You Can Do What with Comfrey?

Sarah teaches us all of the health and medicinal benefits of the amazing Comfrey plant. This is one plant that you DEFINITELY need to be growing on your homestead!
Sarah also references the book in this video "Beyond The Pellet: Feeding Rabbits Naturally" which can be purchased on Amazon by following this link: amzn.to/2vg6geV
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sustainable way of life. We believe the world has gotten too “busy” and that people are missing out on many of the true blessings this world has to offer. We started as a small urban homestead in Gilbert, AZ and after the city grew up around us, decided it was time leave corporate America and take a big leap of faith by moving our family to the Missouri Ozarks.
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[@sandrah583]

Back in 1978 we were living on a mountain six miles from the nearest school bus stop, so were home teaching our kids except for twice a week when we took them down because we felt it was important that they get some ‘socialization.’ Picked them up one Thursday and the six year old had a scrape on her wrist, didn’t think anything of it (this was before we knew that schools didn’t do anything with cuts or scrapes). Touched her on Sunday and she screamed, looked at her wrist and she had a red line going from the scrape to a sack under her arm. Didn’t have a phone so went down the hill to a neighbor who had one, called the local ‘hippy doctor’ (only one in the area). He said to put comfrey on it and bring her in in the morning. I had no idea what comfrey was, but the neighbor grew it for hid rabbits and gave me several leaves. Not knowing what else to do with it I put a leaf over the scrape and wrapped gauze around it. Checked it an hour later and the leaf was black and wilted. Put on another one. When I put her to bed I put the rest on. Checked in the morning, the red line and sack under her arm was completely gone. The comfrey had drawn out all of the poison. Have grown comfrey ever since, won’t be without it.

[@queilyyenner6399]

I am in love all of the benefits of Comfrey

[@andrewrouth249]

Wow. I’m just now learning about this herb and I’m shocked by what I’m hearing. Thanks for your story

[@karenyoudenvengeruk2897]

I have osteoarthritis in my knees in my 40s and I have cysts burst between my kneecaps, the pain is gout times ten! I will never take a prescribed drug ever again, it cured it in days compared to months, Comfrey fertilizer grows mammoth tomatoes, I tincture it and drink it, I have changed my life

[@CheezNrice4u]

Just picked up a couple of starters last week, I’m still deciding where they will go. I’m not sure if these are the invasive kind, and I understand they grow very deep roots, so I’m concerned about them around the septic areas if they turn out to be invasive.

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

Thank you for sharing this important information listening from Texas

[@karentaylor5325]

I have been growing and using comfrey for 45 years its my favorite herb....

[@ukulelekitten15]

Hi Karen... can you share the different ways you use it? Thank you & all the best❣️

[@melallred6523]

How do you use it?

[@fredcarter2894]

An old friend had two hernia operations that didnt work so he tried a comfrey poultice on the area a few times and it was fantastic, fixed him forever!

[@dougroberts3643]

Are you saying it got rid of the hernia? My father has had two operations as well and now has a hernia

[@MrThatguy333]

@@dougroberts3643 did your father try it?

[@dougroberts3643]

@Human Person No, he wouldn't try it

[@GreenLifeOmaha_GLO]

Drop 1 of those bundles in a crook pot full of cooking oil or any oil u like. Leave on warm for 24-72 hrs. Use as skin/body healer. Non-steroid eczema relief

[@shantelbryan3660]

I make soap for exzema! This is great like extra strength

[@machella1233]

@@shantelbryan3660 how do you make it

[@shantelbryan3660]

@@machella1233 I make goat milk soap there are many recipes online I use the recipe from the website soap soap who has the soap or something like that

[@angiekrajewski6419]

Just in case you don’t have a bandaid one day if you have a scratch or a little blister....of course clean well with soap and water...you cut an onion ..and you peel off this tiny almost transparent membrane that separates onions layers.. ...you put it on the blister and it will keep it from getting dirty and will heal it also .,since onion has some kind of desinfectant on it...this already helped me out for two days...of course i changed it before going to bed...

