Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Boraginaceae (Borage)
Also in this family:
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Alkanet, Alpine Forget-me-not, Blue-eyed Mary, Borage, Bugloss, Bulbous Comfrey, Bur Forget-me-not, Caucasian Comfrey, Changing Forget-me-not, Common Comfrey, Common Fiddleneck, Common Gromwell, Common Lungwort, Corn Gromwell, Creeping Comfrey, Creeping Forget-me-not, Crimean Comfrey, Early Forget-me-not, False Alkanet, Field Forget-me-not, Garden Anchusa, German Madwort, Giant Viper's Bugloss, Green Alkanet, Green Houndstongue, Hidcote Blue Comfrey, Houndstongue, Mawson's Lungwort, Narrow-leaved Lungwort, Norfolk Comfrey, Oysterplant, Pale Forget-me-not, Purple Gromwell, Purple Viper's Bugloss, Red Lungwort, Russian Comfrey, Scarce Fiddleneck, Siberian Bugloss, Slender Borage, Suffolk Lungwort, Tansy-leaved Phacelia, Tuberous Comfrey, Tufted Forget-me-not, Viper's Bugloss, Water Forget-me-not, White Comfrey, White Forget-me-not, Wood Forget-me-not, Yellow Alkanet
Maximum Size:
160 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Disturbed ground, gardens, parks, seaside.
Rough Comfrey produces tubular, bell-shaped flowers that range in colour from bluish-violet to pinkish-blue. Unlike the deeper cobalt of Symphytum caucasicum, S. asperum often has a more muted, sometimes pink-tinged tone. Flowers are borne in curled cymes, typical of comfreys, and bloom from May to July. This species is highly attractive to bees, particularly bumblebees, due to its rich nectar supply. In hybrid forms (notably Symphytum × uplandicum), it contributes the pink-to-purple flower coloration.
Fruit:
As with other comfreys, the fruit is a hard nutlet, typically formed in groups of four within the calyx. However, S. asperum often fails to produce viable seed, especially in non-native settings. Like many comfreys, it reproduces mostly via rhizomes, leading to dense clumps. Where seeds do develop, they are black or brown and fall close to the parent plant unless carried by water or animals.
Leaves:
The leaves of Rough Comfrey are very coarse and bristly, giving the plant its name. They are large, lanceolate to ovate, and feel rougher than most other Symphytum species, even on the underside. The stem is stout and winged, with leafy extensions running down from the base of the leaves. Leaves form a basal rosette, with alternate leaves climbing the stem. This robust foliage makes it well suited to being used in compost heaps or as a green manure.
Fragrance:
Rough Comfrey has no notable fragrance. The flowers are unscented to humans, though bees may detect faint chemical cues. The leaves, when crushed, emit a mildly musty or green scent, characteristic of mucilaginous plants in the borage family. The plant is grown more for its structure and garden utility than for scent.
Other Names:
Persian Comfrey, Prickly Comfrey.
Summary
Symphytum asperum, also known as rough comfrey or prickly comfrey, is a species of flowering plant in the Boraginaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia and has been introduced to other parts of the world as an ornamental plant. This species is known for its large, hairy leaves and clusters of bell-shaped flowers that can be purple, pink, or white. The plant is often used in traditional medicine and is known for its medicinal properties, including its ability to reduce inflammation and stimulate cell growth. It is also sometimes used in herbal remedies to treat wounds and broken bones. Symphytum asperum is often used as a parent plant in the creation of comfrey hybrids, such as Symphytum x uplandicum.
Blog
Rough Comfrey (Symphytum asperum) is a hardy and versatile herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and as a natural remedy. It is a member of the Boraginaceae family and is native to Europe and Asia. This herb is known for its many medicinal properties and has been used to treat a wide range of conditions, including wounds, joint pain, and respiratory issues. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the benefits of Rough Comfrey and how it can be used for natural healing.
History of Rough Comfrey
Rough Comfrey has a long history of use in traditional medicine. In ancient Greece, the herb was known as "knitbone" due to its ability to speed up the healing of broken bones. In medieval times, it was used to treat wounds, bruises, and other injuries, and it was also believed to have soothing properties for the respiratory system.
Medicinal Properties of Rough Comfrey
The leaves and roots of Rough Comfrey contain a variety of compounds that make it a valuable natural remedy. These compounds include allantoin, rosmarinic acid, and pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain-relieving properties. The herb also contains high levels of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorus.
Wound Healing
One of the most well-known uses of Rough Comfrey is its ability to promote wound healing. The allantoin in the herb stimulates the growth of new tissue and helps to speed up the healing process. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of the herb can help to reduce swelling and pain, making it a useful remedy for bruises, sprains, and other injuries.
Joint Pain
Rough Comfrey has also been used to treat joint pain and inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties of the herb can help to reduce swelling and relieve pain in the joints, making it a valuable remedy for conditions like arthritis and gout. Additionally, the high levels of calcium and phosphorus in the herb can help to strengthen bones and improve joint health.
Respiratory Issues
Rough Comfrey has been used to treat a variety of respiratory issues, including bronchitis, asthma, and coughs. The anti-inflammatory properties of the herb can help to soothe the respiratory system and reduce symptoms like coughing and wheezing. Additionally, the high levels of vitamin C in the herb can help to boost the immune system and protect against respiratory infections.
How to Use Rough Comfrey
Rough Comfrey can be used in a variety of forms, including teas, tinctures, ointments, and poultices. To make a tea, simply steep the leaves in hot water for 10-15 minutes. To make a tincture, steep the leaves in alcohol for several weeks and then strain the liquid. Ointments and poultices can be made by mixing the crushed leaves with a carrier oil or beeswax.
Safety Considerations
While Rough Comfrey has many medicinal benefits, it is important to be aware of its potential side effects. The herb contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic in large amounts. Long-term use of the herb can lead to liver damage and other health problems, so it is important to use it in moderation and under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Additionally, pregnant women should avoid using Rough Comfrey, as the pyrrolizidine alkaloids can cause birth defects.
Growing Rough Comfrey
If you are interested in incorporating Rough Comfrey into your natural health routine, you can easily grow the herb in your garden. Rough Comfrey is a hardy perennial that is easy to grow and maintain. It prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun, and it is also relatively drought-resistant. The herb will typically bloom from spring to early summer and can reach up to three feet in height.
Incorporating Rough Comfrey into Your Routine
Whether you are using Rough Comfrey to treat a specific health condition or simply to boost your overall well-being, there are many ways to incorporate the herb into your routine. Consider drinking a cup of Rough Comfrey tea daily, or apply a poultice of the crushed leaves to any sore or inflamed joints. You can also add a few drops of Rough Comfrey tincture to your daily health regimen to enjoy its many benefits.
In conclusion, Rough Comfrey is a versatile and valuable herb that can be used for a variety of health benefits. From promoting wound healing to relieving joint pain, Rough Comfrey has a lot to offer for those looking for natural ways to improve their health and well-being. Just be sure to use it responsibly and under the supervision of a healthcare professional, and you can enjoy its many benefits for years to come.
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