Comfrey, also called boneset, bruisewort and radix consolidate, is a
flowering perennial original to Eurasia and now distributed throughout
temperate zones in North America. Although the plant is considered an
invasive weed by some, it is also grown as an ornamental due to its
drooping, bell-shaped flowers that range in color from yellow to red or
violet.
In Japan, comfrey has been cultivated for more than 2,000
years. The plant also has a long history of use in Asia and Europe as a
agent, usually prepared as a poultice.
However, because the leaf and root contain several hepatotoxic
pyrrolizidine alkaloids, the internal use of this herb is limited to
homeopathic formulations.
