Hunting at Roadside III #11

Comfrey (Symphytum) is found in moist grasslands or along riverbanks and ditches. It is a perennial herb that is cold hardy down to −35°C and drought-tolerant. The plant flowers from May to June.

In folklore, Comfrey roots were used in tradition al medicine internally (as a herbal tea or tincture) or externally (as ointment, compresses, or alcoholic extract) for treatment of various disorders.

However, Comfrey is mildly toxic. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are toxic compounds readily absorbed via the stomach or skin, and have potential to increase the risk of fatal liver toxicity. In 2001, the United States Food and Drug Administration issued a ban of comfrey products marketed for internal use, and a warning label for those intended for external use. Comfrey is particularly contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, in infants, and in people with liver, kidney, or vascular diseases.