In this article, you will learn how to make comfrey ointment yourself. There are step-by-step instructions as well as tips on the effects and use of comfrey as a medicinal plant. We also explain how to harvest and dry comfrey roots.
Comfrey oil is an ancient herbal remedy that has been used for over 2000 years to treat a variety of ailments, It is made by infusing comfrey leaves or roots in a carrier oil like olive or almond oil
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a perennial herb that grows in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America It has hairy, lance-shaped leaves and bell-shaped flowers that can be white, cream, pinkish, or purple
Comfrey contains allantoin rosmarinic acid tannins and other compounds that make it a powerful healer when applied topically. It has been used traditionally to treat sprains, bruises, arthritis, sore muscles and joints, burns, abrasions, and superficial wounds.
However, comfrey also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can damage the liver when ingested, so it should never be taken internally. The roots contain higher levels of these alkaloids than the leaves.
Benefits of Comfrey Oil
When applied externally, comfrey oil can provide the following benefits:
- Accelerates healing of wounds, sprains, pulled muscles and fractures
- Reduces pain and inflammation associated with injuries
- Soothes arthritis pain when massaged into joints
- Moisturizes and softens skin
- Minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
Research shows that comfrey extract can boost new skin cell growth by up to 58% faster than normal.
How to Make Comfrey Oil
Making your own comfrey oil at home is inexpensive and easy to do. Here are two methods:
Method 1: Using Dried Comfrey Leaves
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup dried comfrey leaves
- 1 cup carrier oil like olive oil or sweet almond oil
- A clean, sterile jar
- Cheesecloth
- Fine mesh strainer
Instructions:
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Fill your jar about 2/3 full with the dried comfrey leaves. Shred or tear them to increase surface area.
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Pour the carrier oil over the leaves until the jar is full, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
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Place the lid on the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar daily.
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After 4-6 weeks, strain the oil through a cheesecloth-lined mesh strainer into a bowl.
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Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract all the oil then discard the leaves.
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Transfer the finished comfrey oil into dark bottles and store in a cool, dark place up to 1 year.
Method 2: Using Fresh Comfrey Leaves
What you’ll need:
- 2 cups fresh comfrey leaves, chopped
- 1 cup carrier oil like olive oil or sweet almond oil
- Small saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Jar or bottle for storage
Instructions:
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In a saucepan over low heat, combine the chopped comfrey leaves and carrier oil.
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Warm the mixture gently for 30-45 minutes. Don’t let it reach a boil.
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Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
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Pour the oil through a mesh strainer into a jar or bottle.
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Discard the strained leaves.
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Store the finished comfrey oil in the fridge up to 6 months.
How to Use Comfrey Oil
There are many ways to use your homemade comfrey oil topically:
- Massage it directly into sore muscles and joints
- Apply to minor cuts, wounds or insect bites
- Use as a moisturizer to hydrate dry skin
- Mix into skin salves and creams
- Make a healing poultice by adding oil to comfrey leaves
- Apply lightly under eyes to reduce puffiness and wrinkles
- Rub onto scalp to stimulate hair growth
Do not ingest comfrey oil or use on broken skin, as the alkaloids can be absorbed rapidly. Always consult your doctor before using herbal remedies.
With its amazing healing properties and versatility, homemade comfrey oil is a must-have item for any natural medicine cabinet! Follow this simple guide to make your own therapeutic comfrey oil at home.
Comfrey: Effect & Use as a Medicinal Plant
- Comfrey has an analgesic, wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effect. Due to its toxic ingredients, comfrey is mainly used externally and made into ointments or tinctures.
- On the one hand, comfrey can help with skin problems such as dry skin or itching.
- On the other hand, an ointment also helps with strains, bruises, rheumatism, arthrosis or broken bones.
Discover more recipes from the community!
To exchange ideas with other gardeners and benefit from their experiences, you can visit our Fryd community. Perhaps someone has already made comfrey ointment and can give you another recipe or tips.
Comfrey Salve Start to Finish
FAQ
What is the best oil to make comfrey oil with?
We chopped up the leaves. We packed them into a dry sterilised jar… … and filled the jar with olive oil to cover the comfrey leaves. (Olive oil is commonly used as it offers some resistance to oxidation and rancidity.)
How to extract oil from comfrey leaves?
Process two, fast method, for making herb-infused oil: you will need fresh comfrey leaves and olive oil. place your oil and herbs in a mason jar. Using the hot bath method, like with canning, you put the jar into a pot of water and heat it, not to boiling, for 4hrs or so. Let it sit overnight and then strain out herbs.
What should you not do with comfrey?
- Do not use comfrey on any type of broken or irritated skin.
- Do not use if pregnant, even for external use.
- Avoid it if you have liver problems or cancer.
- Do not use comfrey in combinations with anything else that affects the liver, such as pain relievers, alcohol, and prescription medications
What did the Native Americans use comfrey for?
Native Americans considered comfrey a sacred healing plant and drank it as a tea as well as using it topically.Apr 7, 2021
How do you make comfrey oil?
Press the leaves to extract as much oil as possible. In a double boiler, melt the beeswax pellets over low heat until completely liquefied. Beeswax has a high melting point, so be patient and avoid overheating. Once the beeswax is melted, gradually pour in the infused comfrey oil while stirring continuously to ensure thorough incorporation.
Can you make oil from wild comfrey?
Although wild comfrey (Cynoglossum Virginianum) has some medicinal properties, it’s not the same as comfrey or Symphytum officinale. The only thing the two plants have in common is their name, so while you could make oil from wild comfrey, it wouldn’t have the same benefits. To harvest comfrey root, you need to dig deep.
How does comfrey oil work?
Comfrey can accelerate the healing in the outer layers of the skin to such an extent that it leads to abscesses and other complications. To use comfrey oil to treat joint pain, sprains, muscle soreness, or broken bones, pour a little oil into your hand and then massage gently into the affected area.