At a glance
- Common name
- Comfrey / Knitbone
- Botanical name
- Symphytum officinale
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Parts mentioned in historical records
- Leaves and root
- Traditional correspondences
- Saturn; Water / Earth
Historical record
Known in old English vernacular as 'Knitbone', 'Boneset', or 'Bruisewort'. Paracelsus praised it as the greatest mender of fractures. Dioscorides prescribed comfrey root poultices to fuse fractured bones and knit lacerations.
Folklore and mythology
Travelers placed a dried root piece into their luggage to guarantee it would not be lost or stolen during transit. Worn by gamblers to secure winnings and avoid bankruptcy.
Sacred to Saturn, ruler of bones, joints, boundaries, and skeletal structure. In Greek lore, associated with healing heroes wounded in physical trials.
Tradition: Greco-Roman & European Folklore Associated figures: Saturn & Chiron
Revered by Greek and Roman military surgeons under Chiron's healing tradition as the bone-knitter (symphyo = to unite).
Luggage ward: a piece placed in bags guarantees they will not be stolen or lost in transit; carried by gamblers for lucky stability.
Mystical correspondences
Correspondences vary by tradition and source.
Safety first
Historical and spiritual associations do not establish that Comfrey / Knitbone is safe or effective. Do not use this page as instructions for ingesting, smoking, inhaling, or applying Comfrey / Knitbone.
This page is lore only. Do not purchase or use Comfrey / Knitbone.
For current safety information, check a health authority or ask a qualified clinician or pharmacist, especially during pregnancy or lactation, while taking medication, or with an allergy or health condition.