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Some of you may remember "the broken bone brothers" last summer. The first week in August we had Big Man break his leg that resulted in a surgery to place a plate with screws. Two weeks later Little Man decided to break his arm and thankfully they were able to set it with just a cast. During that time I learned a lot about comfrey and experimented quite a bit with it. I made a salve, poultices, compresses, pastes, even a comfrey root decoction. I found that the salve was the easiest method of use and just as potent as the fresh compress. I applied this every morning and every evening to Big Man's leg. He ended up being two weeks ahead of schedule which meant he was able to get off those crutches sooner than he thought. The Dr. told me he was amazed at the amount of bone growth over the break. When Little Man's cast was removed I immediately began applying the comfrey salve to his arm to strengthen the weakened bone and prevent another break. I have since then used my beloved comfrey salve for everything from cuts and wounds, to skin rashes and eczema. I even had a friend use it to prevent stretch marks on her growing pregnant belly.
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The Recipe
I have made this salve with both a mix of comfrey leaf and comfrey root and also just plain comfrey leaf. I couldn't tell a difference between one salve or the other, they were both equally effective. Some herbalists believe the root to be more potent than the leaf so you can decide if you want to add the root or not. I can tell you that when using the fresh leaf verses dried it seems to have more mucilage to it and I don't have to infuse it as long - I love when my comfrey plant is producing! Don't think the dried comfrey isn't effective though, it is very potent and works wonders. I always double infuse my comfrey and have even triple infused when time allows to have the most effective and potent salve available.
Make an herbal infusion:
Follow the instructions here, to make an herbal infused oil. To double infuse, just strain the oil from the first batch, put those herbs in your compost - remember that comfrey is a great fertilizer. Now pour that oil over a fresh batch of herb and infuse once again. If you want to triple infuse, repeat the process one more time.
Follow the instructions here, to make an herbal infused oil. To double infuse, just strain the oil from the first batch, put those herbs in your compost - remember that comfrey is a great fertilizer. Now pour that oil over a fresh batch of herb and infuse once again. If you want to triple infuse, repeat the process one more time.
For every cup of comfrey infused oil use 1 oz. of beeswax. Melt the beeswax into the oil over very low heat. Remove from heat and pour into container(s) and wait until the salve has hardened before putting the lids on.
I always like to fill a couple of lip balm containers for our portable first aid kits. I keep one in the car, one in my purse, and then give one to each of the kiddos for their personal first aid kits. This is my favorite salve to take as a "get well after that injury" gift.
How to Use Comfrey Salve
In addition to healing bones this is an amazing first aid balm, comfrey has the ability to rebuild tissue as well as bones. I have used this salve successfully for healing burns, bruises, wounds, sores, cuts (including major ones), and owies of all kinds. I have also used it on my eczema flare ups and noticed right after applying, it seemed to gently numb the itching and pain and sped up the healing time. For bone healing, apply liberally to area of concern in the morning and the evening. For use on cuts and scrapes, clean the area well, I use my wound wash to do this, then apply the salve and a bandaid if needed. Comfrey has mild styptic properties so it will help a cut or abrasion to stop bleeding.
Where do I get ingredients for this salve?
Costco has a really great organic extra virgin olive oil that I have loved using for my salves and herbal crafting. Comfrey can be purchased dried from Mountain Rose Herbs or Bulk Herb Store. You can purchase a plant from Rolling River Nursery if you want to produce your own, this is an organic nursery. I am also starting to see it now in my local nursery.
