Comfrey - perennial grass growing in forests.
In this article, we will provide a photo and description of comfrey, as well as find out where it grows, let's talk about the application of the plant root and the existing contraindications.
Description
Comfrey (or zhivokost) - tall grass. In the wild, it grows over a wide area from Britain to Japan. Mostly likes wet forests with fertile soil rich in minerals. Although it is a weed, but the thickets almost never occur.
Zivokost has a powerful thick stalk, grows up to one meter in height. It has large fleshy leaves. Blooms buds, similar in appearance to the bells, pink.
The most valuable thing in the comfrey is its strong and big root. Outside it is black, inside is white and juicy, greasy to the touch. 
Did you know? Title "comfrey" in Russian is determined by the favorite place of plant growth - lowlands, ravines, ditches. Another popular name - "zhivokost", common in other Slavic languages, describes the healing properties of the root - help with bone splicing.Flowering occurs in May, and in June there are fruits - nuts, four on each bush.
Chemical composition
The roots contain:
- alkaloids - enhance the medicinal effect;
- tannins;
- glycosides;
- mucus - provide anti-inflammatory effect, analgesic effect;
- gums;
- resins;
- essential oil;
- Allatoin is the main beneficial component of the larkspur. It is because of the high content of this substance that the plant heals wounds so well, splits the bones.
- vitamins B4, B12, C.
What is useful plant?
Comfrey has many useful properties. Drugs based on it have a tonic effect, improve appetite and eliminate digestive problems. Pronounced antimicrobial action.
Did you know? Information about comfrey can be found in ancient Greek works on botany and medicine. Roman soldiers used this plant to heal wounds and fractures. Well spoke about him and Paracelsus.But especially valued live-bones for his regenerative abilities - healing of wounds, accretion of bones. It can also stop bleeding, has a beneficial effect on the skin and its condition.
Application in different areas
Such a set of useful properties simply could not be ignored. On the basis of zhivokost created many tools for use in medicine and cosmetology. The comfrey is best known as a medicine used for joints.
In diseases of the joints lacunosa, scorzonera, green onions, maple, fir, cloves, alokaziya, agave, hops, gentian, cranberries, thuja, autumn crocus, wild roseum are useful.
In medicine
- Used to treat the musculoskeletal system, in diseases of the joints.
- Effectively helps with fractures, arthritis, gout, arthrosis.
- To stop bleeding. It is equally effective with external (allantoin and mucus) and with internal (active substances through the neurohumoral mechanism) bleeding.
- A decoction of the root is useful for chronic bronchitis - due to anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects.
- When problems with the digestive system are prescribed infusion of rhizomes.
- Milk infusion is part of the treatment of bone tuberculosis.
- Ointment on the basis of the liveplant is prescribed for edema, various wounds, ulcers. In such cases, the healing effect of the plant is perfect.
Aconite, milk mushrooms, evening primrose, wax moth tincture, horsetail, black walnut, wheatgrass, heather help with tuberculosis.
In cosmetology
Comfrey extract is used to make baths. This aromatic procedure treats, moisturizes and softens the skin, quickly regenerates cells, heals the skin.
In dermatology, zhivokost used because of its properties to cure psoriasis, acne and other skin diseases, even boils. Herbalists recommend that fresh juice be used to relieve inflammation, acne treatment and minor skin lesions. 
In dentistry
Livestock is actively used in dentistry for the treatment of gums. To get rid of parodontosis, stomatitis use rinse from herbal mixtures with comfrey. Well proven in the treatment of caries.
Contraindications and harm comfrey
Larkspur is not only good, but also harmful. Do not use comfrey in such cases:
- Pregnancy and lactation.
- Individual intolerance to the drug.
Important! Comfrey poisonous! Alkaloids contained in the comfrey (cinoglossin, consolididin, and laziokarpin) can cause paralysis of the central nervous system. In addition, they have carcinogenic properties and cause mutations in the body.
Preparation and storage of medical raw materials
The most valuable part of the plant is considered the roots. In spring or autumn, the roots are dug up and cleaned. Then cut into small slices of 15-20 cm and left to dry. Drying is carried out in warm, well-ventilated areas. The final drying is carried out at a temperature not higher than 40 ° C.
Store in dry rooms in bags, boxes or other containers made from natural materials.
Important! With proper storage, the healing properties of the plant are maintained for up to three years.Flowers, stems and leaves are collected during the flowering period and dried. Next, apply according to recipes.
Larkspur is recognized as a cure for a hundred diseases. It is equally popular in folk and traditional medicine. The main thing in the use of comfrey-based drugs is to strictly follow the dosage and consult a doctor.
