comfrey root

[shell]

i have been given some comfrey roots,do i peel the black outside layer off first or not?i was going to dry it for medicinal purposes,as i have seen recipes in the book` back to eden,or going to grate it and freeze it,anyone done this?

[Mullein]

What kind of medicinal purposes did you have in mind? Comfrey root shouldn't be consumed - its for external use only.

[shell]

not to eat but to make a salve or ointment,my dh suffers from gout and arthritis in his ankles,and have found out by researching different herbal books that this would possibly help,i also found it good for psorisis which is also in my family,i hope to make some and keep it in the cupbourd till such time as its needed

[Ron and Jean]

You don't need to peel it just make sure it is clean (nail brush may help). Don't use it if any chemicals like weedkillers have been sprayed near where it was growing. Make sure you cut it into small pieces before drying it half centimeter or smaller. It may be better to turn it straight into a maccerated oil. I think it is always best to capture some of the vitality of the living plant when making medicines from them.