Boneset Tea Mammals developed bitter receptors in their mouths to alert them to poisons in the environment. We carry many more bitter receptors on our taste buds than we do sweet, savory, sour, or umami—because so many plants development chemistry meant to inhibit creatures feeding on them. Yet some of those bitter chemicals, in small doses, have great curative effects—they are medicine. Tea, Coffee, and Chocolate came into Europe as medicines and were prepared as bitter decoctions that were letter mollified by adding milk and sweetening.
I've often heard comfrey (Simphetum officinale) called boneset in New England. Are these two plants similar or related somehow? Do you know anything more about comfrey? Equally dangerous in heavy doses, I believe. I was told it's called boneset because it helps to heal broken bones. Is it rich in calcium perhaps?
I've often heard comfrey (Simphetum officinale) called boneset in New England. Are these two plants similar or related somehow? Do you know anything more about comfrey? Equally dangerous in heavy doses, I believe. I was told it's called boneset because it helps to heal broken bones. Is it rich in calcium perhaps?