One of the plants that has attracted attention for centuries with its healing and effectiveness is definitely comfrey. This herbaceous unusual plant that comes from the Boraginaceae family is constantly finding a wider application in medicine and cosmetology. In the rest of the text, we present you with all the details about why comfrey is so valued in the world, what are its medicinal properties and how to quickly and easily make homemade comfrey gel at home, which you can use for your health and that of your family. What is comfrey? Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a perennial herb that grows in lowland areas. It can be found throughout Europe and thrives best along river banks where there is sufficient humidity. Its flowers look like small bells gathered at the top of the stem. Most often they are white, pink and can be bright purple. It blooms from May to July, and then the plant should be harvested because during the period of intense flowering during sunny days, it releases juices of the best quality. The flowers and the stem are medicinal, but the most commonly used is the root, which is tail-shaped, black on the outside and white on the inside. The sticky and slimy gel released by the root is a real treasure that has been used for centuries to heal wounds, cuts, insect bites, treat bone pain after fractures and during arteriosclerosis. Comfrey - healing In traditional phytotherapy, comfrey is considered one of the most healing plants. Its strong effect is the subject of research by many laboratories around the world that strive to improve creams, gels and tinctures for healing with the power of nature. These are just some of the main varnish characteristics of comfrey: Anti-inflammatory effect: Comfrey contains numerous compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects on inflammatory processes. Wound healing: Due to the large amounts of allantoin that moisturizes the skin and has a soothing effect, as well as many other active ingredients, comfrey is ideal for the rapid healing of infected wounds that cannot heal for a long time and the prevention of further development of infections. Muscle and joint pain: Comfrey contains high amounts of calcium, silicon, potassium and phosphorus, making it an excellent choice for sciatica, rheumatism and pain from sprains and fractures Problem skin: Comfrey can help with more serious skin problems like eczema, atopic dermatitis and acne because it contains compounds that affect cell building and renewal Asthma and lung diseases: This miraculous herb has shown excellent effectiveness against irritating coughs, suffocation and problems of the lower and upper respiratory organs. It is recommended in the form of tea in accordance with the doctor's recommendation Anemia: Due to the large amount of iron, comfrey improves the blood count and contributes to the improvement of anemia Circulation: In case of problems with inflamed and painful veins, poor circulation and cold limbs, with its active ingredients, comfrey promotes better blood circulation and smooth flow of blood through the venous system. Comfrey - method of use Depending on the region treated with this medicinal plant, comfrey can be found in the following forms: Gels and creams - Comfrey gel is commonly known for its local application on rheumatic areas. It is excellent for sprains, sprains, pain after broken bones and chronic bone and joint pain. Comfrey creams are used in the same way as gels, with the fact that gels more often have additives in the form of menthol or hot pepper to achieve a cooling or warming effect on the skin. Poultices made of comfrey: For sprains, sciatica and sprains, poultices made of fresh or dry comfrey leaves are used, soaked in warm water and kept on the painful area for several hours. Comfrey tea: Comfrey tea is used for internal inflammatory processes and pain relief due to inflammatory processes. Tea made from leaves as well as comfrey root is used. Tinctures and drops of comfrey: In accordance with the recommendations of doctors, drops and tinctures of comfrey are used for many therapeutic purposes, especially in the treatment of chronic diseases caused by inflammation. Is comfrey poisonous? The comfrey plant contains alkaloids that are poisonous. The roots of the plant contain small amounts of the purine derivative allantoin, which are hepatotoxic and can cause certain damage to the liver and other organs, as well as skin irritation and rashes. It is completely natural to ask why this plant is so widespread in medicine if it contains toxic substances. It is about the fact that its smaller amounts are treated as medicine, with the fact that sometimes even small amounts can cause irritation. It is only a matter of whether a person is prone to allergic reactions and what is his immune response to pyrrolizide alkaloids. In addition, the long-term use of comfrey as well as the quantity during oral and external use is of key importance. Due to the presence of alkaloids in the comfrey plant, it is recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist before use in order to avoid complications and skin irritation. Comfrey oil - what is it good for? Comfrey ointment is good for treating joint diseases, injuries, bruises and bone fractures, improving the mobility of the spine, rheumatic leg deformities