Known as Borage or Forget-me-not
Comfrey is from the Family Boraginaceae
While ordering online I found organic Borage flower seeds on sale. After my research I discovered it is the more common Comfrey that I sometimes drink in tea. It's controversial even though it's been used since ancient times for healing and strength. The ancients would have been wise to use with caution. It was not until modern times that scientists would warn of the dangers of this beautiful flower.
Unusual names for Comfrey were knitbone and boneset because of its ability to harden into a plaster-like substance and wrap around bones to set and heal.
- fever
- gout
- hemorrhoids
- gangrene
- respiration problems
-diabetes - anemia
- You name it
(Those are just some of the health problems stated to be relieved by drinking Comfrey)
Some Herbalists recommend Comfrey for External Use Only
Scientific research indicates Comfrey contains a chemical called allatoin which promotes cell growth so perhaps the ancients considered the plant a good friend while in battle --- to heal wounds and reduce inflammation.
CAUTION
Comfrey and the Boraginaceae family has characteristics that cause concern. Pyrrolizidines toxic alkaloids can cause serious liver damage and cancer in laboratory tests. It is recommended for external use only. Do not use on broken skin.
As for Me? I've ordered the Borage (on discount) and will be thankful to have beautiful perennial flowers in the garden. Otherwise, my research continues...
I was involved in setting safety standards for comfrey products. Basically, if you get a commercial product, the manufacturer is going to make sure that the amount of pyrollizidine alkaloids in what you're taking are no more than 1% of a toxic dose. Internal use is safe--IF you use a standardized product.
How interesting. So, my comfrey tea is okay then.