Comfrey, also called boneset, bruisewort and radix consolidate, is a flowering perennial original to Eurasia and now distributed throughout temperate zones in North America. Although the plant is considered an invasive weed by some, it is also grown as an ornamental due to its drooping, bell-shaped flowers that range in color from yellow to red or violet.

In Japan, comfrey has been cultivated as a vegetable for more than 2,000 years. The plant also has a long history of use in Asia and Europe as a topical anti-inflammatory agent, usually prepared as a poultice. However, because the leaf and root contain several hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, the internal use of this herb is limited to homeopathic formulations.