Comfrey or larkspur is a plant that has powerful healing properties. Already from the name “larkspur” it is clear that the main healing abilities of the herb are aimed at treating and restoring the skeletal system. For this purpose, comfrey tincture is used - a remedy that helps with various diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
An infusion of larkspur with vodka or alcohol can quickly relieve pain and swelling, relieve local inflammation, and restore damaged tissue. The product is used not only to treat joints, ligaments, bones and muscles, it is successfully used as a powerful wound healing agent for various skin injuries.
The root of the plant is of greatest value; it contains substances that provide the healing properties of larkspur. Therefore, medicinal tinctures and ointments are made based on comfrey rhizomes.
Important! The alkaloids that make up the plant are very toxic, so larkspur tincture is used only externally. Once upon a time, comfrey was used to treat the respiratory system, cystitis, pyelonephritis, and mastopathy, but today less toxic but no less effective means are used to treat these diseases. Larkspur today is used exclusively as a wound healing agent and medicine for the musculoskeletal system.
Comfrey medicinal description
Comfrey medicinal appearance.
Photo: Yandex.Pictures The comfrey genus includes 25 species of large perennial herbaceous plants. There are 6 species of plants growing in our country. Comfrey belongs to the borage family.
It is one of the first to look out of the ground, first forming a rosette of large, rough leaves. And already in May, flowering shoots with many buds appear.
The stem of comfrey is single, thick, reaching a height of more than one meter. The stems and leaves are covered with stiff hairs.
There are quite a lot of leaves on the stem; they are oblong, large, dense, and rough. The lower leaves have long winged petioles, and the upper ones are sessile.
The flowers of the plant are collected in bell-shaped corollas of purple color. Comfrey blooms from May until autumn. At the beginning of flowering, the corolla is purple or violet. Gradually it turns blue or blue, and sometimes becomes white.
The rhizome of the plant is used for medicinal purposes. It is quite thick, short, almost black.
How to make comfrey tincture: general recommendations
As already mentioned, the rhizome of the plant is used for medicinal purposes. Before you begin to directly prepare an alcohol tincture of comfrey root, you need to consider several important points:
- Rhizomes must be collected in late autumn. It is at this time that the concentration of bioactive substances in the plant reaches its maximum concentration.
- Pay special attention to the color of the rhizome - it should be black. The fact is that a three-year-old plant has healing powers; its root has a distinct black color. Gray, brown shades of rhizomes are characteristic of younger plants and cannot be used to prepare tinctures (they do not contain the required concentration of medicinal properties).
- The tincture is made with alcohol, vodka or homemade moonshine. The strength and timing of preparation of the medicine depends on the strength of the alcohol-containing component. The higher the degree, the more useful the product and the shorter the infusion time (for example, a tincture with 95% medical alcohol will be ready in 7 days). But 30-40% medicine should be infused for about 2-3 weeks.
- The finished product should be stored in the dark and cool. The ideal storage place is the refrigerator.
- Shelf life – in an airtight container, the product can be stored for up to three years.
Where does comfrey grow?
Young leaves of comfrey.
Photo: Pixabay The plant’s range extends into Siberia and Kazakhstan; it is a European species. You can find comfrey along river banks, in wet meadows, damp places, and in deciduous forests throughout the European part of Russia.
Previously, the plant was planted in every peasant's yard, and they took care of it so that it would grow well. The grass was considered a lifesaver for many ailments.
Comfrey is one of the most undemanding garden plants. If you plant it just once, then it is quite difficult to get rid of it. It grows well in open sunny places and in the shade, on fertile and completely uncultivated soils.
It reproduces by rhizomes, so it can very soon become an aggressive weed. Removed and discarded rhizomes quickly begin to grow. Pieces of durable material dug around it will help protect the plant from growing. They should be dug into the ground to a depth of at least 20 centimeters.
Contraindications
It is worth noting that comfrey root tincture is poisonous, so an overdose is possible. In addition, it has contraindications. It cannot be used for:
- Pregnancy
- During breastfeeding
- Individual intolerance to the component
In all other cases, a doctor's recommendation is needed. In addition, if you feel symptoms of poisoning, dizziness, vomiting, headaches and other negative symptoms, you should immediately stop using the drug and consult a doctor.
