Russian Comfrey Plant

Much prized by organic growers, Russian Comfrey produces huge leaves that make an excellent potash fertilizer for tomatoes and potatoes. Leaves are cut and put into a tub with water to make a very nutritious feed for all garden plants.

Not edible.

Essentially grown for compost-making since it fixes many nutrients and trace elements through its growth.

• Perennial (does die down in winter).
• Reaches 3-5 feet (1-1.5 metres) tall.
• Invasive (think about where you are going to plant it first!)
• Likes a moist soil, and will grow in clay soils.
• Will take sun or shade.
• Flowers May-July with pinky/lilac/blue flowers.
• Wear gloves when handling as can cause skin irritation.
• Bees love the flowers.

• Culinary Uses
• Young leaves can be cooked like spinach or asparagus - do NOT eat old leaves.

• Medicinal Uses
• Helps stimulate new cell growth, repair tissue and cartilage.
• Has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties.
• Good for helping bruises, cuts, sores, sprains and over-strained muscles.
• Can help varicose veins.
• Gentle solution for diarrhoea and IBS.
• Can help stomach ulcers.
• Will ease rheumatism, bronchial diseases and bleeding haemorrhoids.
• Can be used to help fractured ribs.

• Other Uses
• Makes a good plant/tomato feed - has a high potash content.
• Can be used to soften skin.

Disclaimer
As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using. Do not take in large quantities or over a long period of time as may cause liver damage or have carcinogenic effects. Not recommended for use if pregnant or breast feeding.

To Make Fertiliser
Soak the leaves in water for approximately 4 weeks (this can be very smelly. We suggest using a container with close-fitting lid). This produces a potash-high feed ideal for tomatoes and potatoes.

Alternatively you can pick the leaves and leave them for at least 48 hours and then use them as a mulch.

Some gardeners also lay comfrey leaves in trenches in which they then plant potatoes.

Grows huge leaves. Primarily used and prized by organic growers.