Symphytum officinale is a constant flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae. Along with thirty-four other species of Symphytum, it is known as comfrey. Other English names for comfrey include quaker comfrey, cultivated comfrey, boneset, knitbone, and slippery-root. Comfrey is native to Europe, growing in damp, grassy places. It is also known to show up in river banks and ditches in Ireland and Britain.
The primary constitutes of comfrey are mucilage and allantoin, which are responsible for comfrey’s soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. Comfrey’s actions are anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory and for this, comfrey may aid a wide range of internal and external ailments. Dried comfrey leaves are very popular when used to help with internal disorders, such as lung ailments, and when used as an expectorant. Mucilage that is created by comfrey delays the emptying of the stomach and reduces after-meal peaks of glucose and insulin. Some added benefits are that comfrey helps to remove cholesterol, and with a high nutrient content, makes one feel a whole lot better.