How to Make Comfrey Oil: A Step-by-Step Guide

Comfrey oil is an ancient herbal remedy that has been used for over 2000 years to treat a variety of ailments, It is made by infusing comfrey leaves or roots in a carrier oil like olive or almond oil

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a perennial herb that grows in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America It has hairy, lance-shaped leaves and bell-shaped flowers that can be white, cream, pinkish, or purple

When applied to the skin, comfrey’s allantoin, rosmarinic acid, tannins, and other chemicals make it a powerful healer. In the past, it was used to treat burns, sprains, bruises, arthritis, sore muscles and joints, and small cuts and scrapes.

However, comfrey also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can damage the liver when ingested, so it should never be taken internally. The roots contain higher levels of these alkaloids than the leaves.

Benefits of Comfrey Oil

When applied externally, comfrey oil can provide the following benefits:

• Accelerates healing of wounds, sprains, pulled muscles and fractures
• Reduces pain and inflammation associated with injuries
• Soothes arthritis pain when massaged into joints
• Moisturizes and softens skin
• Minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines

Comparberry extract has been shown to help new skin cells grow up to 58% faster than usual, according to research.

How to Make Comfrey Oil

Making your own comfrey oil at home is inexpensive and easy to do. Here are two methods:

Method 1: Using Dried Comfrey Leaves

What you’ll need:

• 1 cup dried comfrey leaves
• 1 cup carrier oil like olive oil or sweet almond oil
• A clean, sterile jar
• Cheesecloth
• Fine mesh strainer

Instructions:

1. Fill your jar about 2/3 full with the dried comfrey leaves. Shred or tear them to increase surface area.

2. Pour the carrier oil over the leaves until the jar is full, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.

3. Place the lid on the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar daily.

4. After 4-6 weeks, strain the oil through a cheesecloth-lined mesh strainer into a bowl.

5. Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract all the oil then discard the leaves.

6. Once the comfrey oil is done, put it in dark bottles and keep them somewhere cool and dark for up to a year.

Method 2: Using Fresh Comfrey Leaves

What you’ll need:

• 2 cups fresh comfrey leaves, chopped
• 1 cup carrier oil like olive oil or sweet almond oil
• Small saucepan
• Fine mesh strainer
• Jar or bottle for storage

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan over low heat, combine the chopped comfrey leaves and carrier oil.

2. Warm the mixture gently for 30-45 minutes. Don’t let it reach a boil.

3. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

4. Pour the oil through a mesh strainer into a jar or bottle.

5. Discard the strained leaves.

6. Store the finished comfrey oil in the fridge up to 6 months.

How to Use Comfrey Oil

There are many ways to use your homemade comfrey oil topically:

• Massage it directly into sore muscles and joints
• Apply to minor cuts, wounds or insect bites
• Use as a moisturizer to hydrate dry skin
• Mix into skin salves and creams
• Make a healing poultice by adding oil to comfrey leaves
• Apply lightly under eyes to reduce puffiness and wrinkles
• Rub onto scalp to stimulate hair growth

Do not ingest comfrey oil or use on broken skin, as the alkaloids can be absorbed rapidly. Always consult your doctor before using herbal remedies.

Made-at-home comfrey oil is a must-have for any natural medicine cabinet because it can be used for so many things and is very good for you. It’s easy to make, too.