However, if you use the drug correctly, it will bring great benefits and help you get rid of many diseases.
Medicinal properties
A complex of biologically active substances was found in the rhizomes of the plant: alkaloids, tannins, essential oil, mucus.
The rhizome and, less commonly, leaves and stems are used for medicinal purposes. Preparations with its plant materials have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, wound-healing, astringent, enveloping and anti-sclerotic effects.
The antiulcer and antitumor effects of comfrey root are being studied. It has been established that the use of infusion and decoction of the plant increases the tone of the muscles of the intestines and uterus.
In folk medicine, comfrey is known for its wound-healing properties. It accelerates the healing of fractures and restores damaged periosteum.
From the Botanical Dictionary of Hermetic Medicine: “Comfrey stops bleeding in wounds and vomiting. Useful for ulcers in the lungs, for broken bones and rheumatism.”
Benefits and possible harm of the product
The tincture has a whole range of useful characteristics, which makes it one of the most effective means in the treatment of pathologies of the skeletal and muscular systems. Healing properties include:
- anti-inflammatory;
- painkillers;
- decongestants;
- bactericidal;
- healing and restorative.
In addition, larkspur tincture activates the metabolic processes of cartilage and bone tissue.
The product helps heal broken bones and torn ligaments and muscle fibers. The tincture is actively used for the healing and regeneration of damaged bone, muscle, and epithelial tissues, activates metabolic processes, relieves inflammation and pain.
Indications for use of the product
Larkspur root tincture is recommended for use in the following cases:
- Pain of varying intensity, localized in the joints, spine (various areas).
- Disorders, degenerative processes in cartilage and bone tissues.
- Trauma – bruises, closed fractures, sprains. The tincture effectively helps regardless of the strength and nature of the injury (sports, industrial, household).
- Inflammation and compression of the sciatic, spinal nerve.
- Skin lesions - cracks, erosions and ulcers, ulcers, including long-term non-healing ones.
The product will be a real salvation for diseases:
- Injuries to joints, muscles, bones;
- Osteochondrosis;
- Radiculitis;
- Arthritis, arthrosis, acute rheumatic fever;
- Sciatica, lumbago;
- Myalgia;
- Skin lesions: ulcers, wounds, dermatitis, eczema.
Possible harm
The bioactive substances in the tincture can cause harm if used carelessly and contraindications for use are ignored. The tincture is prohibited in the following cases:
- Individual sensitivity to the components of the drug;
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- Children's age up to 12 years.
Side effects are rare, but some caution should be exercised when using the product:
- Initially, you need to test for allergies. You need to lubricate a small area with the tincture and wait 5-10 minutes. If redness, itching, and rashes do not appear during this time, the medicine can be used. But if you notice allergic manifestations, you need to wash your skin and no longer apply the product. Unfortunately, it doesn't suit you.
- In addition, when using compresses and lotions, you do not need to keep them longer than the recommended time, much less leave them overnight . This will not only not bring the expected benefits, but can also cause severe irritation of the skin. Do not forget that the plant is toxic.
Comfrey application
In popular belief, comfrey is credited with the unusual property of protecting against theft and attracting money. It is difficult to say whether the plant helps with this, but it did help travelers: it helped with bruises and fractures.
The anti-inflammatory, emollient and enveloping effects of comfrey are used in cosmetics and dermatology. It is highly valued for its softening and moisturizing effect on the skin, stimulates wound healing and renewal of epidermal cells.
- The root powder can be applied to bleeding wounds.
- If a bone is broken, the sore spot should be covered with crushed fresh root. Dry roots must first be moistened.
- Fresh juice helps with a runny nose.
- The juice of the root or stem stops nosebleeds.
