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Comfrey Symphytum officinale.
Common name:
Common comfrey, knit bone, knitback, bruisewort, slippery root, gum plant, consolida, ass ear, blackwort.
Occurrence:
a native of Europe and temperate Asia but is common throughout England by rivers and ditches.
Parts used:
the root and leaves. The roots contain a large quantity of mucilage, choline and allantoin.
Medicinal uses:
demulcent, mildly astringent, expectorant and vulnerary. It is frequently used in pulmonary complaints, to soothe intestinal trouble and is a gentle remedy for diarrhea and dysentery. A strong decoction or tea is administered in cases of internal haemorrhage whether it is the lungs, stomach, bowels or hemorrhoids. Externally, the leaves have been used as a poultice to promote healing of severe cuts, ulcers and abscesses and to reduce swelling, sprains and bruises. Allantoin is known to reduce swelling round damaged or fractured bones, thus allowing healing to occur faster and more thoroughly.
Administered as: a decoction, poultice and liquid extract.
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