Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

Comfrey is a perennial herbaceous plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall, with broad, downy leaves that can grow as long as a foot. Comfrey's deep taproot allows it to draw valuable nutrients from the soil and provides a rich source of nutrients for composting and making liquid fertiliser for gardeners.

In traditional herbal medicine, Comfrey has been used for its healing properties, particularly in treating minor wounds, sprains, and inflammation. The plant contains allantoin, which promotes cell regeneration, making it popular in creams and ointments. However, internal consumption of comfrey is strongly discouraged due to its alkaloid content which can be significantly harmful.

To grow comfrey, choose a spot with well-drained but damp soil and add plenty of organic matter. Sow seed in well tilled and firmed seed bed in early spring or autumn. Keep the soil moist, especially during the establishment period. Alternatively, sow in pots or modules indoors in spring and grow on before planting out after hardening-off if necessary. Harvest leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth but always leave at least one-third of the plant intact. Comfrey is a valuable flower or bees and other pollinator insects.

Do not take internally, can cause liver damage.