− | '''Comfrey''' (''Symphytum officinale'' L.) is a perennial herb of the [[family (biology)|family]] [[Boraginaceae]] with a black, turnip-like root and large, hairy broad leaves that bears small bell-shaped white, cream, light purple or pink flowers. It is native to [[Europe]], growing in damp, grassy places, and is widespread throughout Ireland and Britain on river banks and ditches. Comfrey has long been recognised by both organic gardeners and herbalists for its great usefulness and versatility; of particular interest is the “Bocking 14” cultivar of Russian Comfrey (''Symphytum x uplandicum''). | + | '''''Symphytum officinale''''' is a [[perennial]] [[flowering plant]] of the genus ''[[Symphytum]]'' in the family [[Boraginaceae]]. Along with several other species of ''Symphytum'', it is commonly known as [[comfrey]]. |
| + | Comfrey has been used in [[folk medicine]] as a [[poultice]] for treating burns and wounds. However, internal consumption, such as in the form of [[herbal tea]], is discouraged, as it can cause serious liver damage.<ref>http://journals.cambridge.org/download.php?file=%2FPHN%2FPHN7_07%2FS1368980004001156a.pdf&code=f5f837200b6f79862cf84720c13bb8d5</ref> |