Comfrey has broad prickly leaves and occasional pink, white or purple flowers which bees and other beneficial insects love. It prefers to be planted in partial shade and so make a good ground cover crop in an orchard. As the leaves die back in the warmers months the leaves become a nutritious mulch for the trees. it also helps suppress weeds and is sometimes planted as a border around vegetable gardens to keep out invading grasses.
Chickens love pecking comfrey leaves when they are planted along their fenceline. They benefit from the vitamins and minerals.
Gardeners often also plant comfrey nearby a compost heap as the leaves make an excellent addition to compost due to its ability to draw up nutrients that are not always available to other plants such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, potash, and calcium. To increase the benefits chop up the comfrey leaves and submerge them in a bucket of water for 24 hours before throwing into the compost.
Healing qualities of comfrey
Once commonly known as "knitbone" this useful plant for the living garden first aid kit can be used to treat broken bones, bruises, joint pain and muscle aches. However it is important to only use this herb externally as it contains toxins and can be carcinogenic if eaten or applied to open wounds. For injuries bruise or warm the leaves and wrap them around the affected area holding it in place with a bandage. Alternatively prepare a comfrey ointment and use it to rub into the skin:
Step one: Make the comfrey infused oil.
Take about 10 large leaves and hang them up in a airy dark place to dry out fully.
Once dried crush the leaves into a rough powder and place in a sterilised glass jar. Fill up the jar with a good quality olive oil and stir gently to make sure there are no air bubbles and that the comfrey is fully covered. Screw the lid on tightly and leave it out direct sunlight for a period of 6 weeks. During this time the oils from the comfrey will infuse into the olive oil. Shake it and tap it gently every few days to release any air bubbles that build up and ensure the comfrey is well covered. After the six weeks strain the oil through a cheesecloth and discard the leaves.
Step two: Make the comfrey ointment
In a pot with a thick base melt about 30g of shaved beeswax over the lowest possible heat. once it is melted slowly add the comfrey oil, stirring continuously until it is well blended. Add half a teaspoon of vitamin E oil to help preserve the ointment and 10-20 drops of your choice of essential oil for fragrance and healing properties (this is optional). Pour the mixture into sterilised jars. If the mixture starts to solidify before you have transferred it all simply heat it up again to make it runny.
