MAKE COMFREY FERTILIZER TEA

Before we jump head first into the tantalizing instructions of how to make Comfrey Fertilizer Tea, let us venture to wade through the muck and mire of some very interesting tea information! The instructions, which are just ahead, will be so much more meaningful after this brief interlude of wordy content!  

 What is Comfrey Fertilizer Tea?

Comfrey fertilizer tea is an organic liquid fertilizer made by steeping comfrey leaves in water. Comfrey, a fast-growing herb known for its deep roots, is rich in essential nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, which are vital for plant growth. To make Comfrey tea the plant's leaves and stems are chopped and decomposed in water for a few weeks. The resulting liquid is a nutrient dense concentrate that can be diluted and applied to plants as a natural fertilizer. This eco-friendly solution promotes healthy root development, supports flowering and fruiting, and improves overall plant vigor and health without relying on synthetic chemicals. It's a popular and sustainable choice for organic gardeners who want to enhance soil fertility and nurture their plants using a natural method. But what else is it for?

Comfrey Fertilizer Tea Uses:

When you hear the name Comfrey Fertilizer Tea you think of a solution made solely for feeding plants. Quite to the contrary, it has many more uses than that! I choose to call it "Comfrey Fertilizer Tea " rather than "Comfrey Tea" so that it is not confused with being a food product. (The use of Comfrey as a food product is highly advised against. In 2001 the FDA (Drug Administration) banned the commercial use of Comfrey for internal use. It was banned because Comfrey's chemical properties contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are toxic substances which reportedly cause liver damage and may cause cancer.)

On the plus side, Comfrey for use as a topical application is acceptable because the PAs have been found to absorbed through the skin at lower levels than when taken internally. Using on broken skin is still warned against though, as Comfrey contains allantoin. Allantoin is a compound that promotes rapid healing and its presents is the reason Comfrey is renowned for its soothing capabilities and its accelerated healing properties. Because of the PAs use on broken skin is not advised. Use on broken skin is also dangerous because the rapid healing may seal in unnoticed, untreated infection, leading to serious health complications and risks. ***Always seek medical or veterinary advice before using Comfrey in applications concerning any matters of health.

Warnings

***Label and use Comfrey Fertilizer Tea and its by-products appropriately. For External use Only. Do not use on open skin or if pregnant or nursing.  Keep out of reach of children. Not for: regular or daily use, excessive or long-term use.

 ***Always seek medical or veterinary advice BEFORE using Comfrey in any applications concerning health: Even when in good health or when newly feeling sick, if you have a chronic condition, are on medication and in all cases of serious injury or any emergency situation.

All statements and articles about Comfrey found on, suggested by or linked to, msjsmountain.com are provided for informational purposes only. They should not be considered medical advice or a reflection of the website's opinions.

 Comfrey Fertilizer Tea ~ More Than Just Plant Food! 

  • Although it is not an edible plant, it has many other beneficial uses which reach far beyond its well known plant fertilizer reputation.  
  • Regardless of the intended application, the process for making Comfrey "Fertilizer Tea Liquid" remains the same. 
  • The process is also the same whether using Fresh or Dried Comfrey, or a combination thereof.
  • Poultice: Pain Relief
  • Compress; Pain Relief
  • Bruises
  • Sprains
  • Sun Burn Relief
  • Soothe Minor Burns
  • Soothe Bug Bites
  • Exfoliant
  • Skin Moisturizer
  • Hair Rinse
  • Relaxing Bath Soak
  • Foot Bath
  • Your Dried Comfrey may also be used to make or added to: Infused Oil / Salve / Liniment 

If you can't drink it ~ Why is it called "Tea" for goodness sake?

When "they" first named it, it was drank as a tea. However, drinking and eating Comfrey has been found to contain  pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) which are toxic and may cause liver damage or cancer. Although not drinkable the name has stuck with it.

Tea is however an appropriate, all be it misleading, name. The process of making the "Tea" form of Comfrey Fertilizer is exactly the same as making any type of a tea. The process consist of infusing the leaves of a plant (fresh or dried) in water (hot or cold), then leaving until the plant's flavors and/or compounds have been discharged into the water, or whatever liquid is used. Most teas are ready to drink after this process. Comfrey on the other hand is not processed in this manor to be ingested. But I guess (to paraphrase Juliet in William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet )...  A tea by any other another name is still a tea... not a drinkable tea though... unless you are a plant! 

