English: Comfrey
Tagalog: Komprey

An ancient herb known since 400 B.C., used by the Greeks to treat bronchial problems, wound healing and mending of broken bones. The healing constituent is allantoin. Ingredients may be steeped or dissolved in hot water; boiling should be avoided as this may cause the breakdown of allantoin.

Caution: Since the late 70’s, subject of persisting concerns and debate on certain alkaloid contents that may cause liver damage. Advice is given against use of comfrey as salad green or tea.

Uses
Confirmed source of vitamin B12, although in negligible amounts that would require consumption of 4 pounds of comfrey daily for minimum daily requirement.

• Decoction of leaves used for a variety of illnesses: Asthma, cough, ulcers, constipation, hypertension.
• Poultice of fresh leaves used for sprains, inflammatory swelling, external wounds, sores, athlete’s foot, burns, insect bites, and abscesses.
• Juice of leaves used for a variety of skin ailments and wounds healing; apply three times daily. Decoction of tea as a sleep-aid.