Pharmacy drugs
Pharmacy ointments contain comfrey roots, as well as a number of excipients, which help with a number of diseases. It is advisable that the ointment be prescribed to the patient by a doctor. Usually the price of such remedies is low, so comfrey-based medicine is considered publicly available.
| № | Name | Compound | Indications for use | Usage |
| 1. | Comfrey + Sabelnik | Comfrey roots, essential oils, tannins, vitamins, pork fat. | Radiculitis, eczema, bruises, fractures and injuries, muscle sprains, wounds and ulcers, suppuration, arthritis. | Apply with light movements to the damaged area, avoiding contact with mucous surfaces. |
| 2. | Comfrey 911 | Larkspur, chondroitin, excipients. | Rheumatic injuries, injuries, swelling, inflammation, low mobility of cartilage, osteochondrosis, arthritis, arthrosis. | Apply in a circular motion until completely absorbed, onto pre-cleaned areas 2 - 3 times a day. |
When using a comfrey-based product, the instructions for use should be read first.
Also important when using:
- consult your doctor first;
- observe dosages;
- extend the course only as prescribed by a specialist.
Larkspur is considered an excellent anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. It copes well not only with diseases of bones and blood vessels, but also helps restore the functioning of other internal organs - the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, etc.
However, you cannot use comfrey-based medications in case of individual intolerance to the component, during pregnancy and location.
Ointment "Zhivokost"
I would like to focus on this drug, because it is the most popular for the treatment of diseases of the skeletal system.
This product contains not only the crushed roots of the plant itself, but also some other components:
- glucosamine;
- chondroitin;
- bodyaga extract;
- complex of essential oils.
Zhivokost ointment is considered a dietary supplement, so it can be used as an additional or prophylactic agent.
Zhivokost ointment (as in the photo) is very popular among patients with joint diseases.
Indications for use
Can be used for any injuries and inflammations. However, it is worth remembering that the remedy may not affect the root cause of the disease, but only helps to cope with unfavorable symptoms.
The ointment will help cope with pain with:
- bruises and soft tissue damage;
- stretch marks, fractures;
- diseases of the spine;
- arthrosis and arthritis;
- varicose veins;
- inflammation in the muscles.
Instructions
Before you start using the ointment, you need to remember a few rules:
- the ointment is applied 3 times a day, be sure to use the product before bedtime;
- Before applying, you need to cleanse the skin;
- rub the product in light circular movements until completely absorbed;
- the course lasts no more than 1 month and no less than 2 weeks.
Comfrey-based products will help cope with many diseases, even those not related to joints. Before use, be sure to consult your doctor. Remember, the plant is poisonous, and only a specialist can individually prescribe safe dosages of the drug!
Traditional medicine recipes
Photo: Pixabay
For the treatment of gastritis, dysentery, bronchitis
- Pour a tablespoon of chopped fresh root into 0.5 liters of boiling water. Place on the stove and keep on low heat for 5 minutes. Leave for an hour, strain and add boiled water to the original volume. For gastritis, dysentery, bronchitis, take 1/2 of a warm infusion 3-4 times a day, half an hour before meals.
The course of treatment is until the cough or discomfort from the gastrointestinal disease stops.
External tumors
- Mix 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped rhizomes with an equal amount of unsalted lard. Keep the mixture in a low boiling water bath for half an hour. Then cool slightly and add 0.5 teaspoons of camphor oil to the resulting mass.
Apply the ointment to the tumor, cover the top with cellophane and secure with a bandage. Change the dressing daily.
Treatment of fractures
- Apply fresh comfrey rhizome, crushed and mashed until the juice is released, to the fracture site. You can use dry raw materials, but it should be steamed with boiling water, kept under a lid and cooled slightly.
Treatment of erysipelas and thrombophlebitis
- Mix 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh rhizomes and the same amount of lard. Keep the mixture in a water bath (low boiling) for half an hour.
Apply the ointment to damaged areas of the skin or veins carefully, without pressing or massaging.
Hair loss remedy
- Pour 0.5 liters of boiling water into one tablespoon of chopped comfrey rhizomes and one teaspoon of stems and leaves. Place on fire and bring to a boil. Leave for 2 hours, strain and squeeze out the raw materials.
Rub the infusion into the scalp half an hour before washing your hair, and the infusion can also be used as a rinse once a week.
Compress for acne skin
- Pour a glass of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh roots. Put on fire and keep for 10 minutes. Leave in a thermos for 2 hours, then strain.
Soak gauze in the broth and apply it to your face, leave for 15 minutes, then remove the gauze. Do not wipe your face. Apply compresses regularly: 3–5 times a week.