🎉 Now.... On with the show!!! 🎉

The Instructions Finally!

There are three simple and basic steps to making Comfrey Fertilizer Tea.

(DSD)

  • Decompose: This step brakes down the plant matter and releases the chemical properties within the plant structure.
  • Strain: This step separates the liquid from the broken down plant matter creating a "Pure Uncut" liquid..
  • Dilute: This step adds water to weaken the strength of the Pure Uncut fertilizer..
  • ***These three simple steps: easy to remember as (DSD), are the same whether you are making your fertilizer tea using Dried or Fresh Comfrey.  

Below you will find two versions of instructions on how to make the "tea".

  • The Quick version gives a concise, straight to the point set of instructions. No frills. No extras.
  • The Detailed with Hints version provides a more thorough explanation, complete with helpful tips and insights.
  • Both instructions will produce the desired result... Comfrey Fertilizer Tea. The Quick Method is a time saver because it is less reading, however reading both before starting may be helpful as well!

STEP 1:  DECOMPOSE:

  1. Choose a Container with lid. A jar with a screw on lid is best. Apply the identification label that has been provided.
  2. Fill with Mountain Fables Dried Comfrey. Pack the Dried Comfrey into the container, within an inch of the top.
  3. Add Water. Pour water over the leaves until they are fully submerged.
  4. Place the jar top on.
  5. Apply the appropriate identification labels that have been provided. (One white label for each jar.) 
  6. Let the mixture "steep" for 2–4 weeks.
  7. The tea will darken and develop the smell of decomposing matter as it brakes down. 
  8. Proceed to STEP 2: Strain

STEP 2:  STRAIN:

  1. After steeping, separate the plant matter from its liquid by strain the liquid off into another container. Reuse the decomposed mater for another batch or use as compost in your garden.
  2. Apply the identification labels that have been provided.
  3. Proceed to STEP 3: Dilute

STEP 3:  DILUTE:

  1. Dilute the comfrey tea at a ratio of about 1:10 (one part tea to ten parts water).
  2. Apply the identification labels that have been provided.
  3. It is now ready to apply to your plants.
  4. Do not pour directly on plant roots. It may be used as a mist on leaves (Mist should contain a high ratio of water.)

 

Choose the amount of Comfrey you want to use:

  1. You do not have to use the Comfrey all at once. Each one (1) Gallon Freezer Bag of dry Comfrey will fill (5) 30 oz. plastic Mayo jars.
  2. One dry US gallon is equal to 148.94545 ounces. Reference:  Dry Gallon to Ounce Conversion Chart.
  3. As long as the Dried Comfrey remains dry and is stored in an airtight container it has a long shelf life. I do not have an exact expiration date to offer, but it last a long time. Although I have access to fresh Comfrey I still store Dried Comfrey for winter use and also as a convenient "grab" during busy times. I have used Comfrey several seasons old and seen no difference in its effectiveness. 

Step 1: Decompose

There are two methods that can be used to accomplish decomposition:

COLD WATER STEEPING or HOT WATER BREWING

Choose the decomposition method you wish to use, follow the directions and then proceed to Step 2.

 

THE COLD WATER STEEPING METHOD

The Cold Water Method of decomposition is simpler and less time consuming, however the decomposition time is slower, meaning the fertilizer will take longer before it is ready to use.

To use this method:

  1. Choose a plastic container with a lid.
  2. Plastic rather than glass is suggested so that if the container is dropped the fertilizer will not be lost.
  3. Fill the container to an inch from the top with the dry comfrey.
  4. Add cold water or tap hot water to the top of the jar. 
  5. Use a utensil to submerge Comfrey.
  6. Cap. 
  7. Apply the identification labels that have been provided.
  8. Place in a sunny or warm area. Rotate up and down, side to side occasionally, if desired.
  9. Let soak for three (3) weeks or longer. 
  10. When water color changes and there is a decaying smell, the fertilizer is ready.
  11. The longer it soaks the more potent it will become.
  12. Proceed to STEP 2: Strain

THE HOT WATER BREWING METHOD

The Hot Water Method of decomposition takes just a bit more time but produces a ready to use fertilizer quicker.

