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One of our favorite things about growing food and beneficial plants is coming across plants with surprising benefits. It truly makes you realize that the Creator of all things gave us everything we need. It's all available to us in nature. And if you follow us on social media, you probably know one of the most mind-blowing plants we've come across is the comfrey plant. In this post we're breaking down what it is, where it's found, potential comfrey plant benefits, and more for those who want to learn more!
Comfrey is a perennial herb that grows in clumps and can reach 2–4 feet tall. It has broad leaves and bell-shaped flowers that can be purple, pink, or white. It’s hardy and can thrive in a variety of conditions, making it a great addition to your garden whether you're a beginner or an experienced grower.
One of the coolest things about comfrey? It can grow from just root clippings, so you don't even need to start with a full plant. A small piece of root is enough to get a whole new comfrey plant going!
Comfrey is incredibly adaptable. It grows best in temperate climates (USDA Hardiness Zones 3–9) and prefers well-drained soil with lots of organic matter and consistent moisture. It does well in full sun or partial shade, but it tends to thrive more with more sun. Just keep in mind that comfrey can spread easily due to its deep roots, so it's best to plant it in a contained area or use barriers to keep it from taking over.
If you want to start growing comfrey at home, you have a few options for where to find the plant or root cuttings. Check out options like:
Many growers prefer buying root cuttings since they're easier to ship and often more affordable than live plants.
Comfrey is an incredible plant for gardeners. Its deep roots pull nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus from deep in the soil, making it what's called a "dynamic accumulator." Here's how you can use it:
You might also hear comfrey called "knitbone" because of its traditional medicinal uses for healing. It’s been used for centuries in traditional medicine, especially for external healing. The plant contains allantoin, which may help promote cell regeneration. Historically, people have used comfrey for:
Important Note: This is not medical advice, and you should always consult with a doctor or medical professional before using comfrey for healing purposes. Use caution when applying comfrey to broken skin, and never ingest comfrey internally—it contains compounds that can potentially harm the liver. When used externally on unbroken skin, it's generally considered safe, but always do your research and talk to a healthcare provider first.
Comfrey is just one example of the amazing plants you can grow at home that offer real benefits for your health and your garden. When you start growing your own food and beneficial plants, you'll be amazed at how much nature provides for free.
If you're ready to start your own garden journey, our book The More We Grow The More We'll See Everything We Need is Free is the perfect guide to help you get started. It's packed with practical advice for growing food and beneficial plants right at home.
Be sure to keep an eye on our YouTube channel or Facebook page for more videos about the comfrey plant benefits as we learn and grow! Here are a few quick links to get started:
From time to time, the Naturalite team will do drawings to give away beneficial plants like comfrey. Sign up using the form below for a chance to be a winner in our next drawing!