What is the difference between comfrey and Russian comfrey?
The two well-known varieties are common comfrey (often called true comfrey) and Russian comfrey (or Bocking 14). Common comfrey has cream or purple flowers, while Russian comfrey features blue or violet flowers. Russian comfrey is the variety of comfrey generally found in local garden centers. Our ‘True’ Comfrey has white to pink flowers, while Russian Comfrey has blue to purple flowers. Of course, ‘True Comfrey’ has a red/purple variety, just to make it all the more confusing. If you want to know which variety you have, wait until it flowers. That’s the easiest way.The bell-shaped flowers with pedicels are in terminal cymes or one-sided clusters. Flowers of Common Comfrey are usually creamy yellow, but white, red, or purple types have been found in Europe. Prickly Comfrey has pink and blue flowers while Russian Comfrey has blue, purple, or red-purple flowers.
Can you eat Russian comfrey?
Comfrey has been consumed by humans as a vegetable and a tea and used as an herbal medicine for more than 2000 years. Comfrey, however, produces hepatotoxicity in livestock and humans and carcinogenicity in experimental animals. Comfrey is a rat liver toxin and carcinogen that has been used as a vegetable and herbal remedy by humans.The medicinal uses of comfrey have become controversial since the identification of its pyrrolizidine alkaloids-content, substances known for their toxicity in humans.The risks of using comfrey Healthcare professionals typically don’t recommend that you eat or take any form of comfrey by mouth, and most countries have banned oral formulations. This is because it can be toxic due to the pyrrolizidine alkaloids that comfrey contains.In 2001, the US Food and Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission banned the sale of comfrey products for internal use and use on open wounds due to its potential toxicities.Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Comfrey is likely unsafe when taken by mouth or applied to the skin while pregnant or breast-feeding.
Does Russian comfrey spread?
Bocking 14 Russian Comfrey is a sterile hybrid that will not set seed but can still spread if its roots are disturbed. Comfrey has long been a favorite of ecological minded gardeners and farmers for building soil and bringing nutrients to the surface as a chop and drop mulch. Comfrey has been consumed by humans as a vegetable and a tea and used as an herbal medicine for more than 2000 years. Comfrey, however, produces hepatotoxicity in livestock and humans and carcinogenicity in experimental animals.Comfrey contains carbohydrates (including mucilage), tannins, triterpenes, allantoin and alkaloids [17]. Allantoin stimulates the regeneration of connective tissue, bone and cartilage [18].Comfrey provides high levels of digestible protein and Vitamin A. Cows, Goats, Sheep, Etc. Our Bocking #4 Comfrey is much appreciated by cattle, dairy cows, goats, horses, pigs, sheep, alpacas, donkeys, chinchillas.Comfrey contains phenolic acids and other antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals, slowing the ageing process and retaining its youthful appearance.
Does Russian comfrey produce seeds?
Russian Comfrey is sterile which means it does not make viable seed. Despite safety concerns, some people use comfrey for bruises, osteoarthritis, sprains, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. The US FDA has recommended that all comfrey products that are taken by mouth be removed from the market due to serious safety concerns.Comfrey has been used medicinally for at least 2,000 years for various conditions, including the treatment of bone fractures, ulcers, and gout.
Does comfrey grow back every year?
Comfrey is a perennial herb (that comes back every year). The genus name for comfrey is Symphytum, and means to “heal together”. It is well known to assist healing in any part of the body that is torn or broken. Comfrey is a plant that grows in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. While it may help with wounds and joint pain, healthcare professionals warn against eating it due to the risk of liver damage. Comfrey, also known as Symphytum officinale, is a plant that can grow up to five feet tall.Comfrey is a native perennial and medicinal plant. In a suitable habitat, the plant can live for up to 20 years. The genus Comfrey (Symphytum) is made up of about 40 species native to Eurasia and North Africa and belongs to the Boraginaceae family.Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a hardy perennial wildflower that thrives along riverbanks and in grasslands.The therapeutic properties of comfrey are based on its antiinflammatory and analgesic effects. Comfrey also stimulates granulation and tissue regeneration, and supports callus formation (Kommission E, 1990a, 1990b).