In early Spring when the first bulbs are beginning to blossom, another plant which can be found flowering in wild places and in sheltered garden plots is Comfrey. This plant has had a longstanding reputation in herbal medicine  and is mentioned in herbals from Culpeper in the 16th century to Mrs Grieve in the early 20th century. Even today it features strongly in plant medicine books as the remedy for bruises and fractures. The botanical name for comfrey is Symphytum officinale which indicates that it 'brings together' (symphytum) broken bones or wounds - echoed in its country name - 'knit bone' - while 'officinale' shows the plant was once sold in a shop (officina) ie as a recognised herbal cure. 

A substance called allantoin, found in the leaves of this plant is excellent for accelerating healing and can diffuse through the skin when the leaves are applied to the surface. Comfrey can also inhibit infection in wounds and help skin tissue to heal without scarring. The leaves can be picked from the plant and used whole or made up into a poultice - or you can buy ready prepared comfrey oil or ointment to apply to bruised or damaged skin.

Do not take the oil internally as it can be toxic if taken in large amounts.

Another plant with a centuries old history of use in natural medicine is Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) - the purple coneflower. The centre of this flower is thought to resemble a hedgehog - so the name echinacea (a hedgehog). This remedy is now beginning to be rediscovered in the 21st century having been a staple of Native American medicine for many hundreds of years in the past. The root of the plant was used by many different tribes - as were the leaves among some such as the Cheyenne. The latter people chewed the root to stimulate the flow of saliva and also brewed a tea from the plant to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism. 

Nowadays it has become recognised and more widely used as a stimulant of the immune system in people who are weakened by viral illness. It is being researched for use with those suffering HIV infection but can also be invaluable for the kind of minor viral infections that can afflict all of us in the early months of the year - coughs, colds and 'flu. The plant remedy can be bought as tablets or in the more traditional herbal form of a tincture - take 15-20 drops of the tincture in water several times daily to fight off infection - or as directed on the bottle or by your herbalist.

Aside from herbal remedies, a lovely essential oil for this time of year is Bergamot - Citrus bergamia. After the winter's darkness and the headier strong scents of spices associated with the colder months, bergamot brings a breath of Spring freshness in its scent. The oil itself should be a lovely shade of Chartreuse green. The bergamot tree gained its name from the Italian town of Bergamo where it has grown for many centuries. In the past the bergamot, a small citrus fruit resembling a bitter orange,  had its place in local folk medicine but was not known more widely. That has now changed and many people are familiar with the scent if not the name as it is the essential ingredient in Earl Grey tea - a delicately flavoured drink often drunk with lemon to enhance the citrus flavour.

Bergamot oil is used in aromatherapy in three main areas - to help relieve the symptoms of urinary tract infections such as cystitis; in skin care and for treating depression and anxiety. In the former case, the oil can be used in baths and a local wash to help fight the bacterial infection and prevent it spreading. Use 4-6 drops in the bath, diluted in full cream milk if necessary, and for the local wash use just two drops in a bowl of warm water - disperse the oil in the water before applying. The anti-bacterial action of bergamot oil is also useful for treating oily skin conditions which can lead to acne:  use 4 drops of bergamot oil diluted in a teaspoon of vodka and added to 50 ml of witch hazel and/or distilled water as a toner on affected skin - always shake the bottle well before applying to disperse the oil in the water. Lavender oil - 2 drops - could also be added to help heal damaged skin.

For emotional problems, bergamot is one of the best remedies in aromatherapy. It can help lift depression and relieve anxiety and blends well with other oils that work in a similar way. Lavender and Bergamot can be used together if the anxiety involves hyperactivity or the inability to relax; Geranium and Bergamot are an excellent choice if the depression leads to apathy and feeling generally low. Add the oils to a warm bath or mix them with a carrier oil or lotion to apply to the skin morning and evening - the scent of either of these two blends is wonderful.

Warning - please note that bergamot oil, pressed from the rind of the fruit, contains chemicals that can photosensitise the skin - this means that if applied before going out in strong sunlight or using a sunbed it could cause the skin to burn. Protect your skin from strong sunlight and there should be no problem. It is also possible to obtain a bergamot oil which has had the chemicals concerned removed - this oil would be labelled FCF - or furocoumarin free.