I started making this simple homemade comfrey salve when I heard it can be a natural way to soothe aches and pains and dry skin. If you’ve been curious about comfrey cream or comfrey ointment, this recipe is a great way to start.
What Is Comfrey?
Comfrey is a leafy green plant with deep roots and purple flowers. Both comfrey root and comfrey leaf are used in herbal remedies.
It contains rosmarinic acid and allantoin, which may help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Because of this, people have used comfrey for centuries to support bone fractures, bruises, and sore muscles.
Why Make Comfrey Salve at Home?
Making your own comfrey salve is a great way to avoid artificial ingredients. You get to control everything that goes into it. This homemade salve is perfect for topical use on minor skin irritations. It’s cost-effective and simple to make with a few natural ingredients like olive oil and beeswax.
Important Safety Note
Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic substances if taken internally or used on open wounds. This comfrey ointment is for external use only and should never be applied to broken skin. Always do a patch test before regular use.
According to Very Well Health, Comfrey cream is a topical herbal product. It’s thought to reduce inflammation and pain when applied to the skin. Researchers have found it does seem to reduce pain in some conditions, including back pain, osteoarthritis, and ankle sprains.
However, comfrey can also contain toxic substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. You should never ingest comfrey by mouth. Consult your healthcare provider before using comfrey cream.
Easy Homemade Comfrey Salve Recipe to Make at Home
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Equipment
Materials
- 1 Cup Dried Comfrey Leaves or comfrey roots
- 1 Cup Olive Oil coconut oil, or jojoba oil
- ¼ Cup Beeswax Pellets
- Optional: 1 tablespoon shea butter
- Optional: a few drops of essential oils like lavender
Instructions
How to Make Comfrey-Infused Oil
- Option 1 – Solar Infusion (slow method):
- Place dried comfrey in a jar and cover with oil (olive, coconut, or jojoba). Seal and leave it in a sunny window for 2–4 weeks, shaking daily.1 Cup Dried Comfrey Leaves, 1 Cup Olive Oil
- Option 2 – Quick Infusion (fast method):
- Combine the oil and dried comfrey in a double boiler. Warm over low heat for 2–3 hours. Stir occasionally. Be careful not to overheat.
- After infusing, strain the oil through cheesecloth. Squeeze out every drop and discard the plant matter.
Instructions:
- Add ¼ cup of beeswax to your comfrey-infused oil in a saucepan.¼ Cup Beeswax Pellets
- On low heat, gently heat and stir until the wax is melted.
- Add shea butter now if you’re using it. Stir until smooth.Optional: 1 tablespoon shea butter
- Remove from heat. Stir in essential oils if desired.Optional: a few drops of essential oils
- Pour the warm liquid into clean tins or glass jars.
- Let it cool and solidify before putting the lids on.
How to Use Comfrey Salve
Rub a small amount onto the skin as needed. This comfrey cream works well on:
- Sore joints and muscles
- Back pain
- Bruises
- Dry skin
- Minor sprains and strains
Important: Do not apply to open wounds, broken skin, or use it internally.
How to Store It
Store your comfrey salve in a cool, dry place. Use a clean finger or applicator to avoid contamination. It should last about 6–12 months.
Precautions and Warnings
- Do not use on open wounds or broken skin.
- Not recommended for children, pregnant, or nursing women.
- Do not ingest. Comfrey contains toxic substances when taken internally.
- For topical use only.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Use jojoba oil for a lighter, skin-absorbing version.
- Add shea butter for extra moisture.
- Blend in other healing herbs like calendula or arnica.
- For fragrance, add lavender or tea tree essential oils.
Homemade Natural Salve
This easy homemade comfrey salve is a natural way to support your skin and body. It’s a favorite in my home apothecary and makes a thoughtful gift, too. Remember, this salve is for topical use only—but it’s a powerful ally for everyday aches and dryness.
References
Fryd. How to Make Comfrey Salve/Ointment: Recipe, Use & Effect.
Very Well Health. What Is Comfrey Cream?
A little goes a long way and it’s easy to make.