Post by sam on Feb 22, 2006 6:28:02 GMT -5
Also known as knitbone and ass-ear.
As we are looking at what to use for healing, tonight’s herb is comfrey, which I have bought along tonight for you all to have a look at. Comfrey is a perennial herb with a black turnip-like root and large, hairy, broad leaves that bear small bell-shaped white, cream, purple or pink flowers.
It is native to Europe and grows in damp, grassy places such as river banks and ditches. Please note though that comfrey can be mistaken for the poisonous foxglove when blooming, so please be careful if you do go looking for any. Its name comes from the Latin “con firma” meaning “with strength” and this was because of the plants reputed power to make broken bones heal more quickly.
Comfrey has been used as a healing herb since ancient Greek and Roman times. The Greeks used it to stop heavy bleeding and to treat bronchial problems while the Romans used it in poultices for external wounds and drank it as a tea for internal ailments such as stomach disorders. Another interesting fact is that in the past comfrey baths were very popular with women as they repaired the hymen, thus restoring their virginity!
Since then though comfrey has been used to treat a wide variety of ailments ranging from bronchial problems, broken bones, sprains, arthritis, gastric and varicose ulcers, severe burns, acne and other skin conditions. It is also a great ingredient to use in lotions to soothe sunburn but recent research has shown that it can cause liver damage and that it prevents iron absorption so it is therefore not recommended to take comfrey internally anymore.
In magic a comfrey leaf helps you hold onto money that you have or money that you have acquired through gambling. The root can be carried for safety and good health while travelling or away from home. It is also an herb of protection, ruled by Saturn and Capricorn and is a good herb to include in any magical healing. It is also an ideal herb to burn when honouring the Crone aspect of the Goddess.
Hot soak for sprains and sore muscles.
Require:
1oz rosemary
1oz comfrey
1 gallon of hot water
Bring the above to a boil, cover and let steep till cool enough to use. Either soak the sore area in this mix or dip a clean towel in and use as a compress.
As we are looking at what to use for healing, tonight’s herb is comfrey, which I have bought along tonight for you all to have a look at. Comfrey is a perennial herb with a black turnip-like root and large, hairy, broad leaves that bear small bell-shaped white, cream, purple or pink flowers.
It is native to Europe and grows in damp, grassy places such as river banks and ditches. Please note though that comfrey can be mistaken for the poisonous foxglove when blooming, so please be careful if you do go looking for any. Its name comes from the Latin “con firma” meaning “with strength” and this was because of the plants reputed power to make broken bones heal more quickly.
Comfrey has been used as a healing herb since ancient Greek and Roman times. The Greeks used it to stop heavy bleeding and to treat bronchial problems while the Romans used it in poultices for external wounds and drank it as a tea for internal ailments such as stomach disorders. Another interesting fact is that in the past comfrey baths were very popular with women as they repaired the hymen, thus restoring their virginity!
Since then though comfrey has been used to treat a wide variety of ailments ranging from bronchial problems, broken bones, sprains, arthritis, gastric and varicose ulcers, severe burns, acne and other skin conditions. It is also a great ingredient to use in lotions to soothe sunburn but recent research has shown that it can cause liver damage and that it prevents iron absorption so it is therefore not recommended to take comfrey internally anymore.
In magic a comfrey leaf helps you hold onto money that you have or money that you have acquired through gambling. The root can be carried for safety and good health while travelling or away from home. It is also an herb of protection, ruled by Saturn and Capricorn and is a good herb to include in any magical healing. It is also an ideal herb to burn when honouring the Crone aspect of the Goddess.
Hot soak for sprains and sore muscles.
Require:
1oz rosemary
1oz comfrey
1 gallon of hot water
Bring the above to a boil, cover and let steep till cool enough to use. Either soak the sore area in this mix or dip a clean towel in and use as a compress.
