The comfrey plant, Symphytum officinale, gets its name from the Latin confervere, meaning to grow together. 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. Therapeutic use of comfrey is limited because of its toxicity. Rad. 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). View abstract. Other uses not proven with research have included skin wounds, skin ulcers, cough, sore throat, gum disease, joint pain, diarrhea, and other conditions. Predel, H. G., Giannetti, B., Koll, R., Bulitta, M., & Staiger, C. (2005). Choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLabs, or NSF when possible. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. 2758955. CLICK HERE TO ENTER! 2004;154(21-22):498-507. This site uses cookies to improve your experience. Comfrey: ancient and modern uses. 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. Herb & Supplement Guide. Comfrey cream, an topical herbal product, is thought to reduce inflammation and pain when applied to the skin. You can purchase the Comfrey Ointment at Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury's or Holland & Barrett. Mazzocchi, A. and Montanaro, F. Observational study of the use of Symphytum 5CH in the management of pain and swelling after dental implant surgery. Available for Android and iOS devices. The efficacy and safety of a homeopathic gel in the treatment of acute low back pain: a multi-centre, randomised, double-blind comparative clinical trial. Retrieved from, https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=295. Other drugs may interact with comfrey, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. #HBTechCareers. To make the cream, combine sunflower oil, safflower oil, coconut oil, and cocoa butter in a double-boiler over low heat until completely melted. Topically, comfrey root and leaf extracts have been traditionally used for bruises, sore muscles and joints, sprains, mild wounds, and gout (Natural Medicines, 2020). Molecules. Rad. Gyorik, S. and Stricker, H. Severe pulmonary hypertension possibly due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids in polyphytotherapy. Comfrey is avoided on cuts or puncture wounds for this reason. 2012;101(4):211-216. International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 5(4), 135-141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpam.2018.11.002, Kuera, M., Barna, M., Horek, O., Kovrikov, J., & Kuera, A. First, make the comfrey root tincture by combining the dried comfrey root and alcohol in a sterilized, dry, glass pint jar. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. *PR sample. If you choose to use comfrey, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. 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. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. The first European settlers of America considered comfrey so indispensable, they carried it on their journey across the Atlantic in the 1600s.2. Comfrey is an herb in the Boraginaceae family and has small purple flowers. Bhupesh started his career as a Clinical Toxicologist for Public Health England, advising healthcare professionals all around the country on how to manage clinical cases of adverse exposure to supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industrial chemicals and agricultural products. Mosby Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-007-0474-y. View abstract. Learn more in The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 83, 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.11.015. These have a lower risk of serious side effects like liver damage. Comfrey is a fast-growing plant whose leaves and roots have been used historically for wound healing and other conditions. We are building the future of Health and Wellness Tech. View abstract. 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. Follow all directions on the product label and package. View abstract. Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements. Regarding its antioxidant, antilipoperoxidant, antiinflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. This soothing blend of herbal oils contains Comfrey (also known as Knitbone) and Eucalyptus Oil. When harvesting comfrey or buying from a non-commercial supplier, note that there is variety within the species. Anotherstudy found that comfrey ointment was superior to placebo in relieving pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis. Some people ingest comfrey roots or leaves or use them in teas. 2013;163(3-4):58-64. 2 Comfrey cream contains several active components (substances). Add cup of the comfrey tincture and all essential oils to the cooled oil/butter mixture. This comfrey cream recipe works great for local areas that have mild bruising or soft tissue pain. One group used a cream with comfrey root fluid extract on the ankle while the others received a placebo. Comfrey can kill. Comfrey is generally considered unsafe, with numerous toxicological effects in animals and humans. Comfrey is a shrub that grows in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. Pyrrolizidine poisoning. Comfrey is not recommended for children under three years old, as it's not been studied in that population. Drug class: Herbal products. These third-party organizations test products to ensure they were manufactured safely and contain the ingredients indicated on the labeling without contaminants. The groups using the herbal preparations reported a significantly greater reduction in pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis of the knee without serious adverse reactions (Smith & Jacobson, 2011). 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. Comfrey cream 4-4-2009;139(13-14):210-211. Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. Supplements marketed for body-building (ex.. Nyman) in children: A randomized double-blind study. 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. 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. We cover all you need to know in this article. Newer Post Older . This is done by soaking the root in at least 50% alcohol for a minimum of two weeks. 