Comfrey Skin Benefits & Recipes: Nature’s Little Miracle Worker
Don’t know about Comfrey yet? It’s about time you learn about this amazing plant.
Comfrey is a healing herb found in nature that has been a staple in countries such as Europe, North America, and Russia. For centuries, the leaves and stems of this plant were studied, and researchers came to the conclusion that it has a wide range of skin benefits and uses when used in herbal preparations.
As time passed by, the demand for the common Comfrey plant increased, as it was a good source of allantoin, a compound known for treating inflammation. Besides, some people prefer to blend Comfrey oil with tea and use it in their warm water baths to calm their nerves and stress.
With this in mind, we will discuss the benefits of Comfrey and some effective recipes to keep your skin healthy. So, without any further ado, let us move on to the next section.
Benefits Of Comfrey
Based on our research, we discovered that the Comfrey leaf and roots are known for containing compounds like rosmarinic acid [1] and allantoin [2]. These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties and are commonly used as analgesics for treating wounds.
Moreover, the chemicals that are extracted from Comfrey can be used to reduce redness from wounds and stimulate collagen and cell production to reinforce the healing process. Plus, it is a 100% organic ingredient, so you can enjoy its benefits while keeping yourself healthy.
The other benefits include:
1. Anti-Aging Properties
Many skin specialists prefer using this natural ingredient for making salves, creams, and other skincare products. By infusing salve, cream, lotion, or balm with Comfrey oil, you can enhance your skincare routine and see better results within a short period. Additionally, the skin feels rejuvenated and soft due to the collagen-boosting effect of the ingredient.
Based on our research and observation, we also realized that Comfrey could be used for healing scars, as the collagen-promoting agent helps in creating new skin cells and tissues. Moreover, applying it to your face regularly can soothe skin and heal damaged skin cells and make you look younger.
However, this treatment is most effective in treating wounds and repairing scars since it’s one of the most effective and natural ways of repairing your aging skin cells without having any adverse allergy reaction.
2. Helps Heal Ankle Sprain
Comfrey-infused ointments can be used as a topical treatment to reduce the pain and discomfort caused by ankle sprain, broken bones, and elbow sprain. According to a famous study [3], patients with painful ankle sprains can benefit by applying a high concentration of Comfrey, as it can heal pain and reduce swelling in the muscle.
Apart from that, Comfrey-infused creams are a better alternative for treating ankle sprains, as some doctors suggest that organic-based ointments are safer to use than diclofenac gels.
3. Effective Hydration And Repairing Skin Cells
Comfrey roots are a good source for extracting active compounds such as protein complex, mucilage, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, allantoin, and polysaccharides. Generally, caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid are used for inhibiting compounds that cause itchiness, redness, and inflammation.
On that note, Comfrey can also be used to treat acne, sunburn, and ulcers. Besides, compounds such as mucilage and polysaccharides are excellent for moisturizing and keeping the dry skin hydrated throughout the day. Also, it leaves a calm and cooling effect while hydrating the skin.
Additionally, allantoin can be used as an effective way to stimulate the growth of new skin cells. Keeping this in mind, physicians prefer to use it for treating insect bites, eczema, scarring, and allergic reactions.
4. Antioxidant And Anticancer Properties
Our skin is highly sensitive to pollution and harmful UV rays that can cause the skills cells to replicate abnormally and increase the overall oxidation in our cells. This oxidation effect can potentially cause our cells to develop cancer.
However, Comfrey can be used to protect and reverse the damage caused due to the oxidation process. Its extract has a strong antioxidant property that is effective in reducing the oxidation content in our skin.
Moreover, it can slow down the abnormal growth in skin cells due to its anti-cancer and anti-aging effects. We strongly recommend using Comfrey-infused cream and lotions wherever you’re exposed to strong sunlight or harsh pollution.
5. Decreases Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Twenty-seven million adults in the US suffer from osteoarthritis [4], which causes their joints to degenerate. While most doctors may suggest painkillers and other similar medications, they may have adverse effects on the health.
But recent studies [5] have shown that the topical application of Comfrey can improve knee mobility and reduce joint pains.
By blending tannic acid cream with Comfrey root extract, you can make a special ointment that can relieve the pain and stiffness in your knee within a few weeks. For best results, we suggest applying this ointment at least three times a day for three weeks.
In addition to this, you can apply topical Comfrey extract gel if you want to experience better pain relief since it has no added side effects or reactions.
6. Relieve Lower Back Pain
The pain-relieving properties of Comfrey can also be used to relieve lower back pain. As you know, the backbone plays an essential role in maintaining our posture and helping us stay mobile. Therefore, we should be very careful in keeping it safe and protected at all times. And back injuries can be life-threatening if not treated in time.
However, applying a Comfrey root cream or Comfrey ointment can be beneficial in managing the pain. Apart from that, it can reduce soreness and ache in the muscles. Similarly, the Comfrey root cream extract has a special analgesic property that can be used to treat patients with myalgia.
