"KNOW WHAT YOU ARE PLANTING" - LESSONS LEARNED ABOUT THE HERB "COMFREY".

 

"KNOW WHAT YOU ARE PLANTING"   

 

This is my first time to grow Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) but I have long been aware of its magical properties when used as a “compost tea”.  If you look closely, it appears that there is a flower bud forming already in the center of the plant.  It grew very quickly to this size, but thinking it would become a very tall plant, I’m surprised it hasn’t grown more. 

Being an avid jam & jelly maker, who also dabbles in salves, vinegars and all sorts of things, I was alarmed to read that Comfrey is now considered “potentially dangerous” because the leaves contain small amounts of an alkaloid that can cause liver damage and probably should not be taken internally even though they are rich in nutrients. 

Comfrey is also known as Boneset, healing herb, knitbone and has been used since ancient times for medicinal purposes. The young leaves have been eaten raw in salads for centuries. 

It is in the Boraginaceae family, therefore a cousin of Borage (which I have grown, and love) and is a long lasting perennial.  Apparently, it is propagated only by root cuttings, and it is recommended to plant it in a corner (sun or part shade) out of the way because its roots are very tenacious and once planted it is difficult to dig up!!!  (Why did I plant before reading about it???)   Nicholas Culpeper, English Physician and Herbalist, in his “Herball” published in London in 1653 describes the roots as “large and long, spreading great thick branches underground, black on the outside and whitish within, short and easy to break, and full of glutinous or clammy juice of little or no taste at all”.  I think I might transfer it to a large container before the roots have a chance to do their thing!!!! 

 

So, having thought about all the negative possibilities, here it is in its new home.  Hopefully I got all the roots when I dug it up, and I can’t wait for it to flower!  Will it be pink, purple or white?? 

                              

 

                                             Now to check for Compost Tea Fertilizer Recipes!!!