[@lindastoops5343]

Raw egg white will also seal a burn, blister, or scrape from getting infected.

[@dl7919]

DIY Comfrey Salve is cheap and easy to make. It's great for all kinds of bumps, bruises and soreness for bones and tissue healing. It's $10 at the health food store for a small jar, but you can grow, dry and powder your own comfrey and make it for pennies.

[@ukulelekitten15]

Just yesterday I saw a ‘tiny’ jar of comfrey salve (in a health & nutrition store) for $21.99! Contained comfrey-infused olive oil, beeswax.

[@cherilewis2899]

What do you mix it with creams?

[@jaxemay7027]

The old time name for Comfrey was Knit Bone. It's way more then just fodder. I use a poltiuc of Comfrey for every bump, bruise, sprain. Grind it in food processor or blender, freeze in flat linen packs. Amazing stuff.

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

+Jackie Clinansmith Great idea!

[@drdianneLc]

Jackie Clinansmith I use it for all those issues. It’s wonderful stuff!!!

[@ShotgunAndAShovel]

@@drdianneLc this is my first year to harvest my comfrey. i am so excited. the plants are now massive and blooming!

[@simonesmit6708]

I just got some because it was pretty 🤣 Now it's everywhere and I'm using it more and more.

[@LaXOXOs]

@@simonesmit6708 can I use this on my feet I have a very painful plantar wart ?

[@richardcorbiere2743]

One night thirty years ago, I soaked Comfrey and wrapped it around my 13 year old daughters sore knee from growing too fast, did the job. No pain to this day.

[@amandapittar9398]

I learned that comfrey, borage and lemongrass all need their own little spaces in the garden. The bees love comfrey & borage 💐. The chickens love the leaves as a treat. I agree with everything you said. I will add the odd borage leaf to our salads.

[@barryminor616]

Chicken 🐓 Love

[@barbgardiner5719]

I use fresh borage for a tea to fight pain

[@deirdremarcrum7752]

I make a police with a square gauze filled with comfrey and pour boiling water over it in a cup. I let it steep for 5 minutes, remove it from the water and let it cool to warm before placing it gently on hemorrhoids. Sit down and drink your tea. Within minutes, you have relief. Take it from a mom with 5 kids, this works.

[@essemsween818]

Organic farmers make a Comfrey Tea which is a Natural fertiliser for their vegetable & fruit gardens.

[@regeneratelifeacres6348]

I'm glad to see you promote comfrey. Personally, I would only grow the sterile flower varieties. I have had comfrey for 7 or 8 years. I started with 3 plants, I think. I currently have around 100 plants. Next year I could have easily 500 if I decide to plant that many. Of course, it makes great bioactive tea for the garden, pasture etc. An absolute must, IMO, fir the serious homesteaders! Thank you for your video!

[@lindaandrews9245]

Comfrey's old English name was Knit Bone. Tea made from leaf and/ or root, assists with mending broken bone Another thing about comfrey, I was told, has very similar properties to amniotic fluid.

[@nanacybersliver8411]

37yrs ago throughout my pregnancy, I ate comfrey and walked everywhere. Cleanse my liver, glowing skin, strong teeth and bones. Not realising the benefits. Had a beautiful boy and lose 15kilos. I see people use comfrey as fertiliser as well😯 😋

[@karenzupanic718]

Good on you. It is very healthy for you..big Pharma wants to stop its use so FDA, CDC and Australia’s TGA ban it. They are all in cahoots.

[@machella1233]

How did you eat it . I thought it was irritating to the touch

[@steveandrews8301]

You cook and eat it like spinach - even tastes very much like spinach. Super healthy side dish! @@machella1233

[@theresacuenca8784]

Comfrey will grow under trees in part shads where usually you can only grow weeds! It will crowd out weeds prevent erosion.

[@debclaussen2636]

I planted 3 comfrey plants last year. The two in full sun are huge 4' monsters. The one in partial shade has very few leaves and is only about 6". Different soils for sure, but I'm wondering how much is due to shade.

[@londonpickering8675]

These older vids are gold! Thank you for taking the time to post this........

