How to Make Comfrey Salve

Benefits of Comfrey Salve your whole family will love!

Comfrey salve is a gentle, healing salve that helps increase cell growth and rejuvenation. Apply topically to bruises, sore muscles, rashes, and minor burns. It is also great for a natural lip balm! Recommended for topical use only.

What is Comfrey?

Comfrey is an amazing plant. A member of the borage family, comfrey produces wonderful amounts of large vibrant leaves covered with fine stiff hairs. In the spring, tall stalks flower into strings of delicate, purple bells. Plants grow 2-3 feet tall, depending on the variety, and can spread rapidly. Comfrey is one of the oldest plants cultivated for medicinal purposes and has a long history of successful use.

To make comfrey salve, you first need to make an oil infusion. Steeping the herb for several weeks in a stable oil such as olive oil allows the helpful properties of the plant to become infused in the oil base. Let’s look at how to make this oil infusion and then turn it into your own homemade comfrey salve!

Homemade Comfrey Oil

***1 cup extra-virgin olive oil***
***1/2 cup dried comfrey leaf***
OR
***2/3 cup fresh comfrey leaf, wilted and chopped.***
If using fresh leaves, allow the leaves to wilt for several hours after harvesting, or place in a dehydrator on the lowest setting until wilted. Too much moisture content can cause potential mold.
To make the oil, sterilize and dry thoroughly a half-pint glass jar. Place comfrey herb in jar. Add olive oil. The oil should cover the leaf by at least 2 inches. Seal the jar and place in a sunny window. Shake occasionally and allow to steep for 3-4 weeks. Strain out the oil through a fine strainer or cheesecloth. Store in amber bottles in a cool place out of direct light.

The Salve

***1 cup comfrey oil***
***1/4 cup beeswax pellets***
***10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)***
Place the ingredients in a glass, oven-safe measuring bowl or small dish. Place dish in a double boiler over low heat. Warm gently, stirring occasionally, until beeswax pellets have melted. Do not microwave and do not heat above melting point. Test the consistency if needed by placing a few drops on a plate and chilling a few minutes. To thicken, add more pellets. To thin, add more comfrey oil or extra-virgin olive oil.
Pour into jars, cool, and seal. Store at room temperature.

Buy comfrey roots for planting, and check out The Homesteader’s Guide to Growing Comfrey for all you need to know for growing, propagating, and using comfrey in your farm or garden!