Comfrey & Feverfew
I have been learning more and more about herbs, gardening and their uses. Two new plants I have been researching are comfrey and feverfew. So after ordering the seeds for next season's garden, I thought I would share with you the information I have learned.
Comfrey
How does it work?
According to WebMD, "the chemicals in comfrey might have a healing effect and reduce inflammation when applied to the skin. However, comfrey contains toxic chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin."
See photo regarding the Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs) concerns
My future plans for this plant include the abdominal issues like diarrhea, ulcers and upset stomach as well as the anti-inflammatory reduction when used to make tea (but not used on a regular basis... using limitedly and with caution.)
I also found that in regards to inflammation and even fractures, comfrey can be used externally to help the healing process because it's high in calcium and vitamin C which stimulates healing activity. Wish I had known this back in 2015, when I had fractured my femur
My husband who suffers from bulging discs in his lower back and from a neck surgery in 2013, still has some discomfort and we are looking to be medication-free; so I am hoping between now and next summer to find a recipe to make a salve to rub on his achy back and neck when he feels the pain.
Feverfew
The reason I am choosing to grow feverfew is because it is said to help with ringing in the ears (tinnitus), dizziness, nausea and vomiting; all symptoms I suffer from on a daily basis with my Meniere's Disease. So I will be checking into how to use it, whether in a tea or another form.
Source
From what I have researched, the leaves can be dried for medicinal purposes. While I don't suffer from migraines, feverfew is mostly known as a possible treatment for this ailment.
I have a few months to get all the information I need to make teas, tinctures, salves and I am excited to add these little babies to my herb garden and greenhouse.
Photos are my own unless otherwise indicated by Image credit or Source
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I have comfrey on my balcony, but never used it as a herb. As a matter of fact my boyfriend who is more involved in our small balcony garden likes comfrey because of its flowers. However it is a very good natural fertilizer.
Yes I had read about the fertilizer value of comfrey too. I am in the process of figuring out the best way I want to have a mulch/compost pile and had heard that adding comfrey to that will be beneficial too. I have so much more research to do but since the season for growing outdoors is coming to end now, I have some time to sort it all out.
Thanks for stopping by.
This is just too good, Thank you so much, I was so upset that I paid $30 for a medicinal herb handbook and neither of these were in it, so I am so happy you did the research I needed. Upvoted.
thank you!
Yes I know what you mean. What I do to avoid that extra cost is get a book from the library on loan and make sure it has what I need in it before buying. Too many times in the past I have spent more than the budget allowed only to be disappointed.
That sounds like something I would typically do as I am so fruggal, but I sadly live in a smaller community with an even smaller library. Thanks for the advice.
oh, I am fortunate then because we have an inter-loan library system where if another library in the entire state has a book, I can order it and get to heck it out for three weeks.
Wow what a concept. I should speak to my local Library about that to see if something similar would be available. Thank you ever so much. Now I am smiling at the possibilities.
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