Looking out the window of my sweet little work space is a lovely herb garden. This is where I pick many of the goodies that end up in my concoctions.  The Comfrey has been teasing me for the past week with it’s blooms …taking it’s sweet time. Now, the buds have burst with beautiful purple flowers!  I’ll be picking some this afternoon to craft some soothing skin tonic. Meanwhile, I’ll share some info on this garden gem…

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale ) is used to treat wounds and reduce the inflammation associated with sprains and broken bones. The roots and leaves contain allantoin, a substance that helps new skin cells grow, along with other substances that reduce inflammation and keep skin healthy. In folk medicine, Comfrey ointments were often applied to the surface of the skin to heal bruises as well as pulled muscles and ligaments, fractures, sprains, strains, and osteoarthritis. A decoction prepared with comfrey root or an infusion prepared with the leaves of the herb makes a wonderful eyewash for tender, inflamed eyes as well as a cleanser for skin conditions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis.