The traditional way that I was taught to use comfrey for sprains was to pound the leaves & roots to release the slimy, healing juices then apply the mash to the affected body part. Use as much plant matter as needed to cover the affected area.

Where a cast or conventional medical assistance is not available, comfrey is pounded with sand or any clean, finely crushed matter to make a primitive cast, but only if the skin is unbroken. And the patient is also encouraged to drink comfrey leaf tea --a practice that alarms many who now believe comfrey can cause liver disease.

With topical herbal treatments, I've found that consistent use immediately after the injury brings about best results, so I would probably try to keep it up for a couple of weeks. But when I sprained my ankle as a child, my mother only made me wear the 'comfrey cast' for a few days.

Please be mindful of the fact that comfrey leaves have hairs on them that can be irritating, so you may want to sandwich the comfrey paste between 2 thin layers of gauze before applying it.

Modern shortcuts include regularly washing the wound with an infusion of comfrey; laying a cloth soaked with comfrey infusion on the area regularly; or simply applying comfrey tincture topically & allowing it to dry.

All of this assumes that you are well aware of the controversy surrounding comfrey's safety. If not, a quick search of the Herbalism forum for "comfrey" will fill you in on the hot debate & give you some information with which to make your own decision.

Speedy healing,

~bushpoet