Comfrey

( Symphytum officinale folia )

After a battle with the Redcoats or a lashing from the whip, comfrey was essential. Comfrey increases cell division, making it a rapid healer of both flesh and bone. In fact, it was called "knitbone" for this very reason. Comfrey was also said to heal ulcers and reduce bleeding from the stomach, throat, bowels, bladder, and lungs.

The plant has two parts: root and leaves. The leaves were used to remedy respiratory and urinary tract problems, and also assisted with inflammation of the sinuses and a dry cough. The root was more suited to the digestive system and bone healing. For the latter, the root was used in a poultice and applied to the affected area. If the skin was broken, the wound was cleaned thoroughly before application, as comfrey's quick healing action could lock in infection before the body had time to eradicate it. It could be combined with marigold, an anti-bacterial and anti-microbial herb, to avoid this problem.












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