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. Aust.J Physiother. Comfrey has long been used in folk traditions for bruising and abrasions. Arzneimittelforschung. 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. Knit bone, Eucalyptus, Rapeseed Oil, BHA. 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. Kucera, M., Kalal, J., and Polesna, Z. Electric bowl mixer (like a KitchenAid) or a blender, Small glass jars with lids for sharing (optional). Phytother Res. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Glass bowl with a lid Retrieved from https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=295, Predel, H. G., Giannetti, B., Koll, R., Bulitta, M., & Staiger, C. (2005). (2001). The leaves and stems of comfrey contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause toxic damage if ingested in excess (Ulbricht, 2010). Bleakley, C. M., McDonough, S. M., and MacAuley, D. C. Some conservative strategies are effective when added to controlled mobilisation with external support after acute ankle sprain: a systematic review. FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. comfrey cream holland and barrett. Wichtl, M. (2004). Br J Sports Med. Researchers have investigated the effects of comfrey cream on several health conditions. Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of comfrey at the same time without medical advice. Comfrey is changed and broken down by the liver. Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98. 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. Comfrey is traditionally used for the symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises and is also known for its healing properties. J Ethnopharmacol 1995;48(2):61-76. Braz J Biol. Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Comfrey cream contains several active components (substances). The recipe makes about 6 small jars. All rights reserved. Remove from heat. Additionally, use on a deep cut may encourage healing of the outer skin the preparation comes in direct contact with faster than the deeper tissue, leading to abscess. A significant reduction in pain was observed in the groups using the comfrey product. Phytomedicine 2005;12(10):707-714. 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). For topical comfrey cream, look for products labeled as free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. 2017;83:1-4. Food and Drug Administration. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Wien Med Wochenschr. For that reason, Ive also included my go-to comfrey cream recipe for achy joints and muscles! This is not recommended due to the presence of chemicals that can cause organ damage and cancer. Vithayathil MK, Edwards M. Comfrey herbal remedy causing second-degree heart block: do not be outfoxed by digitalis. Arzneimittelforschung, 62(06), 285-289. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-007-0474-y, Giannetti, B. M., Staiger, C., Bulitta, M., & Predel, H. G. (2010). Hepatology. As a Licensed Massage Therapist, I have personally made this comfrey cream recipe multiple times and given jars to my clients. Human liver microsomal reduction of pyrrolizidine alkaloid N-oxides to form the corresponding carcinogenic parent alkaloid. If you're considering using the cream, consult your healthcare provider first. Adv Ther 2005;22(6):681-692. 2019;24(12):2272. doi:10.3390/molecules24122272, Staiger, Christine. Many of those following the folk use of comfrey up to present-day think so. Do not use extra comfrey to make up the missed dose. View abstract. Here's 10 things essential oils are great for. Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., Giannetti, B., Klingenburg, S., and Staiger, C. Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with over twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. 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? Understand comfreys contraindications before using it. Swiss.Med.Wkly. It is easily absorbed to leave your skin feeling fresh, soft and radiant. Avoid use. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: Results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. In 2001, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned oral comfrey products. ). 2012;20(11):1209-1216. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. View abstract. Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Save the remaining liquid alcohol portion. Jurcu, R., & Jurcu, I. Finally, well warn of any side effects associated with comfrey oil. What are the benefits of using it? Topical preparations of comfrey are generally safe provided they are not applied excessively or to an open wound. An Evidence-Based Reference. Lewis, C. J. FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. Available at: https://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/dspltr06.html. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. (3), 147-156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003. Also, avoid use for more than two weeks or excessive concentrations containing more than 100 mcg of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Wichtl, 2004 & Ulbricht, 2010). 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? 16 Rewards for Life points with this purchase. Phytomedicine. A member of the borage family, comfrey root, leaves, and stems have an obvious coat of bristly hair. These include allantoin, rosmarinic acid, and others. What Are the Side Effects of Comfrey Cream? Consult your healthcare provider before using. It's found in Europe, Asia, and North America. This leads to cirrhosis and eventually liver failure. The Pharmaceutical Journal, PJ, December 2007. An ankle sprain can come out of nowhere and cause a lot of pain, limitations, and regret until it is healed. 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. You can weight them down with a rock or brick. Seal with a lid and then label with the ingredients and date. View abstract. J Agric.Food Chem 2001;49(8):3942-3946. Without overexposure to air or heatand without cross-contaminationthe recipe should last as long as the expiration date of the carrier oils used. Arzneimittelforschung. Symphytum species: A comprehensive review on chemical composition, food applications and phytopharmacology. View abstract. Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. There is no daily recommended allowance for comfrey, sold in creams, ointments, gels, and salves. The Effect of Comfrey on Enoxaparin-Induced Bruise in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Randomised Clinical Trial. It contains chemicals that are poisonous. It can grow up to 5 feet tall. Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). View abstract. This article discusses the uses and benefits of comfrey cream. 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. Copyright Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2022. View abstract. She is passionate about providing evidence-based recommendations that make health decisions easier and improve lives. Learn more in. 2013;163:5864 (2013) doi:10.1007/s10354-012-0162-4, Giannetti BM, Staiger C, Bulitta M, Predel HG. Preclinical studies suggest that oral comfrey has antiproliferative effects , and a topical formulation showed wound healing properties . Our associates are qualified to advise, visit us online or in store for unparalleled advice. When the root is boiled in water, it forms a sticky, glue-like paste. This recipe is contraindicated for small children and those with certain medical conditions. View abstract. The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? J Chiropr Med. 2021;83:e249209. 2013;21(6):724-745. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2013.09.009. Satisfaction. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport, 14(3). 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (225) $19.95 $ 19. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. Eucalyptus oil is used externally to stimulate blood flow. 2010;13(7-8):509-526. doi:10.1080/10937404.2010.509013, Staiger C. Comfrey: A clinical overview. Since these toxic substances can be absorbed through the skin, there's concern about the safety of comfrey cream applied topically. 2011;10(3):147-56. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003, Laslett LL, Quinn SJ, Darian-Smith E, et al. Complement Ther Clin Pract. When the root is boiled in water, it forms a sticky, glue-like paste. Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. The recipe makes about 5 cups of whipped creamy lotion. After the consistency begins to thicken, turn the mixer up a little bit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit nulla or narjusto laoreet onse ctetur adipisci. Transfer the cooled oil and butter mixture to a standing electric mixer or blender. cup organic safflower oil A systematic review and quality assessment of case reports of adverse events for borage (Borago officinalis), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and comfrey (Symphytum officinale). 95 ($14.78/Fl Oz) FREE delivery Wed, Mar 8 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon. Comfrey can also contain echimidine, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), and symphytine, which can damage the liver, are carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and may harm a fetus. Definitely do not use during pregnancy or nursing, with infants, and if you have liver or kidney disease. It may contain small amounts of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. 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. Turley, A. J. and Muir, D. F. ECG for physicians: a potentially fatal case of mistaken identity. However, further well-designed studies are needed. Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., & Staiger, C. (2004). Comfrey should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. This site uses cookies to improve your experience. A limited number of clinical trials show short-term efficacy of topically applied, alkaloid-free comfrey preparations in skin abrasions and inflammatory conditions. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010538, Smith DB, Jacobson BH. Registered in England: company no. Osteoarthritis.Cartilage. Whenselecting a brand of supplements, look for products certified by Consumer Labs, the U.S.Pharmacopeia, or NSF. Phytomedicine. root extraction help ease aching joints and muscles? Staiger, C. Comfrey: a clinical overview. Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46. A review of 26 clinical trials concluded that mild skin reactions were the most common side effects of comfrey creams used in the studies. International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, (4), 135-141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpam.2018.11.002. You should never ingest comfrey by mouth. (2013). Phytomedicine, 11(6), 470-477. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2004.02.001, Kucera, A., Barna, M., Holcova, S., Horacek, O., Hladikov, M., & Ottillinger, B. Comfrey is often sold as an herbal supplement. Scoop the finished comfrey cream into sanitized glass jars. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. Latest: Senior Software Engineer - Front End Senior Software Engineer Senior Product Manager - Basket, Checkout and Payments UX Designer - Instore Tech. This is because only a small amount of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids are absorbed through the skin (Jedlinszki et al., 2017). By Megan Nunn, PharmD My family has used comfy for ingrown toenails. Rad. Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. 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. comfrey cream holland and barrettfeathered friend questions and answers. Heat oil in double boiler gently then add beeswax until it melts. In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. Version: 5.01. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are very toxic to the liver and are also carcinogenic (cause cancer). Discard after a year or according to labeling. Don't use comfrey products if you have or are at risk of having liver disease, cancer, or are taking any medication that affects the liver since it may increase the risk of liver toxicity.