Common Comfrey from Köhler’s Medicinal Plants / Symphytum officinale

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This digital image features the Common Comfrey, scientifically identified as Symphytum officinale, sourced from Köhlers Medicinal Plants. Originally published in 1887, this image has undergone meticulous enhancement and upscaling to provide you with the highest quality resolution available.

Symphytum officinale, commonly known as comfrey, is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia but now found all over the world. It has been used for centuries as a medicinal plant due to its high concentration of allantoin, which promotes healing by stimulating cell division and growth. The plant has various traditional uses for treating a range of conditions such as wounds, respiratory problems, bone fractures, and skin issues. Comfrey is also considered an anti-inflammatory and analgesic herb. However, it should be noted that the plant contains small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are toxic to the liver if ingested in large quantities or over long periods. As such, its internal use is not recommended without careful supervision. Nevertheless, external application using poultices or creams made from the roots or leaves is safe and effective for most people. As with any herbal medicine, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before using comfrey for any medical purpose.