(3), 147-156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003. It is not certain whether comfrey is effective in treating any medical condition. 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. 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. Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. 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. 20 Rewards for Life points with this purchase, Potters Herbals Comfrey Ointment is a traditional herbal medicinal product used for the symptomatic relief of minor sprains and bruises, based on traditional use only. Here's a look at research on comfrey cream for back pain, osteoarthritis, and ankle sprains. Barna, M., Kucera, A., Hladikova, M., and Kucera, M. Randomized double-blind study: wound-healing effects of a Symphytum herb extract cream (Symphytumxuplandicum Nyman) in children. Do not take comfrey without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications: This list is not complete. All rights reserved. Predel, H. G., Giannetti, B., Koll, R., Bulitta, M., and Staiger, C. Efficacy of a comfrey root extract ointment in comparison to a diclofenac gel in the treatment of ankle distortions: results of an observer-blind, randomized, multicenter study. Comfrey can kill. Two interesting studies found that a topical application of a product containing comfrey root extract helped with knee pain and stiffness. Symphytum species: A comprehensive review on chemical composition, food applications and phytopharmacology. Braz J Biol. Registered VAT no. Rad. 2010;73(2):97-100. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 220 patients with knee osteoarthritis used either a commercial topical comfrey root extract or a placebo. Would you like to win our brilliant Botanical Business Package with nearly $1,000 in prizes? about an hour two nites. At least three human studies found that the topical use of a cream containing comfrey root extract may safely help with pain, swelling, and mobility symptoms associated with an ankle sprain. 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. Copyright Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2022. Symphytum officinale L., dermal use (Flexagile 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. DOI:10.1211/PJ.2021.1.69803. Whether youre familiar with it or not, this unusual herbal remedy is definitely worth knowing more about. cup organic safflower oil Available at: https://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/dspltr06.html. 2012;20(11):1209-16. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2012.07.019, Zago LR, Prado K, Benedito VL, Pereira MM. If you're considering using the cream, consult your healthcare provider first. 2013;21(6):724-745. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2013.09.009. Because of the risk of liver toxicity, comfrey cream shouldn't be used with other medicines that may also cause liver damage. Comfrey has been used medicinally for at least 2000 years for various conditions, including bone fractures, ulcers, and gout. The use of babosa (Aloe vera) in treating burns: a literature review. Comfrey has been cultivated as a green vegetable and has been used as an herbal medicine for more than 2,000 years. For one of these studies, the average time participants had experienced knee pain and stiffness leading up to the study was six and a half years! 2010;44(9):637-41. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2009.058677, Cameron M, Chrubasik S. Topical herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis. What are the benefits of using it? Comfrey cream Published 2021 Sep 20. doi:10.1590/1519-6984.249209, Frost R, MacPherson H, O'Meara S. A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.). Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with comfrey does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product. Turley, A. J. and Muir, D. F. ECG for physicians: a potentially fatal case of mistaken identity. The study involved 43 patients with knee osteoarthritis and a six-week treatment period. Comfrey can also contain echimidine, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), and symphytine, which can damage the liver, are carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and may harm a fetus. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Jedlinszki, N., Balzs, B., Csnyi, E., & Csupor, D. (2017). Here's 10 things essential oils are great for. View abstract. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Comfrey oil should be applied topically to parts of the body where you have muscular pain or discomfort. Consult your healthcare provider before using. 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? 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. It contains chemicals that are poisonous. 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). Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Human liver microsomal reduction of pyrrolizidine alkaloid N-oxides to form the corresponding carcinogenic parent alkaloid. Huxtable RJ, Awang DV. Frost R, O'meara S, Macpherson H. The external use of comfrey: a practitioner survey. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. 2758955. Some medications can also harm the liver. View abstract. View abstract. Comfrey oil is made by infusing the leaves and roots of a comfrey plant with a neutral oil. The efficacy and safety of comfrey. 2758955. 2007;14(1):2-10. Scoop the finished comfrey cream into sanitized glass jars. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport, 14(3). Our Two Pennies Worth. Amendments to the poison list. Written by Cerner Multum. Comfrey may have been applied to the skin in a specific preparation to treat some of these conditions. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide. , 43 volunteers with osteoarthritis used either a topical cream containing comfrey, tannic acid, and eucalyptus or a placebo cream 3x/ day for 6 weeks. Comfrey is a shrub that grows in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. 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! Yield: Approximately 5 cups of whipped lotion. Additionally, there is scientific research demonstrating comfreys effectiveness at soothing muscle and joint pain, some of which are highlighted in this post. View abstract. 