[@ironrose888]

We use it for bruises and sprains. It’s commonly known as knit-bone because it can heal broken bones much faster than without.

[@JourneyOnLife]

At my house along the patio the cumfrey I planted flowers non stop and attracts a lot of bumble bees. I just keep cutting the old flowering stalks and new ones grow with in days.

[@hanzketchup859]

Comfrey is a plant that can be harvested to the ground , you can dig up the roots too , it will come back in a few weeks , this can be done up to 3 times a year ,

[@Steve-ps6qw]

such a revelation....I definitely need to keep this in mind. I had no idea...no clue what so ever about that plant. Thank you!!

[@marshamoon9029]

Great permaculture crop. Every piece of the root will start new plants. You need huge spaces for comfrey. I would relocate the other herbs and flowers in that comfrey bed, because the comfrey will win out.

[@hollandspinehaven2634]

I recently got cutting from the Old Alabama Gardener and my plan is to plant around fruit trees and feed some to livestock..

[@mstyblu379]

Hi Sarah, just want you to know that you just taught me more about Comfry than all the other KZbin sites put together.

[@OutWestHomestead]

I love comfrey. It's a great plant.

[@kathygarber9407]

It grows wild all over in Tn. One of the best poultice's you can ever use is a comfrey poultice ,

[@marthaconover4460]

Ordered Bocking 14 for the last 2 years. Doesn't self-seed, is medicinal and great food for chickens, in addition to being terrific for compost/ pollinator attractor / also inhibits rhyzomes...so makes a great boarder to stop grass or creeping charlie, etc. Going to order more now. I have 2 acres to cover w/ a permaculture food forest.

[@SimpsonAcres]

Where do I order comfrey??

[@kathyignasiak275]

That's awesome. I'll have to look into Bocking. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

​@@SimpsonAcres@PermaPastures farm

[@anniegaddis5240]

Put all those DEAD leaves (in the herb garden) under your herbs. They make wonderful mulch/fertilizer.

[@caroldorsett8170]

I raise comfrey and millet for my hens. Both are very easy to grow even in cold Colorado.

[@machella1233]

Where do you get

[@caroldorsett8170]

@@machella1233 the millet I just scattered millet bird seed on tilled ground once started it reseeds it’s self every year. The comfrey I bought a plant from the plant center and planted it.

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

Do you grow enough to feed them fully?

[@oldchickenlady]

I live in your general area and never water my comfrey....it just keeps on growing!! I enjoy your videos!

[@kennethnormanthompson2740]

Yup, roots go down 10ft to where the water is.

[@patriciasimmon6854]

Thanks Sarah. Trying to learn as much as possible about comfrey before I actually get some.

[@oldzensoul]

Had to say I love the simple cross on the wall in the intro

[@lindareinen4361]

Thank you, I have been wondering about comfrey and haven’t been able to find much about it.

[@1gr8lpta]

i would have liked to have seen the finished product. Maybe this as part one and then a part 2.

[@deborhasmith7746]

great information. I love learning from you and your family.

[@1000sofroots]

We love comfrey! It's great around fruit trees, great for the compost, great for healing (in salves/teas), and yes, the critters all love it. That's awesome that you're drying it for future use. Hope it dries well for you in the barn. Blessing - Carrie

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

Thanks Carrie - I think I remember seeing in one of your videos that you guys have alot of it planted. It sure is great stuff! God Bless!

[@whydonttheywrite]

Does it do well in shade under the fruit trees?

[@sallypyle8792]

So plant around the base of the trunk of our peach trees? Thanks in advance!

[@JaniceCrowell]

Makes incredible fertilizer composted.

[@mariewilliams1357]

This is so interesting - I had no idea. Well done.

[@rachealrumbo3806]

Thanks, You were so informative

[@lynneceegee8726]

Might be an idea to just give in gracefully and replant your other herbs, leaving the comfrey to take over that spot entirely. Less worry about cutting back all the time and worrying about flowers being overgrown! You know it makes sense! 🤣

[@dl7919]

That's what I'd do.

