Organic Comfrey Leaf & Tea Tree Salve

Comfrey, Symphytum officinale, is also known as “knitbone” because it has been traditionally used to encourage bone healing. Comfrey contains allantoin, which is antibacterial, moisturizing, humectant, protective, and fights the signs of aging. It stimulates new skin and bone cell growth and repair and naturally causes mild exfoliation.

Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, is well-known to be an effective antifungal, antibacterial, and pediculicide. Studies have shown it active against Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium avium, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Candida glabrata, Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Fusarium solani, Leishmania major, Trypanosoma brucei, and Trichomonas vaginalis.¹

Organic extra-virgin olive oil has a comedogenic rating of 2, meaning it is unlikely to clog pores. It is antioxidant, antimicrobial, contains vitamins A, D, E and K. It contains oleic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that is moisturizing and anti-inflammatory.

Organic castor oil has a comedogenic rating of 1, making it highly unlikely to clog pores. It is thick and viscous and penetrates the skin better than most other oils. The active ingredient in castor oil is a monosaturated fatty acid called ricinoleic acid, which accounts for 90% of the fatty acids in the oil. It is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, moisturizing, and humectant.

Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It has photoprotective qualities that are very beneficial for skin that is exposed to the elements. It helps preserve the oils used in salves by preventing oxidization.

Beeswax is an excellent moisturizer and protectant that helps balance the natural flora of the skin.

Use this salve as often as necessary. Massage a small amount thoroughly into irritated skin and muscle and do not rinse it off. Do a patch test first to check for allergy. Do not use it internally.

¹Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2006 Jan;19(1):50-62. doi: 10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006. PMID: 16418522; PMCID: PMC1360273.