Use for the treatment of intervertebral hernia
The use of tincture for the treatment of intervertebral hernia involves the application of compresses. To enhance the therapeutic effect, the product for external use is combined with oral administration of the tincture.
To prepare it you will need the following ingredients: 272 ml of water, 400 ml of alcohol, 150 grams of comfrey roots.
The root is ground to a powder using a coffee grinder. It is poured into a darkened glass container and filled with pre-diluted alcohol. Close the bottle tightly with a lid and put it in a dark, cool place. The mixture should be shaken daily. After the product has infused, it is filtered.
Multi-layer gauze is moistened in the resulting medicinal liquid. Squeeze out excess liquid. Apply a compress to the affected area. The top must be covered with polyethylene and insulated with woolen fabric. The duration of the procedure is half an hour, and the average duration of therapy is a month.
Compresses based on comfrey tincture allow you to restore tissue between the vertebrae, eliminate pain, and restore motor activity.
Where to find and how to prepare
Comfrey can be bought at the pharmacy separately or in combination with other components
Comfrey for joint pain can be purchased in various dosage forms in pharmacy chains, or you can make it yourself. The medicinal plant grows in a humid environment - on the banks of reservoirs, wet meadows, and in thickets of bushes. The root part of the plant is used, harvesting occurs during the fall.
The root is dug up, cleaned and washed well. Next, cut into pieces and dry. It is important that drying occurs in a well-ventilated place.
It is stored in a box or fabric bag. Decoctions, infusions, and ointments can be made from finished raw materials. In some situations, fresh foliage can be applied to damaged areas.
Positive qualities of larkspur
Comfrey substances activate the restoration of bone cells
Comfrey is used externally for joints. It is used to get rid of trophic ulcers, ulcers on the skin, and bruises. It is highly effective in treating the consequences of osteomyelitis, such as fistulas and purulent wounds. Alternative medicine suggests using the root for the complex treatment of fractures, soft tissue injuries, sprains and tendons.
Due to the ability of allantoin to activate the restoration of bone cells, cartilage and muscle tissue, the therapeutic effect occurs quickly, this is especially true for rib fractures, since it is impossible to apply a plaster cast.
With the help of the root part of the larkspur, you can reduce the severity of pain during joint pain, sprains, exacerbation of radiculitis, osteochondrosis, arthritis or arthrosis. Thanks to the active components, puffiness and swelling are quickly eliminated. This plant is used externally and in some cases orally (only in very small doses and under medical supervision). Fresh juice is used from the root part, which helps stop bleeding from wounds. The gruel from the ground root is applied in the form of an application or compress to painful areas of the joints or tendons. Dry powder is also prepared from pre-dried root.
Comfrey has an astringent, anti-inflammatory, enveloping, decongestant, hemostatic, and antimicrobial effect. Due to such positive qualities, damaged joints are restored in a short time, bones are strengthened, grow together faster, the severity of painful reactions is relieved, and the intensity of inflammatory reactions and swelling is reduced.
The product helps to improve the functions of the joint apparatus in the development of arthritis, arthrosis, rheumatism, osteochondrosis, hernias and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The effect has been proven in the treatment of gout, bruises, fractures, dislocations, sprains, ruptures of ligaments and tendons.
Preparation and storage of comfrey
Freshly collected leaves and rhizomes are used to prepare medicinal forms. You can store the leaves for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place. Since the plant is perennial and its roots overwinter in the ground, comfrey root is harvested almost all year round.
But despite the fact that you can dig up the root in mid-March. However, it will be most successful to prepare it at the end of November. After digging, large roots are thoroughly cleaned from the soil using brushes (it is not recommended to wash the roots). And small ones are cut off and not used. Then they are cut thinly and air dried strung on a thread.
And after the pieces of root have lost moisture, they are stored in clothes bags in dry rooms. But if there is a risk of moisture getting in, seal it in clean, dry jars. But periodically ventilate (in case of long-term storage). And the maximum shelf life is 3 years.
Active ingredients: allantoin, tannins, flavonoids, vitamin B12, mucus, starch. In addition, various plant acids, triterpenes. As well as some alkaloids of the pyrrolizidine group.