Friday Foraging #121 - 2nd May 2025

Comfrey

Latin name Symphytum officinale and also called Knitbone, boneset and slippery root many years ago. It is in the Boraginaceae family the same as Borage. Both of which are huge bee and butterfly feeders. sop always ensure the wildlife gets its fill before you harvest everything.

It is a well known plant that thrives in damp meadows, riverbanks, and hedgerows across the UK, it is prolific, so if you grow it in your garden, you’ll have it for life hahaha.

It is easily recognised by its drooping, bell-shaped purple flowers and rough, hairy leaves. It has large, hairy, broad leaves which feel rough to the touch because of the stiff hairs. The flowers are small and bell-shaped and come in various colours, typically cream or purple depending which strain it is. The roots which can also be used are thin and knobbly.

It is a hardy perennial and has been used for centuries in traditional herbal medicine. Rich in allantoin, comfrey has long been valued for its skin-healing properties, often used in salves and poultices to support wound healing and soothe inflammation. Beyond its medicinal uses, Comfrey is a favourite among gardeners, earning the nickname “nature’s fertiliser” due to its deep roots that draw up nutrients from the soil. Its leaves can be used to make a powerful compost tea, helping enrich the garden naturally, I love to take 2/3 leaves and place them in a large container with hot water, allow them to break down and then use the brown coloured water as a liquid fertiliser. You can also just remove the leaves at the end of the season and place them over the soil, they will break down automatically and nourish your garden as they do.

As with all plants they do have contra-indications, so do your own research before foraging.