Comfrey is a perennial herb that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is known for its large, hairy leaves and bell-shaped flowers, which can be purple, blue, or white. The plant is native to Europe and Asia but has been cultivated in various parts of the world for its medicinal and agricultural uses. Comfrey has a deep root system that helps it absorb nutrients from the soil, making it a valuable plant for improving soil health. Traditionally, comfrey has been used in herbal medicine to treat wounds, inflammation, and bone fractures due to its high content of allantoin, a substance that promotes cell growth. However, it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic to the liver if ingested in large quantities. Because of this, its internal use is often restricted or cautioned. In gardening, comfrey is used as a natural fertilizer and mulch, as its leaves are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
