Rushing Comfrey


Russian Comfrey

A genus of 25-35 species of bristly or hairy rhizomatous perennials, ranging through Europe, from the Mediterranean to the Caucasus. Symphytum officinale and S. x. uplandicum are grown as perennial fodder crops, and as a source of high nitrogen mulches, compost material, and fertilizer for organic cultivation. The variegated S. x uplandicum is popular as an ornamental for borders and bog gardens. Symphytum officinale known to the Romans as conferva ("join together") from which the common name "comfrey" is derived. Another common name, "knitbone", also refers to the use of these plants in healing fractures. Comfrey contains allantoin, which promotes cell proliferation and is now synthesized for use in healing creams, and pyrrolizidine alkaloids (in higher quantities in the roots than in the foliage). The alkaloids have been shown to cause liver damage and tumors in laboratory animals. As a result, S. officinale is now banned in the form of tablets and capsules (made from roots and leaves) in several countries. Comfrey teas, tinctures, and preparations for external use are considered safe. Culpeper wrote the comfrey is "special good for ruptures and bronken bones; yea it is said to be so powerful to consolidate and knit together, that if they be boiled with dissevered pieces of flesh in a pot, it will join them together again" (The English Physician Enlarged, 1653). He also used it for hemorrhoids and sore breasts, for which synthetic allantoin is now specifically used in pharmaceutical products.

Hybrid between S. officinale and S. asperum, similar in appearance to the former. It is extremely vigorous, with a thick rhizome and pink flowers that tent to turn blue as they age.


Common Name:
Russian Comfrey
Botanical Name:
Symphytum x uplandicum syn. S. peregrinum
Genus:
Symphytum
Family:
Boraginacea
Native Location:
Europe and W Asia
Cultivation:
Moist to wet soil in sun or partial shade. Comfrey is invasive and deep-rooted, and difficult to erradicate when established. Plants may be affected by rust.
Propagation:
By seed sown in autumn or spring (species only); by division in spring or autumn.
Harvest:
Leaves are picked in early summer before flowering and dried for infusions, liquid extracts, and poultices. Roots are lifted during dormancy and dried for decoctions, liquid extracts, and ointments.
Height:
2m (6ft)
Width:
60cm (24in)
Hardiness:
Z4-9
Variations:
Bocking 4
Has violet flowers and non-bitter taste.
Variegatum
Has irregular, ivory variegation. Tends to scorch in full sun.
Height: 1m (3ft)
Width: 60cm (24in)
Parts Used:
Leaves, roots
Properties:
A sweet, mucilaginous, cooling herb with expectorant, astringent, soothing, and healing effects. It reduces inflammation, and controls bleeding.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for gastric and duodenal ulcers, chronic bronchial diseases, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and rheumatism (leaves). Externally for psoriasis, eczema, sores, varicose veins and ulcers, arthritis, sprains, bunions, hemorrhoids, sore breasts during lactation, and injuries, including fractures.
Warning:
Bristly foliage is a skin irritant.
This herb, especially in the form of tablets and capsules of the roots or leaves, is subject to legal restrictions in some countries.
Culinary Uses:
'Bocking 4' is popular for liquefying as an ingredient of tonic drinks.
Economic Uses:
Russian comfrey is preferred to S. officinale for livestock fodder.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 377