Comfrey (Symphytum officinale):
Human Health Benefits:
-
Wound Healing: Comfrey's allantoin and rosmarinic acid promote rapid cell growth and healing, particularly effective for topical applications on cuts and bruises.
-
Pain Relief: Used in poultices or creams, comfrey can alleviate pain from muscle strains, arthritis, or sprains thanks to its analgesic properties.
-
Antioxidant Protection: Contains vitamin C and other antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
-
Skin Health: Comfrey is used in skincare for its soothing effects on dermatitis or psoriasis, although internal use is limited due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
-
Respiratory Health: Traditional use includes treating respiratory ailments like bronchitis, though this is more anecdotal and less studied.
Soil Health Benefits:
-
Nutrient Recycling: Comfrey's deep taproot brings up nutrients from lower soil levels, making them available when its leaves are composted or used as green manure.
-
Soil Fertility: Particularly rich in potassium, comfrey can enhance soil fertility, beneficial for potassium-loving plants like tomatoes and potatoes.
-
Soil Restoration: In permaculture, comfrey is used in guilds to improve soil in degraded areas due to its ability to accumulate nutrients.
-
Compost Activator: The high nitrogen content in leaves can speed up compost decomposition when added to compost piles.