Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: Results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Hybrids and other species may have a similar appearance but could have significantly different amounts of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Kucera et al., 2018). Whether youve been hiking, biking, playing, or enjoying water sports, comfrey cream can be a wonderful ally in supporting achy muscles that result from physical, summertime activities. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications. Experts suggest not using comfrey cream for longer than ten days in a row. Phytomedicine, 12(10), 707-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.001, Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). Version: 5.01. She is passionate about providing evidence-based recommendations that make health decisions easier and improve lives. Finally, well warn of any side effects associated with comfrey oil. The combination of Vitamin E, Wheat Germ oil and Rice Bran oil makes this cream perfect for your daily hydration needs. Mei N, Guo L, Fu PP, Fuscoe JC, Luan Y, Chen T. Metabolism, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity of comfrey. BMJ Case Rep. 2016. Topical preparations of comfrey are generally safe provided they are not applied excessively or to an open wound. Latest: Senior Software Engineer - Front End Senior Software Engineer Senior Product Manager - Basket, Checkout and Payments UX Designer - Instore Tech. Its long, lance-shaped leaves can be up to 1 foot in length closer to the bottom of the stem and are shorter higher up the stem. 2013;21(6):724-45. cup organic sunflower oil Some drugs increase how quickly the liver changes and breaks down comfrey. You can purchase the Comfrey Ointment at Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury's or Holland & Barrett. It's found in Europe, Asia, and North America. There is no daily recommended allowance for comfrey, sold in creams, ointments, gels, and salves. Additionally, there is scientific research demonstrating comfreys effectiveness at soothing muscle and joint pain, some of which are highlighted in this post. 2017;65(1):363-373. doi:10.1002/hep.28813. 2 Comfrey cream contains several active components (substances). Comfrey is a plant also known as Ass Ear, Black Root, Blackwort, Bruisewort, Consolidae Radix, Consound, Consoude, Consuelda, Gum Plant, Healing Herb, Herbe aux Charpentiers, Herbe la Coupure, Knitback, Knitbone, Langue-de-Vache, Oreille d'ne, Salsify, Slippery Root, Symphytum officinale, or Wallwort. Comfrey cream, an topical herbal product, is thought to reduce inflammation and pain when applied to the skin. 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. Healthy adults: massage about 1 teaspoon of cream into a local area up to 4x/day for up to 2 weeks. 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. Here's 10 things essential oils are great for. Comfrey has been used medicinally for at least 2000 years for various conditions, including bone fractures, ulcers, and gout. Wien.Med.Wochenschr. Comfrey oil shouldnt be used for cooking, like other types of cooking oil. Barna, M., Kucera, A., Hladikova, M., & Kucera, M. (2012). A significant reduction in pain was observed in the groups using the comfrey product. . 95 ($14.78/Fl Oz) FREE delivery Wed, Mar 8 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon. Electric bowl mixer (like a KitchenAid) or a blender Vithayathil MK, Edwards M. Comfrey herbal remedy causing second-degree heart block: do not be outfoxed by digitalis. The review included one study of 220 people with knee osteoarthritis, a degenerative "wear-and-tear" joint condition. The Comfrey Ointment that I have been using is to be used only for sprains and bruises. 2013;21(6):724-745. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2013.09.009. It may contain small amounts of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Human liver microsomal reduction of pyrrolizidine alkaloid N-oxides to form the corresponding carcinogenic parent alkaloid. Public Health Nutr 2000;3:501-8. Proliferative and antioxidant activity of Symphytum officinale root extract. When harvesting comfrey or buying from a non-commercial supplier, note that there is variety within the species. 2012;20(11):1209-16. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2012.07.019, Zago LR, Prado K, Benedito VL, Pereira MM. Comfrey is a shrub that grows in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. Copyright Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2022. Osteoarthritis.Cartilage. 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. doi:10.1002/ptr.4612, Salehi B, Sharopov F, Boyunegmez Tumer T, et al. The roots and leaves of the comfrey plant have medicinal properties. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. Tolerability and effectiveness of an antitrauma cream with comfrey herb extract in pediatric use with application on intact and on broken skin. Comfrey may have been applied to the skin in a specific preparation to treat some of these conditions. Phytother Res. While there can be a variety of causes for back pain, these small studies offer hopeful results that comfrey root may offer potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits. Most comfrey oils keep for around 2 years after production. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. The leaves and stems of comfrey contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause toxic damage if ingested in excess (Ulbricht, 2010). Studies in humans are very limited. Tanret, I. and Duh, D. [Pharmaceutical sheet. You should never ingest comfrey by mouth. