Comfrey grows like crazy in the summer, giving us plenty of fresh shoots to work with. But smart gardeners know to plan ahead for when this impressive perennial retreats back into its roots for the winter. By drying a stash of comfrey, you keep all those powerful benefits on hand year-round. It’s super versatile and loses very little of its potency when dried properly.
Using the Whole Plant
When it comes to comfrey, you can dry both the leafy greens and the roots (which are especially packed with active compounds). You can harvest the leaves and stems for drying anytime during the growing season. However, if you’re after the roots, it’s best to dig them up in the early spring or fall—roughly between October and April. You can air-dry them or use a dehydrator or oven. Just make sure to keep the temperature low (no higher than 104°F/40°C) to preserve the healing properties. Once dried, store your comfrey in a cool, dark, dry spot in an airtight container.
Pro Tip:
When digging up roots, leave a thumb-sized piece in the ground. Comfrey is incredibly resilient, and that little piece is all you need to propagate a brand-new plant.
Ways to Use Dried Comfrey
Dried comfrey is a powerhouse in three main areas:
- Making natural fertilizer and plant boosters
- Creating wound-healing remedies
- Natural dental care
Brewing Comfrey Tea (Fertilizer)
Making a “comfrey tea” or liquid manure is easy; you just have to let nature do the heavy lifting. Toss two handfuls of dried comfrey into a bucket and fill it with water. Keep it outside, covered only with a mesh screen or a cloth so it can breathe while it ferments. Give it a stir every day. After about 7 to 14 days, once it stops bubbling, the fermentation is done. Dilute it 1:10 with water to use as a nutrient-rich fertilizer or a foliar spray to strengthen your plants.
Comfrey for Healing
If you’re dealing with a stubborn wound, a nasty bruise, or a sprain, it’s time to grab that dried comfrey root. Grind the root into a fine powder and mix it with a base like shea butter (you can heat it slightly to help it blend). This homemade salve acts as a disinfectant, reduces inflammation, boosts circulation, and helps dull the pain.
Alternatively, you can blend dried leaves with a little water to make a paste. Spread the paste onto a cotton cloth for a poultice, or simply steep the leaves and roots in hot water to create a liquid compress.
Comfrey for Dental Care
Many herbalists swear by comfrey for its ability to help remineralize teeth. Making a daily mouthwash is incredibly simple: just pour hot water over dried root pieces. Let it steep for about 10 minutes, strain it, and let it cool. Use it as a rinse to keep your smile healthy.
Pro Tip:
Plant your comfrey in a sunny, warm spot with rich, moist soil. If the plant is happy, you’ll have more than enough material for all these projects!