In this tutorial I will show you how to make a healing comfrey salve.
Comfrey leaves and roots have been used for thousands of years to treat fractures, inflammation, wounds, and much more when it is applied topically as a poltice, salve, or extract. Comfrey contains a protein called allantoin which helps us heal by stimulating cell proliferation (the increase of cell division relative to cell death). This is all very scientific stuff and you should read more about it here because, well…I’m an idiot.
But if you’re like me and you like to rub homemade green stuff on yourself, as opposed to something freaky from the pharmacy, then read on, friend!
I find this salve to be very soothing on my chapped, cracked, Canadian skin. Thank goodness I have never had an opportunity to try it’s fracture healing powers. I do however, know some people with amazing stories that can testify to just that. Severe bruising and fractures that improved greatly overnight after applying comfrey directly to the injured area.
Our comfrey is currently frozen solid under a blanket of snow. It feels a little odd for me to be writing a post about plants when they are all…dead. But I know that comfrey passionately grows all over the world. Some people can’t stand it because it is so tough to get rid of, thanks to their strong deep roots. Permaculture natural nutters like me, however, plant it in our gardens because the soil benefits and topical medicinal uses are so amazing! I also love plants that don’t die easily because…Zone 2 gardening in Canada, eh.
How to Make Healing Comfrey Salve
It is important to use dehydrated leaves or roots to make the salve. The dry leaves will be submerged in olive oil to make an infusion. If there is moisture in the leaves, the oil will eventually become rancid. Dehydrate the leaves or roots first.
I did mine in our dehydrator at 100F for about 8 hours. This can also be done in your oven on the lowest temperature setting. Check them every few hours to see if they are dry and crunchy. The timing will vary depending on how much moisture they contain.
Be sure to wear gloves when you are handling the comfrey. They have little velcro like prickles that can be quite irritating.
The infusing process will take some patience. The dehydrated leaves will need to sit in the oil for 6 weeks. Then the oil is strained and beeswax is added to thicken the salve, which also contributes fabulous moisturizing and healing qualities.
You’ll see in the recipe below that I do not give exact ingredient measurements. The amount of ingredients will vary depending on the jar you choose. Pack your jar with dehydrated leaves or roots, then submerge in olive oil. The amount of beeswax you need will depend on the weight of the strained infused oil.
I’ll walk you through it. It’s easy peasy lemon squeezy.
Ingredients
Dehydrated Comfrey Leaves
Olive Oil
Beeswax
Instructions
Step One: Pack the dehydrated comfrey leaves into a 500ml (one pint) jar. Leave about 1 inch of space at the top.
Step Two: Add olive oil to the jar, until the comfrey leaves are completely submerged. Cover with a lid and leave it in a cool place, away from direct sunlight, for 6 weeks. Write the date on your jar with a chalk marker so you don’t forget about it.
Step Three: After six weeks, strain the leaves out of the oil. I like to squeeze it through a piece of cheesecloth to make sure it’s all out.
Step Four: Next we will add the beeswax, using a 1:8 ratio. For example, if you end up with 8 ounces of comfrey infused olive oil, you will need to add 1 ounce of beeswax.
Step Five: Melt the beeswax into the oil by gently heating it over a double boiler. To do this, place a glass bowl on top of a small saucepan with an inch or so of simmering water in it. Stir it until the beeswax is completely melted and incorporated.
Step Six: Pour the mixture into a jar or tins. Allow it cool and solidify before using.
Like I said…my comfrey plants are currently frozen solid under a blanket of snow, so I can’t take any pictures of it to show you. I’d love it if you would show me yours! Tag me @alexaderfarm with all of your comfrey natural remedies!
If you enjoyed this article, you may also like these:
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How to Make Garlic Infused Olive Oil
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Honestly, this post is very beautiful. I love natural products, even though I really suck at making any of them. So far I'm an expert in making hair masks from plants that everyone can do, ups.
I have never heard of this salve in my area (Indonesia) because I just heard from your post about "comfrey leaves" and I am very happy to get new knowledge from your post. Thanks for sharing :)
@anggreklestari thank you! I'm curious what hair masks you like to make. I haven't tried that yet! Many people (in Alberta, Canada) are struggling with dry scalps right now because of our cold dry winters and needing to bundle up to stay warm. A hair mask would be a nice treat!
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