Is there a way to heal a fractured bone quickly? Comfrey is an herb that has the unique ability to mend skin and bones. Broken bones can easily be healed by using Comfrey. Comfrey has been given a nickname ‘ The Kintbone Herb’. It heals the skin and the bones by causing the cells to grow rapidly and at a faster pace than normal which ultimately helps in binding the skin and the bones.  Comfrey is a herb which is in use for a long period of time. Traditionally, Comfrey has been used as a folk medicine. It was used to treat a variety of diseases and ailments such as muscle and joint pains, broken bones, fractures, healing wounds and cuts, burns, sprains, bruises etc.

Comfrey is a leafy green plant, which was previously used as a feed crop and medicine for animals.  But due to the presence of dangerous levels of toxic alkaloids, oral consumption of Comfrey is not preferred. It’s continuous and regular use can lead to severe liver injury and death. Therefore, it is commonly included in salves and creams. These creams generally also contain Aloe Vera, Goldenseal, and Vitamin E. The creams can be used to treat minor wounds and bruises. Comfrey should not be ingested or applied to broken skin. Therefore, it should not be applied to cuts and scrapes. It is important to note that Comfrey should not be applied for more than 4-6 weeks in a year or for more than 10 days in a row. For children, the dosage should be even less.

Allantoin is the compound that is responsible for the growth of new skin cells and has the ability to regenerate connective tissues. This compound is generally found in the roots and leaves of the Comfrey plant. Rosmarinic Acid and Tannins are also present in Comfrey plant, which helps the skin grow. Although the leaves and roots are rich in protein, vitamin B12, and anti-oxidants, it is dangerous to use the roots and the new leaves as they have a greater concentration of the poisonous alkaloids.  Most creams and capsules which have Comfrey as an ingredient, usually contain whole leaves. Comfrey can be used in beauty creams and treatments if used in low concentrations. The plant secrets a fluid called Mucilage, which is beneficial in obtaining healthy and soft skin. It is also known for its soothing properties, and due to the presence of Allantoin, the skin cells also get regenerated.

Allantoin is a safe compound as it has been found in the human placenta and breast milk. Therefore, it is safe to use on children as well.  When rubbed directly on the skin, it is known to reduce pain and inflation.

11 Must Know Health Benefits of Comfrey Herb for Children

Here are 11 amazing benefits of Comfrey herb especially for Children –

Wound Healing

When applied directly to the skin, Comfrey helps in healing rashes and irritation. It contains a high level of antioxidant components along with Vitamin C, which makes Comfrey creams, salves and pastes the perfect solution to treat minor wounds and bruises. Application of Comfrey speeds up the process of healing of wounds. The antioxidants present in Comfrey are also useful in cleaning the body and eliminating toxins. They also help in preventing cell death. Vitamin C is an important compound required for regeneration and production of new cells.

Diaper Rash

Ointments and gels which are used for diaper rash should contain a little amount Comfrey, as they easily relieve the baby from the irritation and soothes the skin. When Comfrey is added in a limited amount, it is mild and doesn’t harm the baby’s sensitive skin. But care should be taken to check for any side-effects or allergies, as an ointment or cream may not suit the baby.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Comfrey works in a similar way as an Analgesic substance. It contains Saponins and Tannis, which are substances known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Creams and salves containing Comfrey are extremely useful if someone suffers from inflammatory disorders.  Oils and creams containing Comfrey can be easily used to treat this.

Eases Digestion

Children frequently suffer from digestive problems.  The secretion of digestive juices is increased by using Comfrey leaves. This results in quick digestion of food and prevents and cures problems like acidity, and heartburn.

Reduced Pain

Applying Comfrey lotion on areas where one suffers from any sort of chronic pain, can help reduce and heal the injury. Creams and lotions containing Comfrey can also be used after and while recovering from any surgeries, as it can quickly soothe the pain. Analgesic properties of the Herb are very valuable. The antioxidants and organic compounds found in Comfrey eases the aches and pain.

Boost Immune System

Children are more susceptible to catch allergies or diseases as their immune system is in the process of strengthening. Comfrey can be used to speed up the process and boost the immune system. As Vitamin C is a major component of Comfrey, it helps in stimulating the production of White Blood Cells in the body. An improved immune system can prevent the child from catching diseases like Jaundice, bacterial, fungal or parasitic infection, and deficiencies of various vitamins.

Treats Skin Diseases

As children have the tendency to touch anything within their reach, it is possible for them to catch some serious skin disease. Comfrey can be used to reduce the effect of the disease and soothe the skin. Skin diseases like Psoriasis, Eczema, and Ulcers can be cured by Comfrey.

Read more: Common Skin Problems in Children

Better Bone Growth

Comfrey has been given the nickname ‘The Knitbone Herb’ because it helps in speeding up the process of healing and regenerating the broken bones in the body. Comfrey is rich in calcium, which is a very important ingredient in bone growth. It provides the body various important vitamins and minerals which are extremely useful for healing.

Read more: Health Benefits of Bone Marrow for Children

Soothes Throat Problems

Every child suffers from throat problems such as a sore throat, tonsillitis, and ulcers. Comfrey leaves along with warm water and salt can be used to gargle and mouthwash. Comfrey helps in clearing the mucus and cough and leaves a soothing sensation after use.  However,  care should be taken that the child does not swallow Comfrey.

Improved Respiratory Health

With the increasing levels of pollution these days, it is very easy for children to catch some respiratory problems. Inhaling and rubbing the paste of Comfrey leaves can give immediate relief to the child and clear the congestion in the respiratory tract.

Skin Care

Children have sensitive skin. Therefore it is important to protect their skin from the harsh UV lights and the environmental pollution. Comfrey can be used to treat sunburns and reduce the irritation. Due to the presence of Vitamin C, Antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, Comfrey is the perfect solution to ease any kind of skin irritation.

Hope this article was of help for all our parents!! Please share your comments/queries/tips with us and help us create a world full of Happy and Healthy Babies!!