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide. After 2-4 weeks have passed, strain the root from the alcohol using a coffee filter inserted in a wire mesh strainer or similar setup. You can weight them down with a rock or brick. 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. Hepatology. Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. The Herbal Academy supports trusted organizations with the use of affiliate links. of India and by a State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority constituted by Government of India on the recommendations made . View abstract. Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. However, comfrey can also contain toxic substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. 2021;83:e249209. View abstract. Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. Topical comfrey is for use only on the skin. J Pharmacopuncture 2021;24(4):196-205. This is because only a small amount of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids are absorbed through the skin (Jedlinszki et al., 2017). Spine(Phila Pa 1976). By Megan Nunn, PharmD Medicine makers would bind comfrey leaves and roots in poultices, then apply those poultices to the skin to treat injuries. 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. Using it no more than four to six weeks a year as a general guideline would be best. Squish and squeeze as many leaves into as you can into the container. J Pharm.Belg. 12 drops black pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil Frost R, Macpherson H, O'meara S. A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.). After the tincture is made, then you can whip up the fabulous joint and muscle cream! 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! 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. Begin mixing on low. Barthomeuf, C. M., Debiton, E., Barbakadze, V. V., and Kemertelidze, E. P. Evaluation of the dietetic and therapeutic potential of a high molecular weight hydroxycinnamate-derived polymer from Symphytum asperum Lepech. 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. When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. Complement Ther Med. Phytomedicine. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. Nyman) in children: A randomized double-blind study. 1. Be sure to use comfrey root from a reputable source that has properly identified the species. *PR sample. It contains chemicals that are poisonous. Find out how to use it here along with its benefits. CLICK HERE TO ENTER! Comfrey is traditionally used for the symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises and is also known for its healing properties. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Comfrey is changed and broken down by the liver. (2013). Comfrey is a fast-growing plant whose leaves and roots have been used historically for wound healing and other conditions. The Herbal Academy makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Also, avoid use for more than two weeks or excessive concentrations containing more than 100 mcg of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Wichtl, 2004 & Ulbricht, 2010). Comfrey cream may help treat knee osteoarthritis, according to a Cochrane review of topical herbal therapies. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Petrowicz, O., Gianetti, B., and Wagener, S. Wirksamkeit und Vertraglichkeit von Beinwellextrakt (Extr. Apply a small amount (not to exceed a teaspoon) topically 2-3x/day for up to 2 weeks. Efficacy of a comfrey root extract ointment in comparison to a Diclo-fenac gel in the treatment of ankle distortions: Results of an observer-blind, randomized, multicenter study. Phytomedicine 2005;12(10):707-714. Yield: Approximately 5 cups of whipped lotion. View abstract. Natural Standard. In another study, participants with ankle sprains received either comfrey root extract cream or diclofenac gel, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Save the remaining liquid alcohol portion. Store comfrey cream according to package instructions, typically at room temperature and out of reach of children and pets. Poisons Legislation Circular 3-22-1993;60. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. 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. How do you use it and are there any side effects? This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. After the tincture is made, then you can whip up the fabulous joint and muscle cream! Comfrey oil is a herbal oil that moisturises skin, and that's been used as a healing herb for a long time. Although not examined in clinical trials, comfrey may possess antifungal and anticancer activity. OTHER NAME(S): Ass Ear, Black Root, Blackwort, Bruisewort, Common. Potters Herbal Comfrey Oil is a soothing aromatic herbal massage oil. Comfrey is not recommended for internal use because of the liver damage caused by its pyrrolizidine alkaloids. 1 It's found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Lewis, C. J. FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. Therapeutic use of comfrey is limited because of its toxicity. We currently have no information for COMFREY overview. View abstract. Safety Alerts & Advisories: FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. This comfrey cream recipe works great for local areas that have mild bruising or soft tissue pain. Symphytum officinale), store bought or via recipe, above. 98% Naturally derived. 