Comfrey will invade all over the place very fast. I was successful in removing it from a very overgrown area full of runners, but it required digging the area all up, tracing down every bit of root in every bit of soil.

[@frankbagbey8372]

Best advice!

[@nancywebb6549]

James Sesame I have lots planted and have never had any spread.

[@skeletalbassman1028]

Much more useful to harvest the comfrey than let it grow endlessly.

[@YankeesOutdoorAdventures]

Another great video guys keep up the good work, keep the awesome information coming👍

[@keithsadler5260]

Great information about a great plant.

[@LorieRoebuck]

Your videos are so informative :-) thank you for sharing your knowledge with the world. It is appreciated :-)

[@olekluften9776]

Thank's for sharing. Useful.

[@mo59602]

Comfrey makes a great mulch in the vegetable garden.

[@StBernardAcres]

Excellent video. I had no idea about the benefits.

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

This is great!

[@sharonross4535]

Thank you. God Bless

[@melindalewis8440]

Hi, I noticed you grow sage. If you haven't already tried it, I would like to recommend pineapple sage. I live in Colorado and this plant did very well. I did have some trouble with slugs eating the roots, but the bed where I grew it was full of them before I even planted anything. I know you don't do a lot of sweet things so I think this would be a good spice to try. It is not sweet like fresh pineapple but it does taste and smell like pineapple. I made baked and fried chicken breast dishes with it and it tasted amazing! The bush grows fast and big so if you have an out of the way place to grow it by itself, that's what I would recommend.

[@michellerene6366]

Comfrey also spreads! I planted some in my garden and it quickly multiplied taking over other plants. Next time I will plant it somewhere outside the garden so it can grow wild and free! I’ve also heard that the roots can’t be killed. Once it’s there it’s there!

[@richardlove4287]

You should have planted Bocking 14 type comfrey. It’s has sterile seeds and only grows where you plant a piece of root.

[@JerzeyGardenZ]

it can be killed but you have to mow it to ground level for 2 or 3 seasons 2 or 3 times a week

[@bethdepot-jackson7054]

Comfrey is also excellent for compost and garden.

[@vgil1278]

I have a huge comfrey plant with yellow variegation on the edges. So pretty and good for plants as mulch. Nice flowers, too. They look like Virginia Bluebells. Must be in the same family. Don't worry about your oregano--it will always find a way! It believes in world dominion.

[@yacoobnabeebaccus827]

Hi there, Comfrey acquired me, I didn’t grow it. It may have been deposited by friendly pollinators some while ago. The flower is purple and a kind lady gave a cutting which now bears white flowers. So I have both. I keep them quite tame so that they don’t become rampant. I use them mainly as an accelerator for my compost and as mulch for my plants. Lately I have found about how to use them as a balm. This is something I’m working on in the near future. Thank you for your video, very informative. Yacoob from UK.

[@Joan-ej7wv]

Thanks.

[@elhombredeoro955]

I am a big fan of comfrey my buffaloes pigs goats and birds all love them and finish them in no time.

I'm going to blend up a comfrey leaf in some water for a drinking at work & at home.

[@phillipmerritt1428]

Thanks for the video in the many uses for comfrey in the other ideas and how important it is are or could be. I'll have to look into those different plants. Gingdah

[@jennybetten3483]

Comfrey is also good for healing and put into salves and so on, but I didn't know about the protein benefits for animals. Thanks for sharing.

[@melodieduperron1252]

Great information

[@samfinn8397]

THANKS

[@catherinetatum881]

Great info. 👍

[@southernohiosolarhomestead8477]

Great info thanks for the awesome video

[@countryfrau8328]

I had no idea how big it would get, either! I have 10 plants split between two gardens and they sure do take up a lot of space--and they overflow into the aisles. I've yet to truly use them but I figure anything that the bees like is a winner.

[@minbutler7909]

Comfy makes a great liquid fertilizer as well. Let rot in water and pour over plants. You can make trash cans full and use as needed.

[@letitsnow4822]

My ducks wiped out a huge patch of comfrey in their free range life-style, never to return. Thus, if anyone wants to get rid of comfrey, put ducks on it (or don't, if you want to keep your comfrey plants returning year after year).

