Here is a great recipe for comfrey salve that will show you how easy it is to make your own herbal remedies. Comfrey is a natural remedy that makes a wonderful salve for your skin.
When I was growing up, we didn’t have triple antibiotic ointment in our bathroom apothecary. That might have been a controversial choice. I’m not saying it was right or wrong, and I’m not against making antibacterial cream at home; I’m just saying it was
What we did have was comfrey salve. That was my normal. Usually it was a salve mixed with both comfrey and plantain, and sometimes other things, but always comfrey.
I also do not mind telling you that I strongly believe it can help with minor skin irritations.
Allantoin is found in large amounts in comfrey roots and leaves. It soothes irritation and protects against further damage to minor cuts, scrapes, bruises, and burns.
Additionally, regarding wound healing, this was said about using the leaves and flowers of the comfrey plant:
As a blogger, I need to watch what I say, but I hope it’s okay to quote a reliable source.
Comfrey ointment is a wonderful natural remedy that can be easily made at home with just a few simple ingredients. Comfrey contains compounds like allantoin and rosmarinic acid that provide anti-inflammatory, skin-soothing properties when applied topically. This comfrey salve can help promote healing for minor cuts, burns, bug bites, bruises, and dry or irritated skin.
What is Comfrey?
Comfrey is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the borage family. It has hairy leaves and small, bell-shaped flowers that can vary in color from white and cream to light purple. Comfrey grows easily in temperate climates and can thrive in most soil types. It propagates readily from root cuttings.
The comfrey plant has a long history of use in herbal medicine dating back over 2,000 years Different parts of the comfrey plant have been used to make poultices, salves, and teas to aid in healing wounds and reducing inflammation. Traditional folk names for comfrey include “knitbone” and “boneset” whichhints at its traditional use for healing fractures and wounds
Benefits of Comfrey for the Skin
When applied topically. comfrey provides a number of skin benefits
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Promotes skin cell regeneration Comfrey contains allantoin which stimulates the growth of new skin cells and aids in healing wounds and burns
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Soothes irritation and inflammation. The compounds in comfrey help reduce inflammation and discomfort from minor skin irritations and sensitivities.
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Moisturizes dry skin. Comfrey is soothing and moisturizing for very dry skin. The nourishing oils in comfrey salve can help hydrate cracked hands and feet.
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Supports bruise healing. Comfrey may help reduce swelling and discoloration from bruises when applied soon after the injury.
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Relieves minor muscle and joint aches. When gently massaged into sore muscles and joints, comfrey salve can provide relief for overworked muscles and minor arthritis pain.
Making Comfrey Ointment at Home
Comfrey ointment is simple to make at home with just a few ingredients. Here is an easy DIY comfrey salve recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried comfrey leaf
- 1 cup carrier oil (jojoba, olive, almond, etc.)
- 1 oz beeswax pastilles
- 5-10 drops essential oil for scent (optional)
Supplies:
- Small saucepan
- Glass jar or tin for storage
- Cheesecloth
- Spoon or whisk
Instructions:
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Add the dried comfrey leaves to a glass jar. Cover with the carrier oil of your choice, put a lid on, and allow to infuse for 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally.
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After 4-6 weeks, strain the comfrey-infused oil through a cheesecloth and into a small saucepan. Squeeze the cheesecloth to get all the oil out.
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Add the beeswax to the saucepan and warm over low heat until melted and thoroughly combined with the oil. Remove from heat.
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Allow the salve mixture to cool slightly before adding 5-10 drops of essential oil for scent if desired. Lavender, chamomile, and tea tree oil are nice choices.
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Pour the comfrey salve into storage containers or tins and allow to fully set up before using. Label and store in a cool cupboard out of direct sunlight.
It’s best to use dried comfrey leaves rather than fresh plant material since the drying process helps concentrate the medicinal compounds. Make sure to finely chop or crush the dried leaves before adding to the carrier oil to release their beneficial properties.
How to Use Comfrey Ointment
A little comfrey salve goes a long way. Here are some tips for using this soothing, healing ointment:
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For minor cuts, scrapes, burns or bug bites – Clean the area first, then apply a small amount of comfrey salve and cover with a bandage if needed. Reapply 1-2 times per day. The salve helps soothe pain and prevent infection while also promoting faster healing.
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For dry, cracked skin – Massage comfrey salve into clean, dry areas like hands, feet, elbows etc. It provides wonderful moisturization for parched skin.
