Compressed Love

Apart from Comfreys amazing soil conditioning properties that have been used for centuries in the practice of propagation, this wonder herb (known for Velcro spiked hairs covering its foliage), has amazing medicinal purposes as well.

Now before I go a step further I must declare that I am by no means a Medical or Herbal practitioner in any sense of the word and that I am only sharing an age old recipe that I found in my Nan’s copy of ‘The Herbal Home’ she gave me many years ago which I have personally soaked in after many a strenuous dance class…

There are many ways to prep the Comfrey leaf but I have always been advised to keep the harvested leaves as dry as possible only using a soft brush to clean foliage instead of rinsing under water.

There are many wonderful air drying techniques but the simplest of methods to prepare your Comfrey leaf is to dry in the oven. Comfrey leaves are best when they are picked young and green so be sure to plan your harvest around the hottest part of the day when the sun is high and all moisture has evaporated.

Cutting the firm spine out of each leaf makes it easier to place flat on to a baking sheet so that there is no overlapping, in turn allowing even drying.

Place your tray of Comfrey in oven at a gentle temperature of around 50*C for 30 to 45 minutes (basically until the leaves are brittle).

When leaves are cool it is so important to have your clean airtight glass jar ready to house your dried Comfrey. Potency wise, the dried leaves last around 6 months in an airtight container.

To create your infusion (which is basically a very strong tea), take a heaped tablespoon of your dried Comfrey leaves and place in a large cup or bowl and steep in hot water letting brew sit until cooled.

Once cooled, add your infusion to bath or foot soak allowing the healing properties of the humble Comfrey leaf alleviate sore muscles, bruising and even dreaded acne breakouts on face or back.

*Thank you my beautiful Nanny for all of your wisdom and knowledge which I tried with all of my might to not so much ignore, but put off to a later date because I knew deep deep down inside that you were gently and elegantly letting my hand go and preparing me for goodbye.