To use this method:

  1. Bring a pot of water to a low boil,

  2. Fill a pot, glass bowl or glass jar with the desired amount of dried Comfrey you want to process. You will be transferring to a plastic container when it cools. A plastic container with a screw on top is suggested so that if it ever tips over or drops it will not spill or brake and you will not loose your fertilizer. Use glass first so you do not warp your plastic container.  If you have a plastic container; with a tight fitting lid, that won't warp with the heat, you will be able to skip the transferring Step #8.

  3. Add enough boiling water to cover the Comfrey. Use a spoon or other utensil to make sure all of the Comfrey is submerged. Cover lightly, allow some airflow as it cools.

  4. The hot water accelerates hydration and brewing of the Comfrey, speeding up the decomposition process.

  5. As in nature, the decaying process releases the Comfrey's much sought after minerals, vitamins and nutrients.

  6. Let the mixture stand until it reaches room temperature.

  7. Stir occasionally, making sure all the Comfrey gets soaked.

  8. When cool transfer to the plastic container. Cap the container. 

  9. Apply the identification labels that have been provided.
  10. Place in a sunny or warm area,.
  11. Rotate the jar from side to side and top to bottom occasionally, if desired
  12. Let stand / "seep" for (1) to (4) weeks or longer if you are not in a hurry.
  13. The longer it seeps the stronger the concentrate and more detectable a rotting odor.
  14. Proceed to STEP 2: Strain

STEP 2:  Strain

  1. When you are satisfied with your fertilizer's strength, you will have in your possession, a concentrated concoction known as COMFREY FERTILIZER TEA! But you are not done!!!

  2. At this step it is time to separate the plant matter from the liquid.

  3. Using a strainer, cheese cloth, or old piece of cotton clothing, strain the liquid into another jar with a lid for storage.

  4. Apply the identification labels that have been provided.

  5. The decomposed plant matter that remains may be brewed again and again. Repeat Step 1.

  6. With each brewing the liquid will get lighter and lighter, as with any tea. When the liquid runs clear; or has lighten in color, the nutrients have all, or mostly,  been extracted and you can stop using to steep.

  7. But! Don't discard the plant matter that is left. Soil loves plant matter. It can be mixed in with soil to enrich the soil and surrounding plants. Do not put on plant roots directly

  8.  If adding to house plant soil, chop finely and use sparingly.

  9. The plant matter can also be broadcast around an area to be incorporated into the soil by rain.

  10. Another option is to re-dry it by spreading it out on a plate in a warm area. Once dry it can be stored to mix in with soil at a later date.

  11. Proceed to STEP 3: Dilute.

7. Use the end plant matter in soil.

STEP 3: Dilute

  • The first batch of concentrate is very potent.

  • Applying it undiluted to your plants may damage or kill them.

  • The concentrate must be diluted with water before feeding your plants.

  1. The longer the concentrate has brewed, the stronger it will be, so... the more it needs to be diluted.

  2. With each brew of the same batch the tea becomes weaker and does not need as much water added.

  3. Some people go by the color. The darker the liquid is the stronger the concentrate. The lighter the liquid the less cutting necessary.

  4. There are several Schools of Staining which vary on how much water to cut the concentrate with. One school suggest a (1) cup of Comfrey Fertilizer to (5) cups water, expressed as a 1:5 ratio Another suggests a 1: 10 ratio. Yet another is a 1:20 ratio. And there are probably a range of ratios which fall in between all of those, showing that dilution is not an exact science. With that said, start weak until you learn each plants needs.

  5. Choose your dilution ratio.

  6. Next pour the appropriate amount of concentrate into a third container with lid. Add your chosen ratio of water to this jar. (When starting out it is best to use a higher ratio of water to the "Tea" until you figure out your plants needs. You can add it in small doses each time you water or every few times if you are watering a lot.

  7. Apply the identification labels that have been provided.

The most important things to remember are:

  • Don't use undiluted.
  • Don't over use.
  • Don't pour directly on the plant or roots.
  • Pour in a perimeter around the plant.
  • If used as a spay on foliage the water ratio should be higher than when adding to soil.