comfrey extract (Symphytum officinale) is credited with healing, astringent, and emollient properties. It is used in cases of swelling and bruising, cuts, papules, and pustules. Comfrey extract was traditionally used topically for soothing and anti-itching treatment, as well as for eczema and sunburns. The whole plant is considered excellent for soothing pain in any tender, inflamed, or suppurating part. Comfrey root’s chief constituent is mucilage. It also contains 0.6 to 0.8 percent of allantoin and a bit of tannin. Some say that certain alkaloids found in comfrey are toxic. The roots and leaves are generally collected from wild plants.
