How to Dry Comfrey Leaves

Comfrey is an amazing herbaceous plant that has many uses. Comfrey’s leaves and roots can be used as medicine, the leaves are great for fertilizing and activating compost, and it brings pollinators to the garden. If you dry comfrey leaves the right way, you can use them all year long.

Why Dry Comfrey Leaves?

There are several benefits to drying comfrey leaves:

• Provides comfrey for use during winter or other seasons when it is not growing.

• Makes comfrey easier to store long-term Fresh leaves have high moisture content.

• Allows leaves to be used for making infused herbal oils salves, liniments and more. These all require dried plant material.

• Dried leaves can be used as a nutritious feed supplement for chickens and other livestock during winter

• Dried leaves are better for using as a garden fertilizer compared to fresh, as they won’t take root and spread.

When to Harvest Comfrey Leaves

• Harvest comfrey leaves several times per growing season. Generally harvest when the plant is at least 2 feet tall.

• Cut leaves in the morning after dew has dried to avoid excess moisture.

• Cut off each leaf close to the plant’s base with clean, sharp pruners or scissors. Avoid bruising.

• For best quality, select leaves that are vibrant green and free of holes, dirt or damage.

Drying Methods for Comfrey Leaves

There are several effective techniques for drying comfrey leaves:

Air Drying

This method involves hanging whole leaves or bundles of leaves upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Air circulation speeds drying. Bring indoors at night if dew is an issue. Takes 1-2 weeks to fully dry.

Screens

Lay leaves flat in a single layer on mesh screens. Allows good airflow. Can dry outdoors in shade or indoors near a fan. Takes 3-7 days.

Dehydrator

Place leaves in single layer on dehydrator trays. Use lowest temperature setting. Rotate trays and check frequently. Takes 1-3 days.

Oven

Place the leaves on trays and dry them in the oven at the lowest temperature with the door propped open. Rotate trays and monitor closely to prevent scorching. Takes 1-3 days.

How to Tell When Comfrey is Dry

Properly dried comfrey leaves are brittle and crumble easily when crushed. No moisture should be left. Signs leaves are fully dried:

• Crumble easily in your hands

• No moisture accumulates when leaves are sealed in a glass jar for 1-2 days

• Stems break cleanly rather than bending

• Grayish-green color

Storing Dried Comfrey Leaves

• Place thoroughly dried leaves in airtight glass jars or resealable plastic bags.

• Store in a cool, dark place. Dried comfrey will keep for 1-2 years.

• If leaves show moisture, additional drying time is needed before storage.

Uses for Dried Comfrey Leaves

Dried comfrey has many uses:

• Make comfrey oil infusions for salves, creams or liniments

• Use as a mineral-rich feed supplement for chickens and livestock

• Add to compost piles as an activator

• Make garden fertilizer or mulch from leaves

• Use for poultices to treat sprains, swelling and bruises

• Blend dried leaves into a powder to sprinkle on wounds

• Prepare healing comfrey teas and tinctures (use caution internally)

Drying comfrey leaves at harvest enables you to benefit from comfrey’s healing properties all year long. With proper storage, dried leaves will retain their potency for use when you need them.