Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale): Natural Herbal Medicines

Comfrey was used by our forefathers to promote rapid recovery of bone fractures, due to its healing properties.

Comfrey, Plant Description:

From the family Boraginaceae, comfrey is a perennial herb, that grows between 60 and 100 cm high (2 to 3 feet), with black roots that branch out.  These can be as thick as a finger. The stem is straight, angular, bristly and leathery, with branches at the top. The flowers are regular and hang downwards forming tight peaks and are placed at the end of the branches. The comfrey flowers are pink, white, violet or purple, and form a funnel-shaped cup.

Comfrey, History and Symbolism:

This plant, also known as Donkey´s Ears, was recorded by Anazarbeo Dioscorides, a physician, pharmacologist and botanist of ancient Greece as the ideal remedy to relieve muscle strains, sprains and strains. The leaves and roots of comfrey have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. At present, studies on the effectiveness and compatibility of medicines containing the extract, published by the University of Cologne, Germany, certify that the comfrey plant has decongestant properties as well as anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Origin And Distribution:

Comfrey grows naturally in wet and soggy ground. It is native to Europe and western Asia, but now also grown in North America.

Extraction:

Primarily the  root and rhizome (an underground horizontal plant stem), although the leaves are also used to a lesser degree.

Comfrey Benefits and Properties:

Astringent, hemostatic, helps heal wounds, soothing, detoxifying and revitalizing.

Comfrey is rich in allantoin and mucilage  - major components that promote healing.
You will find comfrey in naturopathy gels for treatment of bruises, sprains and dislocations. Thanks to its very potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory characteristics it is often used to prevent and reduce bruising. (Topical application of the cream).


Comfrey Application Guide:

Gels and creams made from comfrey extracts are utilized as a topical application.

Ailment Guide:

Skeletal System:

  • Fractures and bone injuries.
  • Muscle tears, sprains, dislocations.
  • Tendinitis, bursitis. Torticollis.
  • Rheumatism, arthritis and osteoarthritis.
  • Bunions, deformities of the extremities.
  • Herniated disk, inter vertebral disc injuries.
  • Pain caused by amputations.

Circulatory System:

  • Poor circulation, varicose veins.

Skin:

  • Wounds, burns, fistulas, psoriasis

Comfrey Natural Products Presentations:

Gels and creams

Some types of eczema, varicose ulcers, cracks in the breasts. Applying a  mask of gel or cream for vitalizing facial and body skin.

Caution: It is important to note that its use should be limited to a topical application, as a prolonged internal use is dangerous because it contains alkaloids dangerous to the liver which can cause chronic damage. Experts agree external comfrey should only e used externally.

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Cedar: Natural Herbal Remedies

Cedar oil has been prized since antiquity as this aromatic wood gives of a warm, balsamic aroma that is at the same time sweet and invites you to meditate.

It belongs to the Pinaceae family and is a large tree that can reach 130 feet in height and has a long life. Its wood is highly resistant to climatic influences and insects.

History and Symbolism of Cedar

The word “cedar” comes from the Latin cedrus, which in turn comes from the Greek Kedros. Cedar is a Semitic word that means the power of spiritual strength and a symbol of constancy in faith. One of the first uses of its aroma oil was for temple incense, which may have contributed to its mystical image. The ancient Egyptians regarded it as a wonder oil and used it in medicine, in cosmetics, in the processes of embalming and to incense their temples. This oil was also an oriental medicine in the treatment of gonorrhea when sandal oil was unavailable.

Origin and Georaphical Distribution of Cedar

This type of cedar grows in North Africa, more precisely in the mountains of Morocco and Algeria. The American variety is very good for use in perfumery, but for therapeutic purposes is necessary to find the true cedar of Moroccan descent.

Essentialo Oil Extraction of Cedar

It contains a very powerful oil which is extracted by steam distillation of wood; it is yellowish, very viscous, with a warm woody fragrance.

Medicinal Properties of Cedar

  • Among its medicinal properties we can highlight that it is antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, expectorant and is often used as an insect repellent.
  • It is used in treatments for dermatitis and eczema.
  • It is also recommended against fungal infections.
  • It promotes blood circulation, removing cellulite and beneficial for those with water retention problems.
  • Additionally it is good for oily skin and itchy scalps.
  • It is also an expectorant making it especially useful in catarrhal and chronic bronchitis.
  • For urinary tract problems is recommended to use it in compresses and it has a tonic effect on the kidneys.

On an emotional level:

Its scent provides a relaxing, soothing and balancing sensation, which encourages reflection, reduces anxiety, nervous tension and stress conditions. Helps dispel feelings of anger and fear. Provides comfort and courage in difficult situations by encouraging self-confidence. Help you perceive situations objectively and stay emotionally balanced. It also has aphrodisiac properties.

Solutions Guide

Nervous System: Calming (antidepressant) Stimulating and energizing and inspiring. Aphrodisiac (baths, massages, vaporized and inhaled).

Skin: Oily skin, acne, eczema and itching of all kinds. Seborrhea and alopecia (bathrooms, dilution)

Respiratory System: Colds and bronchitis (inhalation)

Urinary system: Cystitis (bath seat and pads)


Natural products available in Cedar

  • Essential oils specially formulated to combat stress
  • Sandalwood Bath Essence

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