Comfrey Recipes For Better Skin Care
1. Comfrey-Infused Oil As A Herbal Remedy For Encouraging Healing
Generally, Comfrey has great wound healing properties since it contains saponins, allantois, polysaccharides, and other natural plant compounds that can treat wounds, minor cuts, pulled muscles, UV damage, and sprains. Moreover, it can restore cellular regeneration in our skin.
Ingredient List:
- 1 bottle of sweet almond oil or olive oil
- 2 cups of dried Comfrey leaves
Preparation Method:
Firstly, you should wash the leaves and dry them thoroughly since any trace of water could ruin the efficacy of the oil. Once the leaves are dry, fill ⅔ rd of a jar with them. You can also shred and tear the leaves to increase the overall surface area.
After filling the jar with leaves, pour the oil and let it rest in the jar for three to six weeks. On the 6th week, you should remove the leaves and strain the oil into a new bottle before using it. And avoid keeping the bottle under direct sunlight as it could ruin the oil.
This oil has a shelf-life of about a year, and it is recommended to use it within the said period to see the best results.
2. Comfrey Salve
Ideally, it is recommended to use Comfrey externally as some varieties, like the Russian Comfrey can be dangerous when consumed orally. And preparing a homemade Comfrey salve is a good way for applying it externally to your body. Besides, you can easily store it for a long time, so you can make it in large quantities as well.
Ingredient List:
- Oil infused with Comfrey
- Beeswax
Preparation Method:
Comfrey-infused oil requires no introduction since we have already covered it in the previous section. Just follow the steps, and you should be good to go. Once you have prepared the oil, you should mix it with beeswax to make a salve.
Take about eight ounces of infused oil and blend it with one ounce of beeswax. Now, pour them into a steel or aluminum bowl so that you can simmer it in a hot water bath. Once the two substances have blended into a salve, pour it into a container and let it cool down before using.
Whenever you notice any bruise or sprain, just apply the Comfrey salve to the affected area,to experience quick relief.
3. Comfrey Cream
Another excellent DIY solution to try is a Comfrey hand cream, which is extremely effective in providing instant relief to minor cuts, burns, common skin ailments, and bruises. Moreover, you wouldn’t need to worry about scars, as the cream can stimulate new cell growth and repair the damaged skin cells over time.
Ingredient List:
Set 1:
- Comfrey oil (16%)
- Vegetal oil (5%)
- Jojoba oil (4%)
Set 2:
- Comfrey Glycerol Extract (5%)
- Boiling Spring water (66%)
Set 3:
- Preservative 12 (1%)
- Calendula CO2 Extract (2%)
- Essential Oils (1%)
Preparation Method:
Begin the process by heating the first set of ingredients in a stainless steel bowl at a temperature above 167-degree Fahrenheit. Similarly, heat the second set of ingredients in a separate stainless steel bowl while ensuring that the temperature is less than 167-degree Fahrenheit.
As soon as both sets of ingredients have reached the required boiling temperature, pour them into a single container and stir the mixture at a temperature above 167-degree Fahrenheit. We recommend stirring the mixture till it reaches a thick and creamy consistency.
After the mixture has emulsified, you should remove it from the boiler and stir it till it cools down. Lastly, add the remaining ingredients once the mixture has reached a temperature of 104-degree Fahrenheit. All you need to do now is mix everything thoroughly and store the resultant cream in a jar.
4. Comfrey Oil Facial Scrub
Comfrey oil facial scrubs are often used as an integral part of different skincare routines, as people prefer them to treat acne-prone skin and various other skin injuries on the face. However, you can also use it for hydrating your skin. Besides, the scrub is effective in eliminating damaged skin cells and cosmetic residue from all skin types.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of whole organic oats
- ½ cup of dried Comfrey leaves
Preparation:
Start the process by finely grinding the two ingredients and mix them together. The oil from the Comfrey leaves will help blend the mixture together to form a heap. Take one tablespoon of this heap and mix it with either one tablespoon of yogurt or pure water. You can store it for up to six months and apply it to the face with a soft sponge or wet cloth and gently scrub your face.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Are The Common Side Effects Of Comfrey?
Despite being a natural and organic ingredient, Comfrey can have the following side effects when used in higher concentrations.
- Lack of energy
- Liver damage
- Loss of appetite
Keeping these in mind, we recommend seeking medical advice before using any Comfrey product.
2. Can You Consume Comfrey Orally?
Comfrey may not be safe for direct consumption [6] through the mouth as the pyrrolizidine alkaloids in it can cause liver disease or even cancer. Some people prefer to consume Comfrey tea but consuming it can lead to several side effects and adverse health problems.
Conclusion
Finally, we have reached the end of our informative guide on Comfrey and its skin benefits.
If you want to grow Comfrey, then let us tell you that it can be a difficult process since the seeds might take two years to germinate and show results. Therefore, we suggest planting a cut root as it gives a faster yield within a short period. Also, you should keep the soil moist and hydrated until you see any new growth
Unlike other plants, Comfrey requires dedication and patience but the rewards are fruitful. And with that, it’s a wrap. See you next time!
References
[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/allantoin-for-skin
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15638067/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3753584/
