Although not all side effects are known, comfrey is thought to be possibly safe when applied to unbroken skin for less than 10 days. Further study is needed to confirm these results. This is done by soaking the root in at least 50% alcohol for a minimum of two weeks. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For topical comfrey cream, look for products labeled as free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Comfrey is traditionally used for the symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises and is also known for its healing properties. Like any new treatment, discontinue use if any irritation occurs. Comfrey is generally considered unsafe, with numerous toxicological effects in animals and humans. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released an advisory in July 2001 recommending that comfrey products be removed from the market because of cases of hepatic veno-occlusive disease. Skin patch test before use, especially if you have sensitive skin, and never use on a deep wound. (2004). View abstract. Electric bowl mixer (like a KitchenAid) or a blender When buying commercial brands, seek those that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed, if possible. Wang YP, Yan J, Fu PP, Chou MW. (2013). Other alternative therapies may help to ease the pain. New South Wales Health, Australia. When the root is boiled in water, it forms a sticky, glue-like paste. It is not certain whether comfrey is effective in treating any medical condition. Frost R, O'meara S, Macpherson H. The external use of comfrey: a practitioner survey. View abstract. 2012;20(11):1209-16. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2012.07.019, Zago LR, Prado K, Benedito VL, Pereira MM. The Comfrey Ointment that I have been using is to be used only for sprains and bruises. Read our. Effect of a blend of comfrey root extract (Symphytum officinale L.) and tannic acid creams in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multiclinical trials. Stop using comfrey and call your healthcare provider at once if you have: liver problems-- nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). For this reason, some topical products are advertised as made from comfrey leaves, but it's safest to choose a PA-free product. 2012;(1):41-42. Homeopathy. CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. Registered VAT no. Buy 1 get 1 Half Price | Plus an extra 20% off 30, Shop buy 1 get 1 half price on all gut health products, Looking for fitness advice & inspiration this New Year? Additionally, because its alkaloids are absorbed through the skin, use of comfrey as a poultice should not exceed an exposure of 100 mcg/day of the alkaloids. Nutrition C for FS and A. A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 161 patients having acute lower back pain. Transfer the cooled oil and butter mixture to a standing electric mixer or blender. DOI:10.1211/PJ.2021.1.69803. comfrey: [noun] any of a genus (Symphytum) of perennial herbs of the borage family with coarse hairy entire leaves and flowers in one-sided racemes. Complementary Health Approaches for Chronic Pain: What the Science Says. Gyorik, S. and Stricker, H. Severe pulmonary hypertension possibly due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids in polyphytotherapy. J Pharmacopuncture 2021;24(4):196-205. Complement Ther Med. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Supplements marketed for body-building (ex.. The FDA has recommended that all comfrey products that are taken by mouth be removed from the market. Efficacy and safety of comfrey root extract ointment in the treatment of acute upper or lower back pain: results of a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial. Taking comfrey along with a medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage. (2018). Modern science suggests that the ancients were correct in believing comfrey helps to heal woundsand relieve pain.3,4 In this article, well explain where comfrey comes from, comfrey oils remarkable health benefits and how to use it at home. A systematic review and quality assessment of case reports of adverse events for borage (Borago officinalis), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and comfrey (Symphytum officinale). However, people with knee pain may be glad to try a topical preparation that could help in addition to any other recommendations made by their physician. Medicine makers would bind comfrey leaves and roots in poultices, then apply those poultices to the skin to treat injuries. This site uses cookies to improve your experience. Potters Herbal Comfrey Oil is a soothing aromatic herbal massage oil. In some cases, ointments with comfrey have caused redness, itching, and a rash (Smith, 2011). Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. reduce lower back pain (Stam et al., 2001). 1. Vithayathil MK, Edwards M. Comfrey herbal remedy causing second-degree heart block: do not be outfoxed by digitalis. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 120 patients with acute back pain, symptoms were quickly reduced in the group using 4 grams of an ointment containing 35% comfrey root extract 3x/day for 5 days (Giannetti et al., 2010). Staiger, C. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials. Although it has historically been used on open wounds, it is now not advised related to the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can absorb more readily into the body through an open wound. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label. As a Licensed Massage Therapist for fifteen years, I have noticed that back pain can be caused by a variety of reasons and can be very debilitating. Comfrey: ancient and modern uses. Some medications can also harm the liver. Staiger, C. Comfrey: a clinical overview. Which part of the comfrey plant has the lowest level of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)? Hepatology. View abstract. Shop buy 1 get 1 half price on all gut health products, Buy 1 get 1 Half Price | Plus an extra 20% off 25, App Exclusive | Get an extra 22% off 25 when you spend on the H&B App, Royal Mail strikes may cause a delay to our click and collect service, Looking for fitness advice & inspiration this New Year? The comfrey plant, Symphytum officinale, gets its name from the Latin confervere, meaning to grow together. A significant reduction in pain was observed in the groups using the comfrey product. This is memorable if you have worked with it, and some use this quality to remember comfreys centuries-long useapplying comfrey over bones, bruises, sprains, and minor wounds with the intention to support mending! Therapeutic use of comfrey is limited because of its toxicity. . Company number 02758955 Registered VAT number 211727395. To make the cream, combine sunflower oil, safflower oil, coconut oil, and cocoa butter in a double-boiler over low heat until completely melted. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Sometimes, massaging on topical ointments can help reduce pain and inflammation. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, Getting Help for a Loved One With Psychosis: It's Complicated, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Vitamins and Supplements to Avoid with Hepatitis C. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials, Efficacy and safety of comfrey root extract ointment in the treatment of acute upper or lower back pain: results of a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial, Topical herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis, Effect of a blend of comfrey root extract (Symphytum officinale L.) and tannic acid creams in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multiclinical trials, Treatment with 4Jointz reduces knee pain over 12 weeks of treatment in patients with clinical knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial. View abstract. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Grube, B., Grnwald, J., Krug, L., & Staiger, C. (2007). Wien.Med Wochenschr. A member of the borage family, comfrey root, leaves, and stems have an obvious coat of bristly hair. 2013;163:5864 (2013) doi:10.1007/s10354-012-0162-4, Giannetti BM, Staiger C, Bulitta M, Predel HG. View abstract. It also covers side effects, interactions, and what to look for. The leaves and stems of comfrey contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause toxic damage if ingested in excess (Ulbricht, 2010). Predel, H. G., Giannetti, B., Koll, R., Bulitta, M., & Staiger, C. (2005). View abstract. Symphytum species: A comprehensive review on chemical composition, food applications and phytopharmacology. Healthy adults: massage about 1 teaspoon of cream into a local area up to 4x/day for up to 2 weeks. View abstract. Choose organically grown comfrey when possible. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. 16 Rewards for Life points with this purchase. Wien Med Wochenschr. Comfrey has long been used in folk traditions for bruising and abrasions. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. This comfrey cream recipe works great for local areas that have mild bruising or soft tissue pain. Browse our Sports Hub, Buy 1 get 1 Half Price on Vitamins & Supplements, Buy 1 get 1 Half Price gut health supplements, Contains Comfrey known for its healing properties, Symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport. 2017;83:1-4. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 8, 2023. Phytomedicine, 12(10), 707-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.001, Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). Grube, B., Grunwald, J., Krug, L., and Staiger, C. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. Efficacy and safety of topically applied Symphytum herb extract cream in the treatment of ankle distortion: Results of a randomized controlled clinical double-blind study. However, it did not affect markers of inflammation or cartilage breakdown over 12 weeks of treatment. cup organic safflower oil Book your free, one-to-one online consultation with one of our qualified advisors. Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020. Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs. The ankle swelling decreased by 79.5% in the comfrey root group and 69.4% in the diclofenac group. #HBTechCareers. Do not take comfrey without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications: This list is not complete. Stam, C., Bonnet, M. S., & van Haselen, R. A. Complementary Health Approaches for Chronic Pain: What the Science Says. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. 98% Naturally derived. Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: Results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. Three clinical studies have provided evidence that ointments containing comfrey root have helped reduce back pain. 2758955. Comfrey contains chemicals that can cause liver damage, lung problems, or cancer. Symphytum officinale L, S. asperum Lepechin, S. tuberosum L, Symphytum x uplandicum Nyman. Set on a sunny windowsill and shake once a day for 2-4 weeks. Apply a small amount (not to exceed a teaspoon) topically 2-3x/day for up to 2 weeks. about an hour two nites. Herbal medicine for low back pain: A Cochrane review, Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know, Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (blockage of veins in the liver). Comfrey is traditionally used for the symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises and is also known for its healing properties Customer Reviews Ingredients Full ingredients Brassica Campest is Seed Oil (Rapeseed Oil), Symphytum Officinale Herb (Comfrey Herb), BHA, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil (Eucalyptus Oil). Influence of moderate physical exertion on subacute low back pain, after Symphytum officinale ointment treatment. Cbd Oil In Holland And Barrett. Stewart MJ, Steenkamp V. Pyrrolizidine poisoning: a neglected area in human toxicology. 2 cups organic, unrefined coconut oil A large review released in 2013 about the medicinal uses of comfrey stated: It is clinically proven to relieve pain, inflammation and swelling of muscles and joints in the case of degenerative arthritis, acute myalgia in the back, sprains, contusions and strains after . Ulbricht, C. (2010). A few studies show that comfrey cream may be helpful in the treatment of ankle sprains. View abstract. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. 1/8 cup comfrey tincture (Symphytum officinale), store bought or via recipe, above. British Homeopathic Journal, 90(01), 21-28. https://doi.org/10.1054/homp.1999.0460. J Chiropr Med. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a plant with yellow or purple flowers found in Europe, Asia, and North America. J Pharm.Belg. The study involved 43 patients with knee osteoarthritis and a six-week treatment period. Wien Med Wochenschr. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. Tolerability and effectiveness of an antitrauma cream with comfrey herb extract in pediatric use with application on intact and on broken skin. Jedlinszki, N., Balzs, B., Csnyi, E., & Csupor, D. (2017). They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with over twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis. View abstract. byBhupesh Panchal, Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate, Comfrey oil is a herbal oil that moisturises skin, and thats been used as a healing herb for a long time.1, Since at least the 4th century, people have used comfrey medicinally. In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. Kucera, M., Barna, M., Horacek, O., Kovarikova, J., and Kucera, A. Efficacy and safety of topically applied Symphytum herb extract cream in the treatment of ankle distortion: results of a randomized controlled clinical double blind study. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a plant with yellow or purple flowers found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Swiss.Med.Wkly. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Avila C, Breakspear I, Hawrelak J, Salmond S, Evans S. A systematic review and quality assessment of case reports of adverse events for borage (Borago officinalis), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and comfrey (Symphytum officinale). We currently have no information for COMFREY overview. Metabolism, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity of comfrey. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Barna, M., Kucera, A., Hladikova, M., & Kucera, M. (2012). Heard about essential oils but not quite sure about what they can do for you? of India has issued Environment Impact Assessment EIA Notification dated 14th September, 2006 for according Environment Clearance(EC) to 8 categories of industries/projects by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. Comfrey is an herb in the Boraginaceae family and has small purple flowers. WMW Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 154(21), 498-507. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10354-004-0114-8, Natural Medicines (2020). Comfrey also is known as Russian comfrey, knitbone, radix consolidate, bruisewort, blackwort, and slippery root. More research is needed. Comfreycontains PAs, substances that can cause significant damage, including: Therefore, it should never be taken by mouth. The review included one study of 220 people with knee osteoarthritis, a degenerative "wear-and-tear" joint condition. Of course, more research is needed to validate efficacy and safety. We cover all you need to know in this article. View abstract. My family has used comfy for ingrown toenails. She is passionate about providing evidence-based recommendations that make health decisions easier and improve lives. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Try A Cooling Herbal Compress for Hot Summer Days, Handmade Floral Paper: A Family-Friendly Project, Making Herbal Preparations 101 Mini Course, Emulsifiers and Preservatives in Botanical Skin Care Products. Oral use of comfrey is not recommended because of potential liver damage. Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., & Staiger, C. (2004). Centurian, South Africa: Medpharm Scientific Publishers. Effect of a blend of comfrey root extract (Symphytum officinale L.) and tannic acid creams in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multiclinical trials. Smith DB, Jacobson BH. Our Two Pennies Worth. View abstract. How do you use it and are there any side effects? When harvesting comfrey or buying from a non-commercial supplier, note that there is variety within the species. Comfrey cream combines ingredients like oils or water and glyceryl stearate with Symphytum officinale (comfrey) extracts. *PR sample. 2013;163(3-4):58-64. (10), 707-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.001. Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., & Staiger, C. (2004). This soothing blend of herbal oils contains Comfrey (also known as Knitbone) and Eucalyptus Oil. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are very toxic to the liver and are also carcinogenic (cause cancer). After 7 years in this role and a further year working as a drug safety officer in the pharmaceutical industry, Bhupesh joined Holland &Barrett as a Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate in 2019. You can purchase the Comfrey Ointment at Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury's or Holland & Barrett. View abstract. Simply massage into the skin as required. A member of the borage family, comfrey root, leaves, and stems have an obvious coat of bristly hair. Mackinnon, M. In general practice, 'always expect the unexpected'. This site uses cookies to improve your experience. Learn more in. Comfrey cream combines ingredients like oils or water and glyceryl stearate with Symphytum officinale (comfrey) extracts. Jedlinszki N, Balzs B, Csnyi E, Csupor D. Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. All Technology Jobs. Save the remaining liquid alcohol portion. 12 drops black pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil We're proud to make a difference, and you can to. Thus, it is not advised to ingest herbal preparations of comfrey unless guided by an expert pharmacologist and physician. OTHER NAME(S): Ass Ear, Black Root, Blackwort, Bruisewort, Common. Z Phytotherapie 2000;21:127-134. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. All rights reserved. Heat oil in double boiler gently then add beeswax until it melts. Comfrey is a fast-growing plant whose leaves and roots have been used historically for wound healing and other conditions. The following applications have been used in research: Using large amounts of comfrey cream or using it for extended periods of time increases the risk of side effects like liver toxicity. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you. With extract of Comfrey. 2018;19(5):455-474. doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2017.11.005, Gagnier JJ, Oltean H, van Tulder MW, Berman BM, Bombardier C, Robbins CB. Seal with a lid and then label with the ingredients and date. Maryland Heights, MO. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. (3), 147-156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003. 2012;26(10):14411448. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. To use on established plants, dilute 1 part comfrey fertilizer in 15 parts water. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport, 14(3). Drug-induced liver injury. 2011;10(3):147-56. Phytomedicine, 14(1), 2-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2006.11.006, Jedlinszki, N., Balzs, B., Csnyi, E., & Csupor, D. (2017). Barna, M., Kucera, A., Hladicova, M., and Kucera, M. [Wound healing effects of a Symphytum herb extract cream (Symphytum x uplandicum NYMAN: ): results of a randomized, controlled double-blind study]. Comfrey has been claimed to heal gastric ulcers and hemorrhoids, and to suppress bronchial congestion and inflammation. This article discusses the uses and benefits of comfrey cream. Browse our Sports Hub, Get 20% student discount with Student Beans, Discover the latest natural beauty products, Buy 1 get 1 Half Price on Vitamins & Supplements, Popular Vitamins & Supplements Subscriptions, Buy 1 get 1 Half Price gut health supplements, Guide to sleeping better natural sleeping remedies, Living in the now, gut health & mental wellbeing, The thing that makes you different makes you special, For the symptomatic relief of minor sprains and bruises, Contains Comfrey which is known for its healing properties. View abstract. Version: 5.01. Be sure to choose organic carrier oils and essential oils when possible. As an additional measure of efficacy, groups instructed to use the comfrey preparation for the longest period of time experienced the most improvement. of India and by a State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority constituted by Government of India on the recommendations made . Huxtable RJ, Awang DV. We answer questions, including what are essential oils? & what can I use them for? in this article. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010538, Smith DB, Jacobson BH. View abstract. Staiger C. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials. Stop using comfrey and call your healthcare provider at once if you have: liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Many of those following the folk use of comfrey up to present-day think so. British journal of sports medicine, 44(9), 637-641. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2009.058677, Grube, B., Grnwald, J., Krug, L., & Staiger, C. (2007). The use of babosa (Aloe vera) in treating burns: a literature review. When buying commercial brands, seek those that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed, if possible. Poisons Legislation Circular 3-22-1993;60. Comfrey may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide. Frost R, Macpherson H, O'meara S. A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.). Stickel F, Seitz HK. Essential oils are a whole new world in themselves & the benefits of using them are widespread. Lorem ipsum dolor sit nulla or narjusto laoreet onse ctetur adipisci. After testing their 1000mg CBD oil drops for over a month, we now have little question this is the best CBD oil within the UK as of 2019. Additionally, there is scientific research demonstrating comfreys effectiveness at soothing muscle and joint pain, some of which are highlighted in this post.