[@tracycouture3955]

It's also great for the garden, just chop and drop🌱

[@debbieburke1636]

You should mention that if you get the right type of comfrey it only spreads thought root stock..not the flowers :)

[@tinaluise9308]

What is it called ?

[@dennislock3415]

@@tinaluise9308 think it's called Bock 14,Russian comfrey, sterile variety.

[@karrenbrazel8844]

I gave a leaf to my rabbit and he never ate it......never thought to dry it out....I'm gonna try that option because I am looking for that alternative that you mentioned...so thanks for the idea☺

[@tubegirljwd]

New subscriber! Great video with such useful information

[@cottingwhite7784]

I’m growing it!

[@homesteadrewind3948]

I have healed my knee using the comfrey poultice. Great video!

[@joycebussey6865]

Can it be used to help with arthritis?

[@Ms13Funpolice]

@@joycebussey6865 Definitely.

[@sonyk8009]

How about osteoarthritis?

[@homesteadrewind3948]

@@sonyk8009 I think that may have been what was wrong with my knee!

[@sonyk8009]

Homestead rewind thanks for your reply. I hope you don't mind me asking questions, but could you please tell me how long did that take to heal and do you need to keep using it anymore ? Was there any edema or swelling on your knee or just a painful knee ? I'm.juat wondering if it could be used on osteoarthritis with inflammation or edema where there is water retention on the joint like ankles and feet ? Judging by your last comment looks like a possibility it could bring that swelling and pain right down ?

[@primrozie]

Thank you! After a few weeks my comfrey seeds just germinated! I need to figure out where to put it. Now I'm pretty sure it should live in the field :-)

[@ccccclark2605]

My Russian comfrey grows from just a small piece of candy mfrey root. Discovered this, when I transplanted it and 2-3 plants came up at the original site.

[@stephaniewilson3955]

Comfrey tea is a great fertiliser.

[@RhodaLevy]

About thirty years ago my horse got spooked and had a crazy accident...needless to say 400 stitches and $950.00 vet bill my vet hands me a salve with comfry in it...I kid you not without that salve my mare would have scared horribly not to mention she healed up super fast...I've never been able to find that sdlve again, I kept the unused remainder for other uses that worked quite well

[@karenzupanic718]

Make it yourself..very easy. Dried comphrey powder in a mix of melted oil (1 cup) and beeswax (1/2 cup) or just heat dried or wilted leaves in olive oil in crockpot for a few hours. Strain the oil if using leaves, put in jar to use.

[@steveandrews8301]

Actually, to be more accurate; use one cup of finely crushed comfrey leaves, 2 1/2 cups olive oil, into crock pot on low with lid off for 5 hours. Separate double boiler pot melt 2 oz of bees wax, add the strained comfrey oil to it, heat both together, mix well, pour into containers. @@karenzupanic718

[@timothylongmore7325]

A visitor to my home told me about comfrey. I'm a forager of medicinal mushrooms for my on use and to sell and try to learn a few new plants and mushrooms each year , ( I'm a slow learner) ,lol. He pointed out a plant and said that's comfrey , I said no thats mullien and he said no, the darker plant next to the mullein. I did some research , including this search to learn more. Good to know because I've got about an acre of it. I'd planned of putting up some more mullein this year and might as well do comfrey as well.

[@sassy2086]

I was interested in comphrey mainly for its medicinal properties, so I am making my first batch of salve to give for Christmas this year. I was surprised by this video reporting that animals can eat it! I would be more inclined to want it for specific use rather than for feed. As you did mention, it would be hard to gather or bale. I also purchased some menthol oil to add to the salve for the "icy hot" effect as an added effectiveness boost!

[@tnunn3023]

Comfrey leaves are the BEST mulch feed for your herbs...

[@drdianneLc]

You might want to reconsider moving your sage. It can also take over pretty quickly.

