Comfrey

Action and Therapy. This drug is chiefly mucilaginous and used, therefore, as a demulcent in pulmonary, gastric, and renal irritation and inflammations. With many it is a favorite for irritative cough, with bloody expectoration; and in mucous disorders with a tendency to hemorrhage. In ancient days it was lauded as a vulnerary, even to promoting the quick healing of fractured bones, a myth that was more recently revived in England because of the discovery of a principle (allantoin) found in the plant.

Therapy. Its direct influence, like other mucilaginous agents, seems to be upon the mucous surfaces when taken internally. It was previously advised in all forms of bronchial irritation, with cough or difficult breathing, especially if there was hemoptisis.

Properties and Uses. The root of comfrey contains a large amount of mucilage, which makes the dried article dense and horny. When treated with water, or wine, it yields a moderate tonic power with this mucilage; and makes a mild remedy for recent and old coughs, sub-acute dysentery and diarrhea, simple forms of leucorrhea, spitting of blood, and other pulmonary affections. It is rarely used alone, but makes a good soothing addition to more tonic agents; and has much merit, when used in the fresh state, as an application to bruises, and irritable ulcers. Two ounces boiled in a pint of water, and then a gill of wine added, may be taken in doses of a fluid ounce or more three times a day.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. This is a most valuable tonic in all diseases peculiar to females, especially leucorrhoea, amenorrhoea, weakness of the back, etc. The dose is from ½ to 2 fluid ounces, 3 or 4 times a day.