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. Fortschr Med Orig 2002;120:1-9. When harvesting comfrey or buying from a non-commercial supplier, note that there is variety within the species. The Herbal Academy neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. And topical capsaicin cream may help to relieve pain temporarily. Medicine makers would bind comfrey leaves and roots in poultices, then apply those poultices to the skin to treat injuries. View abstract. 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. Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. It is called knitbone or boneset, referring to the bone-like growth of its roots. 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). NCCIH. Swiss.Med.Wkly. 12 drops juniper berry (Juniperus communis) essential oil Choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLabs, or NSF when possible. 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. The recipe makes about 5 cups of whipped creamy lotion. Comfrey is an herb in the Boraginaceae family and has small purple flowers. Retrieved from, https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=295. While larger and more studies are needed to fully determine safety and effectiveness, short term topical application of comfrey may give you peace of mind, relief, and support while you rest and heal, following any additional advice from your physician. 2758955. (3), 147-156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003. We answer questions, including what are essential oils? & what can I use them for? in this article. Kucera, A., Barna, M., Holcova, S., Horacek, O., Hladikov, M., & Ottillinger, B. Available for Android and iOS devices. View abstract. 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. This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. 12 drops peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. Available for Android and iOS devices. Adv Ther 2005;22(6):681-692. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a plant with yellow or purple flowers found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Hybrids and other species may have a similar appearance but could have significantly different amounts of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Kucera et al., 2018). Comfrey oil is made by infusing the leaves and roots of a comfrey plant with a neutral oil. 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. Instructions. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We're proud to make a difference, and you can to. Br J Sports Med. The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? One group used a cream with comfrey root fluid extract on the ankle while the others received a placebo. Comfrey also is known as Russian comfrey, knitbone, radix consolidate, bruisewort, blackwort, and slippery root. When buying commercial brands, seek those that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed, if possible. Frost R, O'meara S, Macpherson H. The external use of comfrey: a practitioner survey. Grube, B., Grunwald, J., Krug, L., and Staiger, C. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. 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. View abstract. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2 cups organic, unrefined coconut oil Copyright Holland & Barrett Limited 2023. Thus, it is not advised to ingest herbal preparations of comfrey unless guided by an expert pharmacologist and physician. Avoid use. Jurcu, R., & Jurcu, I. Recent studies have suggested topical benefits, but more research is needed. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Transfer the cooled oil and butter mixture to a standing electric mixer or blender. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited. Journal of chiropractic medicine, 10(3), 147-156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003, Stam, C., Bonnet, M. S., & van Haselen, R. A. British Homeopathic Journal, 90(01), 21-28. https://doi.org/10.1054/homp.1999.0460. Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with comfrey does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product. Herb & Supplement Guide. Need some help with an order or want to speak to a member of our Customer Services team? 2011;10(3):147-56. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003, Laslett LL, Quinn SJ, Darian-Smith E, et al. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98. Symphytum officinale L., dermal use (Flexagile cream)]. We cover all you need to know in this article. Comfrey contains chemicals that cause serious liver damage when taken by mouth. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Wound-healing effects of a symphytum herb extract cream (Symphytum uplandicum Nyman) in children: A randomized double-blind study. Wichtl, M. (2004). To make this recipe, first, you must prepare the comfrey root tincture. The Effect of Comfrey on Enoxaparin-Induced Bruise in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Randomised Clinical Trial. Comfrey is considered likely unsafe to use if you are nursing a baby. Knee pain and stiffness can be a stubborn concern that keeps many from doing activities they enjoy. Those who used the comfrey ointment experienced improvements in pain, mobility, and quality of life. Aust.J Physiother. 2020;142:104519. Effects of Symphytum ointment on muscular symptoms and functional locomotor disturbances. Avoid comfrey with certain medical conditions, such as liver disease. Sometimes, massaging on topical ointments can help reduce pain and inflammation.