Once considered a wonder drug, comfrey has declined in popularity because it is a suspected carcinogen. It contains the sticky compound allantoin, which is a natural aid in healing wounds. Early Greeks used it to stop bleeding and mend broken bones. In more recent history, nutrient-rich comfrey was studied as a cure for world hunger.
Culinary uses
Comfrey contains protein plus an impressive list of vitamins, but because of recent health concerns, it no longer is as popular with vegetarians as it was once.
Cultivation
Once you start a comfrey patch, you probably will have trouble getting rid of it. Comfrey can be grown from seed or from cuttings, which should be planted 2 to 3 feet apart in moist, rich soil in a sunny location. Fertilize with manure.