2016 Jan;41(2):116-33. doi:10.1097/01.brs.0000249525.70011.fe. However, comfrey can also contain toxic substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. The Effect of Comfrey on Enoxaparin-Induced Bruise in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Randomised Clinical Trial. A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 161 patients having acute lower back pain. Topically, comfrey root and leaf extracts have been traditionally used for bruises, sore muscles and joints, sprains, mild wounds, and gout (Natural Medicines, 2020). What is niacinamide? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. 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. Many have said that it has helped them with a variety of aches and pains! Avoid comfrey with certain medical conditions, such as liver disease. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. (2013). Other alternative therapies may help to ease the pain. Bergamot oil is one of the most popular essential oils, but what is it & what are the benefits of using it? International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, (4), 135-141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpam.2018.11.002. This is done by soaking the root in at least 50% alcohol for a minimum of two weeks. Comfrey has been claimed to heal gastric ulcers and hemorrhoids, and to suppress bronchial congestion and inflammation. How do you use it and are there any side effects? For this reason, some topical products are advertised as made from comfrey leaves, but it's safest to choose a PA-free product. Comfrey: ancient and modern uses. 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. Comfrey may be used topically as a cream, ointment, salve, or paste. Some recent human studies have demonstrated that extracts may help with ankle sprains, knee pain and stiffness, backaches, and mild skin abrasions. Learn more in The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? When harvesting comfrey or buying from a non-commercial supplier, note that there is variety within the species. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Lorem ipsum dolor sit nulla or narjusto laoreet onse ctetur adipisci. 2013;21(6):724-45. These side effects may be common or severe. Understand comfreys contraindications before using it. root extraction help ease aching joints and muscles? Cochrane Database Syst Rev. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010538, Smith DB, Jacobson BH. The way that they work is by blocking small blood vessels in the liver. Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. 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. Whenselecting a brand of supplements, look for products certified by Consumer Labs, the U.S.Pharmacopeia, or NSF. Complementary Health Approaches for Chronic Pain: What the Science Says. OTHER NAME(S): Ass Ear, Black Root, Blackwort, Bruisewort, Common. 211727395. As we are constantly reviewing and developing our products to meet our consumer needs, consumers, particularly those that suffer from allergies and intolerances, should always check product labelling, warnings, and directions provided with the product that is delivered, prior to use or consumption. FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. Adv Ther 2005;22(6):681-692. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. Grube, B., Grunwald, J., Krug, L., and Staiger, C. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. Some of these components are thought to speed up wound healing by stimulating new cell growth. Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. Comfrey is not recommended for children under three years old, as it's not been studied in that population. View abstract. When buying commercial brands, seek those that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed, if possible. cup organic sunflower oil J Ethnopharmacol 1995;48(2):61-76. Tolerability and effectiveness of an antitrauma cream with comfrey herb extract in pediatric use with application on intact and on broken skin. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. Study results revealed that pain intensity during active movement decreased an average of 95.2% in the group given comfrey ointment. cup organic, unrefined cocoa butter Other uses not proven with research have included skin wounds, skin ulcers, cough, sore throat, gum disease, joint pain, diarrhea, and other conditions. In another study, participants with ankle sprains received either comfrey root extract cream or diclofenac gel, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The most common over-the-counter medication that can be toxic to the liver is acetaminophen (Tylenol). Electric bowl mixer (like a KitchenAid) or a blender, Small glass jars with lids for sharing (optional). What Happens If I Use Too Much Comfrey Cream? It produces clusters of purple, blue, and white flowers, and it's famous for its long . Can a comfrey (Symphytum officianale) root extraction help ease aching joints and muscles? Skin patch test before use, especially if you have sensitive skin, and never use on a deep wound. 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. In a randomized, controlled, double-blind study with 203 patients, applications of a 10% comfrey cream were well tolerated, reduced swelling and pain, and improved mobility (Kucera et al., 2004). Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. 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). Comfrey should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. All rights reserved. When buying commercial brands, seek those that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed, if possible. View abstract. This article discusses the uses and benefits of comfrey cream. WMW Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 154(21), 498-507. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10354-004-0114-8, Natural Medicines (2020). , meaning to grow together. This leads to cirrhosis and eventually liver failure. Close LOGIN FOR DONATION. