How to Make Comfrey Salve

Use the leaves of a common herb found in gardens to make a soothing anti-inflammatory salve. This DIY Comfrey Salve is easy to make with the dried leaves that naturally have medicinal properties.

Homemade comfrey salve is a traditional remedy for skin irritations, wounds, and bruises. 

The comfrey plant contains substances called allantoin, rosmarinic acid and tannins which promote new skin cell growth, sooth muscles and reduce inflammation.

What is Comfrey Salve?

Comfrey salve is a natural ointment made from the leaves of the comfrey plant, a flowering herb that is a member of the borage family.

The perennial herb is also known as “knit bone” because of its use in folk medicine to help repair broken bones and bruises.

Comfrey is often overlooked for its medicinal properties that have long been used in traditional medicine. Rich in allantoin, an anti-inflammatory compound, comfrey salve is used traditionally to soothe and heal skin irritations and for the following uses:

• Minor cuts and scrapes
• Minor Burns
• Bruises
• Muscle Soreness
• Rashes
• Bug Bites
• Dry, Chapped Skin

This salve is a wonderful, all-natural addition to any home first aid kit, offering a gentle and effective remedy to care for your skin.

This herb is best used topically. Do not ingest comfrey.

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How to Make Comfrey Salve

Ingredients

Directions

Step 1

You will need to infuse your oil with the comfrey leaves. There are two ways to do this, both work effectively and are listed below.

Quick Oil Infusion Method: You can slowly heat the oil and leaves on the stove or in a crock pot on low heat setting for an hour (or more) to infuse. Do not boil the oil! Then strain out the leaves. 

Slow Oil Infusion Method: Fill a glass jar halfway full of the dried comfrey leaves. 

Pour the avocado oil over the leaves to fill the jar completely. Make sure that all of the leaves are fully covered. 

Put the lid on the jar and store it in a cool, dark place, such as a closet or basement, for 6 weeks. Shake the jar to disperse the product about once a week.

Step 2

Once your oil has been infused with the comfrey leaves, pour it into a heat-proof glass measuring cup. Add the beeswax.

Heat on medium-low in a double boiler or for 30 second intervals in the microwave, stirring thoroughly in between until fully melted. 

Step 3

Pour the heated oil into the tins, filling up almost to the top of the tin.

Allow the hot tins to cool for a few hours or overnight. Do not move the tins as they are cooling.

Helpful Tips

• Comfrey Salve can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to six months. Avoid exposure to heat and direct sunlight or else the salve will melt.
• If you would like, you can add essential oils that have skin soothing properties. 
• Vitamin E oil can be added as a natural preservative and to add skin moisturizing properties. Add one teaspoon to the oil and beeswax mixture after it has been heated to melting.
• You can dry your own comfrey leaves instead of purchasing the plants. Allow enough time to dry the leaves with a food dehydrator or solar dehydrator.
• No time to make it on your own? Support a small business that makes homemade comfrey salve.

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This is just one of our many DIY salves you can make from plants and weeds found at home. Be sure to see these ideas next: