Comfrey and Strength
Symphytum officinale
Comfrey is a beautiful addition to a perennial bed. It dies down in the winter, but quickly emerges in the spring with the appearance of long arrow-shaped, hairy leaves. By early summer, the plant is tall and stately, with delicate, blue bell-shaped flowers.
Comfrey has been recognized for thousands of years as a healing herb. In the past, the roots and leaves were used internally and externally to speed the healing of wounds, sprains, and broken bones. Symphytum comes from the Greek word symphis, which means the growing together of bones. Other common names for the plant include knitbone and knitback, indicating this resonance with healing and strengthening bones.
Comfrey contains allantoin, a protein that promotes healing. External application of comfrey with salves, oils, and poultices has proven its efficacy in reducing pain and speeding healing, but herbalists no longer recommend taking comfrey internally.
Because of its relationship to healing bruises and broken bones, comfrey’s correspondence is strength. In addition to strengthening bones, comfrey lends strength to the garden. Comfrey is known as a dynamic accumulator, a plant that reaches deep into the soil to pull calcium, magnesium, potassium, and other minerals up into its leaves and stems. The plant can be cut and used as mulch or added to the compost to help strengthen the entire garden. In my Denver garden, I get three crops of comfrey every summer.
Comfrey’s contribution to the garden does not end there. Its deep roots help break up clay and hard soil. It’s also a great companion plant in orchards because the bell-shaped flowers attract a multitude of bees. Comfrey easily propagates from root cuttings, and I’ve been able share the wealth of comfrey with many friends.
We often think of strength as a personal attribute—plants or individuals can be strong during challenging weather or situations. However, comfrey’s correspondence of strength is one that is shared with others. It creates a stronger and healthier garden and community. As you mindfully focus on strength, be aware of this expanded meaning.
Morning Attunement Questions
• What connections do I have with comfrey and strength?
• Where else in the green world or in my life do I observe strength?
• What does this correspondence feel like?
• How can I describe this energetic attribute of strength in words or pictures?
• Where does this correspondence of strength resonate most strongly in or around my body or in my life?
Daily Integration Questions
• In what ways is the world reflecting comfrey or strength back to me?
• What nuances and shades of meaning do I notice about comfrey and strength?
Evening Reflection Questions
• Where and how did I experience comfrey or strength today?
• How did I embrace strength today?
• What wisdom does comfrey’s correspondence of strength bring to my life?