Extracting the medicinal compounds of comfrey into oil isn't difficult and can be done at home by following the below instructions, noting you can use both the leaves and the root in the oil extraction process.

If you would like to give it a go at home, try the following instructions:

  1. Pick fresh comfrey leaves or dig up the roots, wash and dry (dehydrator, low oven or in a sunny place)
  2. Clean and make sterile a glass jar and lid
  3. Once the comfrey has fully dried, pack into the clean jar two thirds full
  4. Add a carrier oil of your selection e.g. olive oil to completely cover the dried comfrey at least 2-3cm above the height of the herb to reduce air contact with the herb during extraction
  5. Place the container in a dark warm place
  6. Every couple of days turn the container upside down to mix the contents
  7. In 6 weeks' time, no further extraction of medicinal compounds will take place
  8. Strain off your extract oil into a clean and sterile jar ready to formulate amazing products like creams, balms and salves.


Comfrey oil extraction medicinal benefits
Comfrey:

  • is a valuable remedy that accelerates healing of the skin and wounds
  • inhibits the growth of bacteria, helping to prevent infections, and reduces scarring
  • is mucilaginous and contains the compound allantoin, which boosts cell growth and repair
  • is an excellent anti-inflammatory and relieves pain, inflammation, and swelling in joints and muscles
  • when applied to the skin is one of the best remedies for sprains, strains, bruised muscles and joints and fractured bones
  • speeds up healing while increasing mobility and relieving pain and swelling
  • relieves back pain, bone and joint pain
  • is beneficial for treating osteoarthritis knee and joint pain
  • treating minor skin injuries such as rashes, eczema, burns, psoriasis and skin wounds quickly 



Caution:

  • Harmful toxins in comfrey are believed to cause liver damage, lung damage, or cancer when used in highly concentrated doses
  • Not to be taken orally
  • Not to be used by pregnant or breast-feeding women, skin applications could be hazardous and could cause birth defects
  • Not to be used by people with liver disease or liver problems
  • Bones need to be set before using comfrey to heal
  • Not for use of deep or puncture wounds as it heals these wounds too quickly which can block in infection 



Farm Emporium Products using comfrey olive oil extract
Bone Knit Cream - Bone Knit Cream – Farm Emporium

STAR Skin Treatment and Repair Salve - STAR (Skin Treatment and Repair) Salve – Farm Emporium

References Include:

  • The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies – The Healing Power of Plant Medicine – Nicole Apelian Ph.D & Claude Davis


Author: Tanya Harlow

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