Comfrey leaf are a versatile herb with many use , but before you’re able to take advantage of their welfare , you first necessitate to dry out them right for foresighted - full term memory board . Drying concentrates the medicative compounds in comfrey leaves while preserve the farewell for future use in teas , tinctures , salves and more .
Comfrey ( Symphytum spp . ) is a nourishing - dense perennial herb that has long been used in herbal medicine and organic horticulture . The leaves are fat in allantoin , rosmarinic acid and other beneficial industrial plant compounds . Allantoin in finical fend for skin cadre re-formation Traditionally , comfrey leaf poultices were used to heal wounds and rugged bones
Modern research has confirm the efficaciousness of comfrey for treating muscle and joint pain when applied topically . Due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloid , internal use is not recommend . However , comfrey leaf is turn over secure when used externally .
In the garden , comfrey leaves can be used as a alimentary mulch or compost addition . The leaves are hack and dropped around plants to boost territory rankness . Comfrey tea can also be brew as a natural fertiliser .
When to Harvest Comfrey Leaves
crop healing herb leave behind in early to mid - summer just before the plant life flush , This is when farewell are at their most nutrient - thick
hack bequeath from the fundament of mature plants , leaving smaller upper leaf for continued growth .
void harvest after the first toilsome hoarfrost , as the works will be go dormant .
For medicinal uses , select new , tidy folio gratuitous from blemishes or louse harm .
How to Dry Comfrey Leaves
There are two main method for dry comfrey leave at home : air drying and using a dehydrator . Each has professional and cons :
Air Drying
This is the most affordable and low - tech option , but it take more time .
laundry leaves gently and pat ironical with a paper towel .
Remove leaves from the stems . theme take longer to dry .
Lay leaves in a single layer on mesh rack or hang megabucks from strings . appropriate blank for aviation circulation between farewell .
Place near a sunny windowpane or habituate a fan to speed dry .
reverse leaves periodically .
Leaves are fully ironic when they crumble easily .
Takes 4 - 7 days depend on humidness and air flow .
Using a Dehydrator
Dehydrating is quicker but involve specialised equipment .
washing leave lightly and pat dry . Remove from bow .
Lay leave in a single stratum on dehydrator tray without overlapping .
rig the temperature to 95 - 115 ° degree Fahrenheit .
Rotate trays and hold back leafage periodically .
Leaves are done when brickly and crumbly , usually within 6 - 10 time of day .
sour dehydrator off pronto when terminate to avoid over - drying .
I love using my 9 Tray Excalibur Dehydrator for herbs like comfrey . The adjustable thermostat and spacious trays allow for even and effective drying .
How to Store Dried Comfrey Leaves
Proper storage is key for preserving comfrey ’s potentiality over time .
verify leafage are fully teetotal and crisp before storehouse . Any moisture can lead to mold .
Leaves can be left whole or crumbled into smaller piece . beat out leaves take up less space .
entrepot in airtight glass jars or charge card bags . saturnine container help carry on beneficial phytochemicals .
Label container with the herbaceous plant name and date . salt away out of verbatim sunshine .
If drying comfrey for medicative utilisation , use within 1 yr for best say-so .
Uses for Dried Comfrey Leaves
Here are some of the many uses for your home - dry comfrey :
tea leaf – Add leaves to red-hot piss for a mineral - rich tea . savour comfrey tea in moderateness due to the alkaloid contentedness .
tone – tincture leaves in vodka or other spirits to extract their beneficial compound .
Salves – Infuse the leaves into skin - nourishing oils to make healing salves . Excellent for chafe on yen muscles or minor wounds .
Poultices – Rehydrate leaves with blistering water and give flat to skin as a sanative compress .
Natural Fertilizer – Brew a nutrient healing herb tea to use as a foliar feed or soil drench for works .
Compost Activator – Add dried leaves to compost piles to furnish atomic number 7 and minerals . Improves overall natality .
Mulch – Scatter crushed leaves as a alimentary living mulch around tree , shrubs and garden beds .
Drying healing herb leaves at the meridian of freshness preserves the leaves for class - stave habit . Air drying is the simple method , while using a dehydrator speeds up the process considerably . Once amply dry out , store the leaves in airtight containers out of unmediated Light Within . Your home - dry out cumfrey can then be bask in herbal remedies , fertilizer , compost and more . With the good harvest and dry techniques , you ’ll be able-bodied to unlock comfrey ’s versatility all time of year long .
How to Dry, Preserve & Use Comfrey | Make Salves, Tinctures & Poultices | For Medicine Fodder & Soil
FAQ
What should you not do with comfrey ?
How do you glean comfrey for medicative use ?
How do you dry comfrey in a dehydrator ?
Can you use fresh comfrey leaves to make unguent ?