[@olegrayheadedfart]

Very good medicinal herb, british troops were given comfort in their medical healing properties

[@grammyspieface1]

Thank you for this video, I have 3 or 5 crowns in the fridge wrapped in paper,I really have no idea what to do with it I heard you mention you can feed the comfrey to goats, does it change the taste of goat milk, I heard from cattywampus farm that alfalfa gives goat milk that goat taste people don't like , he said stay away from alfalfa then for there feed, what do you guys think?

[@laurievierheller6055]

I did the same thing. Comfrey has taken a whole herb bed!!!!

[@robertdavis5043]

wow u can talk love ur videos

[@patmaier6917]

Where do you find the seeds? I’ve looked for a start and haven’t found one!

[@anniegaddis5240]

I chop mine up, and add it to my compost bins. Before you know it, you have the most wonderful dark fertilized soil to use as compost over your most valuable vegetable crops!

[@marcusm4271]

Looking to start meat rabbits and I’m probably going to grow comfrey anything else you could recommend.

[@cassieboo3762]

Do you use it as a plant fertiliser. Cumfery tea.

[@karentrokey3852]

What do you use Sweet William for?

[@johnelovett6148]

Will it work with strengthening teeth. Like a Toothpaste or placed between your teeth and cheek.

[@tomfisher3117]

Nice video. I've been using comfrey in the garden for about 10 years. Great stuff whether you 'chop and drop it' or make a tea out of it. I am in the process of surrounding my garden with it so I can easily fertilize with it. I use the Jadam method and for the most part have no use for other fertilizers.

[@debraparker1550]

How long did it grow from seed to mature plant ?

[@ginoy007]

Does it stay all year round?

[@sufficientlyrandom8184]

Do you guys still use comfrey? Does it get too “out of control”? How does it do in drought conditions?

[@tolletstalesandtrails6051]

Why plant comfrey when they grow prolific along the walk trails and pathways?

[@BushImports]

Which of the comfrey varieties did you guys grow, the Russian bocking 14 or bocking 10 or did you grow regular comfrey from seed? I got the Russian bocking 14 root and crown cuttings and I thought it wanted full sun but it wilted even in the low 80's and there is some damage to part of the leaves I assume from the sun and heat until it got established good. Thanks Sarah

[@SimpsonAcres]

Where do you buy it from??

[@ccccclark2605]

Central Texas here. My Russian comfrey likes afternoon shade. Grows crazy happy if I water every morning. I start new ones with just a piece of root. Have about 40 plants from the original plant.

[@ccccclark2605]

@@SimpsonAcres Central Texas here my local nursery had it one year. I'm trading starts (from pieces of roots) for plants I want. If you see it in a yard, ask the owner for a piece of root. I slice mine with a narrow shovel. Easy. I transplant the part I cut (cut the leaves off and plant it) and leave the original to keep growing.

[@lizboykewish4987]

Hello I'm knew subscribe i got a question is has e to be a specific comfrey in try to get it bud i don't find it any were in Nc and i check in the internet and they have only russian comfrey its that ok...? Thank u have a bless Day ♥️♥️♥️

[@ReasieRoo]

You might check out “Coe’s Comfrey”. They’re in NC and are highly recommended by homesteaders.

[@circleofcourage3903]

Put chopped up around your plants for fertilizer

[@darciemerriweather1206]

Homeopathic remedy tea is good for you.. Omg, love rosemary!! It is so good for moods... helps calm anyone who feels tense or upset, aromatherapy...

[@AridiaMoonWolf]

Fantastic against colds, too, among other uses.

[@khwilli1]

Leave the dead leaves it adds nutrients to your soil for the other plants you have there.

[@miller17013]

Looking into growing some for my rabbits and hopefully goats in the future what kind of comfrey is this? and or is the best?

[@user-tk7qo4rh4y]

Wilt leaves for 30 min before you feed. Horses need it wilted for 3 to 4 hours

[@scotts595]

Where did you get the seeds for comfrey?

[@denisecates6492]

Do you sell comfrey seeds or where I can find some I’m in Florida

[@shirleytompkins3006]

I'd like to know, too, please!

[@EcoNeighbor]

Comfrey leaves are a great plant fertilizer. Chop and drop .