Comfrey Root - Australian Grown

Australian grown comfrey root (Symphytum officinale), certified organic, for poultices, compresses, oil infusions and homemade salves. Known in the old herbals as "knitbone", it is one of the most used herbs for external preparations, and this is the Australian grown version of our regular comfrey root. For external use only. Key Benefits Grown in Australia: certified organic comfrey root from an Australian grower, for anyone who prefers to buy local. External use tradition: traditionally used in poultices and compresses for minor bumps, bruises and sprains. Rich in allantoin: comfrey root contains allantoin, the same compound valued in skincare, which is why it is a favourite for balms and salves. Salve and oil making: a popular base herb for homemade comfrey oil, balms and salves. Garden compost tea: prized by permaculture gardeners as a potassium-rich liquid feed for fruiting vegetables. How to Use Poultice: simmer 2 to 3 tablespoons of dried root in a little water for 10 minutes to soften. Let it cool until warm, wrap it in muslin or a clean cloth and hold it on the area for 15 to 30 minutes. Oil infusion: fill a clean jar two-thirds with dried root and cover it completely with olive or sweet almond oil. Leave it in a cool, dark place for 4 to 6 weeks, shaking daily, then strain. Add beeswax to make a salve, or combine with Calendula Petals for a gentle skin balm. If you would rather not make your own, our Comfrey Ointment is made by hand here at the cottage. Garden feed: steep chopped root in water for 3 to 6 weeks, dilute 1:10 and use on tomatoes, capsicums and other fruiting plants. Comfrey Leaf works the same way. Good to Know The name Symphytum comes from the Greek for "to unite", a nod to the plant's old reputation as knitbone. Nicholas Culpeper wrote in 1652 that comfrey root could knit together pieces of meat in a pot. Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can harm the liver if taken internally, so this root is for external use only. Keep it away from pets, as comfrey is toxic to dogs, cats and horses if eaten. For external use only. Do not take internally. Do not apply to broken skin or deep wounds. Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Keep away from children and pets. This information is not a substitute for medical advice.