Comfrey Hydrosol: Healing Emotional Injuries
The Emotional Effect of Broken Bones
When confronting life's challenges, sometimes we're faced with obstacles far greater than we anticipate. Such was the case when I sustained a significant injury, breaking seven bones in my foot—a stark reminder of our vulnerability and the intricate dance between our physical and emotional well-being.
During this time, I used Comfrey hydrosol to soothe my foot and speed my healing. I also noticed that it had beautifully calming, encouraging effect on my emotions.
In this post, we’ll explore the emotional support Comfrey hydrosol offers—including how to use it after physical or emotional trauma.
You’ll discover how it can carry your spirit through challenging situations, and which oils to blend with it for various aspects of healing. Lastly, I will share a recipe for a soothing, uplifting Comfrey spray to support emotional recovery.
The very word “Comfrey” brings to mind comfort. Let’s explore how it can align your spirit and body in a symphony of healing.
Comfrey for Emotional Care
In my recent posts about Comfrey (Symphytum officinale), I’ve explored its notable talent for knitting wounds together. Comfrey is so renowned for this ability that it is traditionally called "knitbone." (Visit my post about using it to promote bone and joint healing here, and learn how Comfrey can heal the skin here.)
As an RN, herbalist, and aromatherapist, I approach healing from a holistic angle.
Every physical remedy has an emotional aspect.
When we consider how Comfrey unlocks our bodies’ most powerful healing abilities, we also discern its ability to nurture emotional and mental restoration. Injury or illness offers us the chance to pause, to courageously explore our inner landscape. What emotional reactions are arising in response to our pain, and to our healing journey? We are given an opportunity to adopt a gentler perspective towards life, embracing flexibility and expanding beyond our often limited points of view.
You can use Comfrey hydrosol to:
Tap into emotional resilience after a physical injury.
Feel safe after a shocking event.
Comfort your heart through a loss.
Ease feelings of insecurity and unworthiness.
Support yourself as you unearth deep-seated wounds.
The Comfrey plant contains certain compounds that can stress the liver. These compounds may or may not be present in the hydrosol, so I prefer to be cautious and use Comfrey for short-term emotional care. I suggest leaning on its support for a few weeks, and then transitioning to a choice that is known to be safe for long-term use.
Blending with Comfrey Hydrosol
There are so many essential oils that blend beautifully with Comfrey hydrosol!
I often like to work with oils from the esters chemical family, because esters are known for their ability to balance an overactive stress response. Among these emotionally harmonizing oils are Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum).
Deep, rich, base note oils are also good options, such as oils high in sesquiterpenes. Along with calming the stress response, they have an earthy presence that helps ground us. Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), and Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) are a few examples.
Then there are the uplifting, mood-boosting monoterpenes—including citruses, herbs like Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus ct verbenone), and Frankincense (Boswellia carterii). These oils and their components have been studied for their ability to soothe anxiety and alleviate depression.
For support after a physical injury, blend with Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) or Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)—both renowned for calming stress and soothing us on multiple levels.
To ease the shock of a traumatic event or a loss, try Neroli (Citrus aurantium var amara). It’s a much-loved oil for holding us through trauma and grief. Sandalwood (Santalum album) is another option.
For feelings of insecurity or unworthiness, reach for emboldening Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) or uplifting Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis).
To comfort yourself when confronting deep-seated wounds, try Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) to stay grounded, or Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) to find your center and a fresh perspective.
Safety Considerations
Comfrey is traditionally applied topically as a compress.
I don’t recommend taking Comfrey hydrosol internally. Comfrey contains allantoin and natural substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids—both of which can stress the liver. It’s also not recommended for use during pregnancy.
A Comfrey Recipe
When blending essential oils with hydrosols, we need to include a solubilizer—this helps the oils and water-based hydrosol remain blended together for safe application. (Learn more about hydrosols on my blog here.)
In this recipe, I’m making a Comfrey mist for emotional support after an injury. Use it to ease any difficult emotions that arise after a physical (or emotional) wound.
Emotional Recovery Comfrey Mist
Nearly 2 fl oz (almost 60 ml) Comfrey hydrosol (Symphytum officinale)
4 ml Solubol (dispersant)
8 drops Lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
8 drops Cardamom oil (Elettaria cardamomum)
8 drops Sweet Orange oil (Citrus sinensis)
Directions
Make your blend in a 2 oz glass bottle.
Pour your Solubol into the bottle first.
Fill the bottle the rest of the way with Comfrey hydrosol, leaving a little room for the essential oils.
Add your essential oils.
Shake gently.
Mist your skin or linens with this blend as needed while you’re recovering. Shake gently before each use.
This is not intended to be sprayed directly on the face, but it is safe as a body mist and fine for use on fabrics. (Sweet Orange essential oil is orange in color, but there’s not enough of it in this blend to stain clothes or linens.)
I suggest using this Comfrey spray for two weeks at most. After that, switch to a long-term care mist, such as Blood Orange hydrosol (Citrus sinensis) or Lavender hydrosol (Lavandula angustifolia).
My Takeaway
Experiencing an injury isn’t just a physical ordeal—it’s also an emotional journey. Recognizing and acknowledging feelings of frustration, helplessness, anger, sadness, or other challenging emotions is an essential part of the healing process.
It is in these moments that our plant allies like Comfrey generously share their support, offering both physical healing and emotional succor. Utilizing the powerful mending properties of Comfrey hydrosol in conjunction with essential oils that resonate with your personal needs can provide a deeply healing experience.
Heart Centered Self-Care Rituals
Join us in honoring our bodies with these self-care rituals you won't want to miss.
Incorporate natural, nourishing plant-based oils, butters, salts and even a kiss of color that will make your skin look and feel amazing while also supporting our sacred heart space.
References
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Buchbauer, G., Jirovetz, L., Jager, W., Plank, C. and Dietrich, H. (1993) Fragrance compounds and essential oils with sedative effects upon inhalation. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 82, 6, 660-664.
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Lima, N.G., de Souza, D.P., Pimenta, F.C., Alves, M.F., de Souza, F.S., (2012a) Anxiolytic-like activity and GC-MS analysis of (R)-(+)-limonene fragrance, a natural compound found in foods and plants. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior 103, 450-454.
Voinchet, V. and Giraud-Robert, A.-M. (2007) Utilisation de l’huile essentielle d’hélichryse italienne et de l’huile végétale de rose musquée après intervention de chirurgie plastique réparatrice et esthétique. Phytothérapie 2, 67-72.