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a plant with yellow or purple flowers found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments. However, further well-designed studies are needed. We answer questions, including what are essential oils? & what can I use them for? in this article. In a small study with 30 subjects, lower back pain from exercise was reduced with an ointment containing comfrey. of India and by a State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority constituted by Government of India on the recommendations made . Phytother Res. Experts suggest not using comfrey cream for longer than ten days in a row. Comfrey is generally considered unsafe, with numerous toxicological effects in animals and humans. J Pain. Giannetti, B. M., Staiger, C., Bulitta, M., & Predel, H. G. (2010). Medicine makers would bind comfrey leaves and roots in poultices, then apply those poultices to the skin to treat injuries. The combination of Vitamin E, Wheat Germ oil and Rice Bran oil makes this cream perfect for your daily hydration needs. A significant reduction in pain was observed in the groups using the comfrey product. Researchers have found it does seem to reduce pain in some conditions, including back pain, osteoarthritis, and ankle sprains. We cover all you need to know in this article. Public Health Nutr 2000;3:501-8. Influence of moderate physical exertion on subacute low back pain, after Symphytum officinale ointment treatment. Comfrey contains toxic substances that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. Mackinnon, M. In general practice, 'always expect the unexpected'. This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Latest: Senior Software Engineer - Front End Senior Software Engineer Senior Product Manager - Basket, Checkout and Payments UX Designer - Instore Tech. Laslett, L. L., Quinn, S. J., Darian-Smith, E., Kwok, M., Fedorova, T., Korner, H., Steels, E., March, L., and Jones, G. Treatment with 4Jointz reduces knee pain over 12 weeks of treatment in patients with clinical knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial. Pyrrolizidine poisoning. 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. If your healthcare provider recommends it, make sure to use it on intact skin for a small amount of time, and be careful that infants do not ingest it. View abstract. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications. Stam, C., Bonnet, M. S., & van Haselen, R. A. Cap, then label the jars with the date made and ingredients. Potters Herbal Comfrey Oil is a soothing aromatic herbal massage oil. 2012;20(11):1209-1216. This comfrey cream recipe works great for local areas that have mild bruising or soft tissue pain. The internal or extensive topical use of comfrey cannot be recommended because of numerous reports of liver damage. Anotherstudy found that comfrey ointment was superior to placebo in relieving pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis. . Comfrey is an herb in the Boraginaceae family and has small purple flowers. Transfer the cooled oil and butter mixture to a standing electric mixer or blender. Comfrey has been claimed to heal gastric ulcers and hemorrhoids, and to suppress bronchial congestion and inflammation. Find out how to use it here along with its benefits. comfrey cream holland and barrettfeathered friend questions and answers. This makes quite a thick rich cream good for a body cream and an all healing cream . J Pharm.Belg. To reduce the risk of side effects, never apply comfrey cream to broken skin or open wounds as it may be more highly absorbed by the body. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have: Comfrey is considered likely unsafe to use during pregnancy. Drug-induced liver injury. Avoid taking comfrey orally (by mouth). Comfrey might harm the liver. Wien.Med.Wochenschr. Kuera, M., Barna, M., Horek, O., Kovrikov, J., & Kuera, A. Arzneimittelforschung. Book your free, one-to-one online consultation with one of our qualified advisors. This item: Terry Naturally Traumaplant Comfrey Cream - 1.76 oz (50 g) - Non-Staining Topical Botanical, Free of Toxic Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs) & Parabens - for External Use Only $20.76 ($11.80/Ounce) Dr. Christopher's Comfrey Ointment, 2 Ounce $11.99 ($6.00/Ounce) Dr Christopher's Formula Complete Tissue and Bone Ointment, 4 Ounce For External Use only Do not use if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients. Herbal medicine for low back pain: A Cochrane review. 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, Bhupesh Panchal, Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5908267/, http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229913001672, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22887778, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6363250/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6631335/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22887778/, https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-symphytum-officinale-l-radix_en.pdf, http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productid=107&pid=33&gid=000234. All rights reserved. 1 Since at least the 4 th century, people have used comfrey medicinally. Knit bone, Eucalyptus, Rapeseed Oil, BHA. Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 2004;11(6):470-477. We go to great efforts to ensure that the information on this page is accurate at the time that the page was last edited. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. However, not a rate considered harmful for those with healthy livers.10,11, Masters Degree in Toxicology and BSc Hons in Medical Biochemistry. This includes androstenedione, bishop's weed, borage, chaparral, comfrey, DHEA, echinacea, garlic, germander, golden ragwort, hound's tongue, kava, licorice, niacin (vitamin B3), pennyroyal oil, red yeast, St. John's wort, and others. In a randomized multicenter study with 164 ankle sprain patients, swelling and pain were improved more successfully using a comfrey root extract compared to a diclofenac gel (Predel et al., 2005). 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. View abstract. Sowa I, Paduch R, Strzemski M, et al. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. NCCIH. 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. The warm weather has a way of encouraging us to get outside and move our bodies more.