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For bruised skin – Gently apply to bruised tissue soon after the injury occurs. The anti-inflammatory action can help reduce pain and swelling.
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For sore muscles/joints – Rub a little comfrey salve into sore, overworked muscles and joints to relieve discomfort. Massage improves circulation as well.
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As an overnight spot treatment for minor blemishes – Dab on a small amount and allow the comfrey to work its healing magic overnight. Rinse off in the morning.
Always be sure to do a patch test first when trying any new natural salve to check for potential allergic reactions before wider use. It’s also best to avoid using comfrey salve over large areas of broken skin or for prolonged periods.
Precautions When Using Comfrey
While external use of comfrey is generally considered safe for short durations, internal consumption can be dangerous due to certain compounds in comfrey that may cause liver damage when ingested. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid using comfrey.
Here are some general precautions to keep in mind when using comfrey medicinally:
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Avoid ingesting comfrey or using it internally in any way. It should only be used externally.
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Do not apply comfrey salve to deep, open wounds or severely damaged skin. Only use on superficial cuts/scrapes that will heal quickly.
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Avoid getting comfrey in the eyes or other mucous membranes. Rinse immediately if this occurs.
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Conduct a skin patch test before wider use to check for allergic reactions.
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Use for short durations only, avoiding prolonged, frequent use.
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Discontinue use if any irritation or rash develops.
Following these precautions and directions can help ensure safe, effective use of homemade comfrey ointments.
The Benefits of DIY Herbal Remedies
Making your own comfrey salve is a great way to harness the healing properties of plants in a safe, natural product. With just a few easy-to-source ingredients, you can create an economical, effective herbal remedy to keep stocked in your home apothecary.
Some of the benefits of crafting DIY herbal salves and ointments include:
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Know exactly what’s in them – No mystery ingredients or toxins.
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Avoid chemicals found in commercial products – All-natural ingredients are gentler.
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Customize the remedy to suit your needs – Adjust herb strength or oils.
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Make affordable herbal preparations – Much cheaper than store-bought.
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Experience the satisfaction of making your own medicine – It’s rewarding and empowering!
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Reduce plastic waste from disposable ointment packets – Reusable glass jars.
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Learn more about herbal properties and uses – Build your herbal medicine knowledge.
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Have a natural alternative handy – Useful for minor injuries and skin conditions.
So if you’re looking for a simple, natural way to care for your family’s skin woes, try your hand at crafting some comfrey ointment! With a little practice, you’ll be amazed at what healing magic you can whip up using plants from the garden.
How to make comfrey salve
As I said above, this salve is very easy to make, similar to homemade lip balm. Easy, but a lengthy process.
You only need three things to make a simple salve: comfrey leaves or roots, olive oil, and beeswax. You can, of course, add other things to your mixture, like another herb (plantain or calendula are popular choices), an essential oil like lavender, vitamin E oil, coconut oil instead of olive oil, and so on.
- 1 cup of comfrey leaves, either just picked, cut up, and left to wilt for the afternoon, or dried.
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups extra virgin olive oil (or any other oil you like)
- 1 oz. I grate or use pellets of beeswax to make it easy to work with.
These instructions are simple, but might involve a few techniques that you’re not familiar with.
The first step is making an herbal oil emulsion.
How to make an herbal oil infusion
- Put the oil over the comfrey leaves that are dry or wilted. Your leaves should have about an inch of oil on them.
- At room temperature, let this mix emulsify for about two weeks. To speed up the process, you can heat it over very low heat for several hours at 110 to 120o. But putting your leaves in a jar, adding oil on top, and sealing the jar is a simple way to store them for a few weeks.
You can see in the photos that I’m using dried, cut and sifted comfrey leaves.
- Once the comfrey and oil have steeped for a while, strain the leaves out of the oil. It might be easy to do this with a fork or tongs if you used big pieces of wilted leaves from your own plants. I put the leaves that I had cut and sifted through a fine wire mesh strainer. There’s no need to use jelly strainer bags for this because I don’t think it’s important to get every single particle out.
- Once your oil is clean, measure it out and warm it slowly in a small pot. Add one ounce (2 tablespoons) of grated beeswax for every 3/4 cup of oil. Stir until melted together, then pout into jars or tins.
Screw down lids, and let cool. As you pour your salve into jars, it might look brown. But when it cools, it will be green.
Comfrey Salve (how to make for topical use) For arthritis, back and joint pain, old injuries, etc.
FAQ
What are the ingredients in comfrey ointment?
What did Native Americans use comfrey for?