Gifts of Siberia: Comfrey

A Chapter Revealing How a Delicate Plant with Beautiful Blossoms Serves as a Natural Remedy for Our Bones and Joints...

We keep exploring the expansive Siberian meadows and forests, delving into its lush flora. Today, let's find out – what is this charming herb that hides in trenches, typically in a ditch or a gully? That hidden resident is comfrey, cherished since ancient times for its beauty and unique healing benefits.

Nature's Balm

Comfrey (Lat. Sýmphytum) is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Borage family (Boraginaceae). It has a branched stem reaching up to 1.2 m and large, elongated, dark green leaves. When rubbed, they give off a subtle cucumber-like scent. The flowers are small, tubular, bell-shaped, grouped in panicled inflorescences. From May through June, these flowers shift in hue from purple and lilac to a bluish-violet – a trait common in the borage family, where flowers get their color from anthocyanins.

Comfrey inhabits Western Siberia, Central Asia and the eastern part of Kazakhstan, favoring moist fertile soils, particularly near rivers, streams, forests and bushy areas.

The name Symphytum comes from the Greek word symphyton, meaning "to grow together", a nod to its traditional use in mending broken bones. That's why people commonly know it as knitbone. About eight comfrey species grow in Russia, with common comfrey (Symphytum officinale) being the most widespread, valued for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent, regenerative and soothing properties.

Ancient Healer

Comfrey is a medicinal herb with a long history. Even the ancient Greek physician Dioscorides, and later the medieval Persian scholar Avicenna, valued and used the plant in their healing practices. During the Renaissance era, it became one of the most renowned healing herbs, Paracelus prescribed it for treating wounds, ulcers and bone fractures. Russian scientists highlighted its anti-inflammatory, wound-repairing and tissue-regenerating effects in their works.

Common comfrey is packed with a wide range of biologically active substances. Its main component, responsible for its core benefits, is the nitrogen compound allantoin (present in roots up to 0.6–3.75%, in the aerial part – 0.5%). The World Health Organization recognizes allantoin as a topical astringent and pain-relieving agent for external use. Its presence in comfrey reduces inflammation and promotes regeneration of cells, tissue and cartilages.

In addition to allantoin, comfrey's roots are rich in alkaloids, iridoids, glycosides, steroid saponins, organic acids, tannins, flavonoids, abundant mucilage, amylum, tannic acids, asparagine, choline, coumarin, resins, monoterpene glycosides, polysaccharides and essential oil.

Wound Healing and Pain Relief

For medicinal purposes, the plant's roots are primarily used. Decoctions and infusions of comfrey exert anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent, regenerative, encasing and hemostatic properties.

Comfrey is especially beneficial for treating:

1. Musculoskeletal disorders
Rich in allantoin and organic acids, comfrey is unparalleled for joint disorders and injuries. Infusions derived from its leaves and roots help with bruises, dislocations, sprains, fractures by alleviating pain and diminishing swelling and inflammation.

2. Skin issues
Allantoin, organic acids and tannins contribute to skin tissue regeneration. For centuries, comfrey's "track record" has included treating skin conditions like eczema, ulcerative lesions, traumatic and inflammatory damage, cracks, and wounds.

3. Digestive system issues
The mucilage in comfrey is known for its soothing, coating action; teas made from it help reduce inflammation and ease irritation in the stomach and intestinal lining.

4. Upper respiratory tract diseases
The tannins in comfrey have an astringent quality, which helps treat irritated mucous membranes in the airways. Due to its strong antibacterial properties, comfrey infusions and decoctions can soothe a sore throat and promote faster recovery.

You can find comfrey in some Siberian Wellness products:

Siberian Wellness. Extra Rich Massage Balsam, 280 ml (Symphytum Officinale Root Extract)
The original Siberian balsam recipe (since 1996) boasts a delightful aroma and has a soothing, warming, and relaxing effect. A unique and potent combination of two essential oils and 12 extracts deeply penetrates the skin, promoting rapid recovery.

Siberian Wellness. Spongilla & Comfrey Flex Rub, 100 ml (comfrey extract)
The traditional joint aid: Quickly eliminates discomfort and swelling, normalizes metabolic processes in the joints and increases joint mobility.

Have you heard of comfrey? Did you know about its remarkable benefits?