Organic Herbal Salve
$22.00
A garden classic, trusted for generations.
Love an old-fashioned herbal favourite? Did you know comfrey has been nicknamed knitbone in traditional folk use for centuries? Explore this time-honoured herb and see why it keeps its place in the cupboard.
Comfrey is a leafy herb with a long history in country medicine cabinets. Old names such as knitbone hint at how it was traditionally used on bruised or strained areas of the body. Today it is found mostly in creams, ointments and balms for external use. The leaves and roots contain allantoin and rosmarinic acid, two compounds linked to its skin-soothing reputation.
Delivery: Usually arrives within 3 days to 2 weeks.
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Benefits & common uses
Benefits
- Traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to soothe and support the skin and muscles when applied externally.
- Traditionally used topically for minor bruises and sprains.
- May help soothe stiff, overworked muscles when massaged in.
- Helps soften and moisturise dry skin (cosmetic use).
- Contains allantoin, an ingredient used in skincare for conditioning.
- Traditionally used for external comfort after minor knocks.
What people commonly use it for
- Bruises and minor knocks (Traditional use, with some clinical support for topical extracts)
- Sore, overworked muscles (Some clinical studies suggest topical comfrey eases discomfort)
- Back and joint stiffness after activity (Some clinical studies suggest benefit from comfrey ointments)
- Dry, rough skin (Traditional use; allantoin is well known for skin softening)
- Minor sprains and strains (Some clinical studies suggest topical use may help comfort)
Suggested to use alongside
- Arnica: Traditionally used on the skin for sore muscles
- Calendula: Gentle herbal skin care for dry, sensitive skin
- Herbal salve: Convenient balm for topical herbal use
The science behind it
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) contains allantoin, rosmarinic acid, mucilage and tannins. Allantoin is a widely used cosmetic ingredient that helps soften and smooth the outer skin layer. Rosmarinic acid is a polyphenol with antioxidant activity, and the mucilage forms a soothing film on skin.
Several small clinical trials, mostly in Europe, have looked at comfrey root extract ointments applied to the back, to ankle sprains and to sore muscles. Participants generally reported less discomfort and improved movement compared with placebo, though study sizes were modest (Cochrane review on topical herbal treatments, 2014).
Why external use only. Comfrey naturally contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can stress the liver if taken internally in meaningful amounts. For this reason oral comfrey products are restricted or banned in many countries. Topical preparations are used on intact skin and are formulated to keep alkaloid levels low, and absorption through skin is much lower than by mouth.
Comfrey has a long tradition of use in Western herbal medicine as a poultice or ointment. Modern products often use root extracts, which can be standardised for allantoin content. Leaf and root differ in their make-up, so the plant part used on the label matters.
Product details & ingredients
- Form: Cream / balm
- Organic
Net Content: 50g
Reduces inflammation: The herbal ingredients in the cream can help to reduce inflammation and redness on the skin.
Natural ingredients: The herbal soothing cream is made with natural ingredients, which can be gentler on the skin compared to products with synthetic ingredients.
How to use:
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. This information is general in nature and not medical advice. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
Supplier ref: Organic Herbal Salve- Comfrey Organic Herbal Salve Cream Ointment M6M0
Common questions
What is comfrey used for?
Comfrey is traditionally used on the skin as a cream or ointment to soothe minor bruises, sprains and sore muscles. It is also used for dry skin.
Why is it called knitbone?
Old herbalists used comfrey poultices around strained areas, and the name reflects that traditional use. It does not mean it has been proven to mend bones.
Can I take comfrey internally?
No. Comfrey contains compounds that are unsuitable for internal use, so choose it only as an external product.
How often can I apply comfrey cream?
Most products suggest applying to the area a few times a day. Follow the label and limit use to short periods.
Can I put comfrey on broken skin?
No, only use it on intact skin. Avoid open cuts and wounds.
How long does comfrey take to work?
Many people notice a soothing feeling within days of regular use. Trials generally ran for one to three weeks.
Safety
For external use only, on unbroken skin, for short periods. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and do not use on young children. Keep away from the eyes and mouth, and patch test first.
About the maker
This product comes from a smaller independent supplier. Supporting small and family-owned makers is a big part of what we do.
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