COMFREY
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                                    CULTIVATION:
     Comfrey  is  a hardy perennial up to  5 feet in height, with large, hairy,
     lance-shaped  leaves  and thick, spreading  root. It has bell-like flowers
     which may be white, blue, or purple.

     Comfrey  needs  full sun and rich soil  to  grow. Take root offsets ( root
     section  with growing tip ) anytime except midwinter. Transplant and set 2
     feet  apart. For a higher nutritious yield, give each plant a bucketful of
     crude manure in spring and again in late summer.

     Pick  leaves in midsummer, and dig up roots in late autumn or winter. Wash
     harvested  roots  thoroughly and cut them  into slices to dry. Then powder
     them in blender or coffee grinder. Store in sealed container. Dry leaves.


                                  CULINARY  USES:
     Comfrey  was  once  cooked and served as  a  vegetable,  or added fresh to
     salads. Today it is no longer considered safe to eat.


                                   MEDICAL  USES:
     Comfrey  may reduce swelling, and may relieve inflammation. This is due to
     the healing properties of Allantoin, a chemical in the plant that promotes
     cell   growth.   Allantoin   is   the   active   ingredient   in   several
     over-the-counter  skin  creams.  For wound  treatment,  comfrey  roots are
     preferable to the leaves. Roots contain more than twice as much Allantoin.
     However,  be  sure  to wash wounds  thoroughly  with soap and water before
     applying comfrey.

     Considered  of  benefit  in  neuralgia  and  rheumatism,  and  it  is used
     occasionally in the treatment of varicose veins.

     Comfrey is a good treatment for minor crushed finger and toes. Soaking the
     damaged  toe or finger as long as you  can in an infusion of comfrey root.
     Comfrey  is healing and helps to sooth the pain. When used externally as a
     poultice or compress, comfrey seems to pose no hazard. The toxic compounds
     are neither absorbed by the body nor processed by the liver.


                                      WARNING:
     Some  research show that certain chemical  compounds in comfrey leaves and
     roots  become toxic. This is a slow  and cumulative process, and may cause
     liver   damage  and  cancer.  Comfrey  should  not  be  taken  internally,
     especially  since  there  are other safer herbs  that  can  be used in its
     place.

                                  COSMETIC  USES:
     The  Swiss writer, Dr. Vogel places great faith in comfrey and comments on
     the  salve  made from it, saying, in  fact, that wrinkles, crow's feet, or
     aging  skin  will be regenerated by  continuous use. Use comfrey in creams
     and  lotions  for  rough  and  damaged  skin.  It  can  also  sooth  scalp
     irritation.

     SIMPLE  MOISTURIZER  :  In  a bowl set over  a  pan  of  hot water, melt 1
     tablespoon  each of Lanolin, honey, almond  oil, and wax. Remove from heat
     and  add  an comfrey leave infusion.  Whisk  the mixture until it's thick,
     creamy and cold. Store in covered bottle.