Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

Comfrey is native of Europe and Asia. It is a common herb which can be found in wet places and is often planted in gardens. Comfrey plant and root should not be eaten as a vegetable.
Comfrey is a leafy perennial herb reaching up to 1 m. Comfrey grows erect and has large and hairy leaves.The inside of the root contains slimy juice, hence its names slippery root and gum plant. Comfrey flowers grow at the end of the stems in one sided clusters. They are tubular shaped and white or blue coloured.

Location and Preparation of your Comfrey Bed
Comfrey is a pretty tough plant that will grow from small pieces of root so do choose your location with care. It is easier to kill most weeds than comfrey.



Comfrey has been used for centuries for its wound healing properties. Comfrey is mainly used externally to treat inflammation and to stimulate wound and fracture healing. The phytochemical allantoin is known for its stimulation of cell proliferation.









With the help from my dear friend Leslie, I have the intension to make comfrey ointment, so this is the beginning.
Comfrey leaves stopped in a pot and filled up with olive oil.

Spring wild foraging - Elderflower recipe

This post is part of the UK Herbarium blog party entitled "Herbal creativity" hosted by Leslie at Comfrey Cottages.



Take a big bowl - stuffing with elderberry blossoms and 2 sliced lemons - pouring cold water and cover with a plate to keep everything under water.
24 hours later - pour everything through a muslin or filter - take 1 &1/2 L juice and 1 &1/2 kg sugar - cook together - and pour into bottles.







The end result.


Pour into a glass about 3 parts syrup and 7 parts water. Kids love it.
You can also use the syrup with some white wine as an aperitif.

Spring flowers

Lesser celandine




Helleborus orientalis


Viola odorata




Narcis




Viola tricolor