comfrey

Any of several species of perennial herbs of the genus Symphytum, often specifically common comfrey (Symphytum officinale).

Noun

  1. Any of several species of perennial herbs of the genus Symphytum, often specifically common comfrey (Symphytum officinale).
    • It thrives on compost and natural fertilizers brewed from comfrey or seaweed and uses only rain, natural groundwater or wastewater purified through a system of reed beds. - 2007 April 25, Kim Severson, “Farmer, Cookie...

Origin

From Middle English cumfiria, from Latin (herba) cōnfirma in Pseudo-Apuleius, also called cōnsolida, cōnserva, cōnferva, from conferveo (“to boil together”); from the use of the plant in tea to aid in healing bones.

Forms

comfreys comphrey cumfrey

Derived

Quaker comfrey Russian comfrey