Comfrey (also comphrey) is native to Europe and Asia and have been cultivated by many cultures for over 2500 years. Comfrey are important herbs in organic gardening. It is used as herbal medicine and as a fertilizer.
Uses of Comfrey
Medicinal – Comfrey has been considered as a healing herb. It is commonly used to aid in the healing of wounds and broken bones. It has been reported to promote healthy skin with its mucilage content that moisturizes and soothes and promotes cell proliferation. It is also used treatment for respiratory ailments.
Comfrey can be ingested as tea for upset stomach, heavy menstrual periods, ulcers, and diarrhea. It can also used as a gargle for sore throat and gum disease.
Fertilizer – The leaves decompose into a liquid very quickly which makes it a great fertilizer. Because of it’s deep and large taproot, it pulls the nutrients deep down into the subsoil wherein other plants cannot reach. Comfrey is high in every nutrients a plant needs which includes Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus.
How to Use Comfrey as Fertilizer:
- Compost – You can throw the excess leaves and plants into your compost to get the benefits from the released nutrients. It is best to use stalks which takes a bit longer to breakdown. It acts as an activator for faster composting process.
- In the soil – Even the containers with a few leaves and line the bottom planting holes and plant as you would normally. The leaves will decompose and release the nutrients with no odor.
- Liquid Fertilizer – To make this fertilizer, in a large container, squeeze and squish as many leaves as you can into the bucket. You can put a rock or brick to weight them down. It takes about 6 weeks for the leaves to break down into black, thick liquid. You can also use this as a spray, simply dilute. 1 part comfrey fertilizer in 15 parts water. Dilute it further if you are feeding young plants.
Comfrey oil – Take advantage of it’s benefits and make your own comfrey oil. Use the fresh dried herb, use both roots and leaves.
Recipe:
8 oz comfrey leaf
4 oz comfrey root
16 oz extra-virgin olive oil
Chop up the roots and break up the leaves. Place into a 16-ounce jar, glass is preferred and pour olive oil. Close the lid and shake. Steep it for 28 days. After the 28 day period, strain the oil by using a clean strainer and pour mix into a bowl. Squeeze the strained herbs into the bowl and that becomes your comfrey oil. Store in a dark-colored glass bottle.
Warning: Comfrey is safe for most people in small amounts. It is important to know that it contains chemicals that can be absorb by the skin if applied directly to open wound and if large amounts are applied.
