Comfrey is a herb that has been traditionally used for thousands of years. It contains allantoin which is said to stimulate skin cell production and rosmarinic acid which helps in reduce inflammation, swelling and pain. Though not considered safe to take internally, this plant can be used in this homemade comfrey salve for helping heal and soothe wounds, sores, bruises, sore joints, and more.

Comfrey Plant

Common comfrey and Russian Comfrey are fast-growing plants that can sprout from roots that have been left in the soil. It is a popular plant, especially in permaculture as it is known to help the soil in many different ways.

As this plant grows, it will need to be kept under control. You can ‘chop and drop’ the leaves, using them as a nutrient-rich mulch or you can harvest them for medical purposes such as this comfrey salve.

Comfrey Salve

It is not advised to use comfrey salve on deep, open wounds and wounds that need stitches. It is so powerful that it can stimulate healing on the outside, and in doing so, trap bacteria and other microorganisms inside which can lead to abscesses and/or infections.

There is also a lot of information around regarding taking comfrey internally. In the past comfrey was used internally, though now this is not recommended as it can potentially cause damage to your liver.

There is a lot of discussion around this plant, and the safest ways to use it, so before using, please do your research.

In some trials, there has been reports of a small amount of people having skin reactions to comfrey. As with everything, there is always the possibility of an allergy, so complete a small patch test before using for the first time.

Using Comfrey Salve

This salve can be used topically to help with:

Minor burns
Minor Wounds
Bruises
Sore Joints
Inflamed Skin
Dry Skin
Back Pain
Scars
Sprains
Strains
Muscle Pain
Arthritis/osteoarthritis
Fractures

Making Comfrey Salve

Before making comfrey salve, you will need to make a herb infused oil. After the infusion period has ended, this oil is then mixed with beeswax to make a salve.

To make comfrey salve, you will need:

Dried comfrey leaves
⅔ cup Avocado or olive oil
1 ½ TBSP beeswax pellets
2 x 2oz tins

To make the herb infused oil, fill a glass jar two-thirds full of the dried comfrey leaves.

Pour the avocado / olive oil over the leaves until there is at least 1 inch of oil above the leaves.

Cover the jar with a tight fitting lid and give it a good shake. Place the jar dark, cool place.

Infuse for 4 – 6 weeks, shaking every now and then when you walk past. Shaking is not absolutely necessary, so if you forgot, don’t stress about it. Infusing oils can also be done in a crockpot on the warm setting or on the stove.

Once you have the infused oil, strain out the herbs using a cheesecloth and pour the oil into a clean, glass jar. The herbs that are leftover can be added to your compost bin.

Add the beeswax to your infused oil. Heat on medium low in a double boiler. This process can also be done in the microwave. Just add the beeswax and the infused oil to a microwaveable jug and heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until fully melted.

Once melted, you can add a small amount of vitamin E oil, if you wish.

Pour the mixture into your tins.

Leave, uncovered, for a few hours or overnight, to set.

Comfrey Salve Notes

This recipe yields approximately 2 x 2oz tins.
The salve can be stored in a cool, dry place for one to two years.
You can add essential oils to make it become a stronger pain salve.
You can also add in vitamin e oil to help preserve the salve as well.

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