We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Comfrey Salve?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,445
Share

A comfrey salve is a topical preparation intended to address pain, inflammation, and irritation of the skin and surface wounds. Health food stores may carry comfrey salve and it is also possible to make salve at home. It is important to note that comfrey salve is intended for external use only. Comfrey itself contains compounds which can lead to liver toxicity if it is ingested in large amounts and it is better to be safe than sorry.

People have been using comfrey in herbal medicine for an extended period of time. This herb contains several bioactive compounds, one of which is allantoin, which promotes the rapid growth of cells. Comfrey was often used to treat broken bones because herbalists believed that it made the bones knit faster and it is also supposed to contribute to rapid healing of skin problems on the surface.

Comfrey salve can be applied to areas of pain and inflammation as well as irritation. Minor cuts, scrapes, insect bites, and burns can be treated with comfrey salve. Applying the salve to open wounds may not be advised, however, due to concerns about absorption of comfrey into the body. The salve can also be blended with other herbs which may have antinflammatory or antibiotic properties for the purpose of providing a multipurpose salve for cuts and scrapes.

Before comfrey salve is applied, the wound should be washed and patted dry. To keep the container clean, it is advisable to use a cotton ball to dab into the container and pick up salve, rather than using a finger. After applying the salve, people may opt to leave the wound uncovered to breathe, or to bandage it to protect it from further abrasions and irritants.

People who want to make comfrey salve at home can stew comfrey leaves in olive oil or another carrier oil and then add an equal amount of melted beeswax. When preparing the oil mixture to stew, it is helpful to chop the comfrey up very finely. The mix should be brought just to the bubbling point, but not allowed to boil, and then it should sit for 12 hours. The comfrey should be strained out before blending with beeswax, and a few drops of grapeseed extract can be added to preserve the mixture.

It is advisable to check with a doctor before using any medication, including herbal remedies. There may be contraindications which a patient is not aware of.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon133338 — On Dec 10, 2010

would comfrey salve be potent enough to help heal a broken bone? I cannot find fresh leaves here to make a poultice.

By anon87855 — On Jun 01, 2010

Someone told me that comfrey leaves put in dry into a jar and sealed will result in a sort of salve. I did that about two months ago and now the leaves have turned to mush and smell disgusting, like strong cat urine.

I dipped a clean paper towel in the black goo and applied it to my heel that hurts from plantars fasciitis (sp) and then I wrapped a piece of plastic over it to keep it in place and from getting on anything.

Will be interesting to see if it helps, as I have tried acupuncture two times with no relief and and EMS machine once, plus ultra sound. I only used the leaves in the jar, no oils with it. Sharon B., Oklahoma

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-comfrey-salve.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.