Close LOGIN FOR DONATION. 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. 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. View abstract. To make this recipe, first, you must prepare the comfrey root tincture. Treatment with 4Jointz reduces knee pain over 12 weeks of treatment in patients with clinical knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial. about an hour two nites. A member of the borage family, comfrey root, leaves, and stems have an obvious coat of bristly hair. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. To make the cream, combine sunflower oil, safflower oil, coconut oil, and cocoa butter in a double-boiler over low heat until completely melted. Wang YP, Yan J, Fu PP, Chou MW. When buying commercial brands, seek those that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed, if possible. This makes quite a thick rich cream good for a body cream and an all healing cream . radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: Results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. 2017;83:1-4. There is no daily recommended allowance for comfrey, sold in creams, ointments, gels, and salves. J Pharmacopuncture 2021;24(4):196-205. Comfrey is a perennial herb found in moist grasslands in western Asia as well as in North America. Kucera, M., Barna, M., Horacek, O., Kalal, J., Kucera, A., and Hladikova, M. Topical symphytum herb concentrate cream against myalgia: a randomized controlled double-blind clinical study. When the root is boiled in water, it forms a sticky, glue-like paste. Spine(Phila Pa 1976). Complement Ther Med. Comfrey oil is made by infusing the leaves and roots of a comfrey plant with a neutral oil. Looks like you may need to upgrade your browser We're sorry, we no longer support the web browser that you are using Osteoarthritis Cartilage. Rad. Swiss.Med.Wkly. 1 Since at least the 4 th century, people have used comfrey medicinally. Comfrey is not recommended for internal use because of the liver damage caused by its pyrrolizidine alkaloids. 2013;27(6):811-7. View abstract. 1. Turn off heat and give it a good stir. Potters Herbal Comfrey Oil is a soothing aromatic herbal massage oil. Finally, well warn of any side effects associated with comfrey oil. Adv Ther 2005;22(6):681-692. We cover all you need to know in this article. Avoid using comfrey extracts on broken skin or open wounds. 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. Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Avoid using comfrey together with other herbal/health supplements that can also harm the liver. 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. Wound-healing effects of a symphytum herb extract cream (Symphytum uplandicum Nyman) in children: A randomized double-blind study. When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. Avoid with medications that induce CYP3A4 or are hepatotoxic (Natural Medicines, 2020). Scoop the finished comfrey cream into sanitized glass jars. In a small study with 30 subjects, lower back pain from exercise was reduced with an ointment containing comfrey. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. View abstract. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. View abstract. Additionally, there is scientific research demonstrating comfreys effectiveness at soothing muscle and joint pain, some of which are highlighted in this post. Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis. Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020. root extraction help ease aching joints and muscles? 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. 2016 Jan;41(2):116-33. doi:10.1097/01.brs.0000249525.70011.fe. 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. cup organic, unrefined cocoa butter Be sure to use comfrey root from a reputable source that has properly identified the species. Ulbricht, C. (2010). You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. cup organic sunflower oil 6 Healing Benefits of Comfrey. Begin mixing on low. Set on a sunny windowsill and shake once a day for 2-4 weeks. Comfrey shouldn't be used in any form during pregnancy or nursing due to the risk of liver damage to infants. A later study of 133 peoplefound some evidence that a topical combination of comfrey extract and tannic acid led to reduced knee pain. Comfrey is likley unsafe to take by mouth. Yield: Approximately 5 cups of whipped lotion. The warm weather has a way of encouraging us to get outside and move our bodies more. View abstract. Effects of Symphytum ointment on muscular symptoms and functional locomotor disturbances. Public Health Nutr 2000;3:501-8. Facebook; Twitter; Pinterest; Related Posts. View abstract. Comfrey is a fast-growing plant whose leaves and roots have been used historically for wound healing and other conditions. ). 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). Also, avoid use for more than two weeks or excessive concentrations containing more than 100 mcg of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Wichtl, 2004 & Ulbricht, 2010). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions before use. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. 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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). These include allantoin, rosmarinic acid, and others. #HBTechCareers. Comfrey has been used medicinally for at least 2000 years for various conditions, including bone fractures, ulcers, and gout. Credit Solution Experts Incorporated offers quality business credit building services, which includes an easy step-by-step system designed for helping clients build their business credit effortlessly. Comfrey may have been applied to the skin in a specific preparation to treat some of these conditions. A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.). The roots and leaves of the comfrey plant have medicinal properties. As the consistency thickens some more, turn the mixer up a little bit more. She is passionate about providing evidence-based recommendations that make health decisions easier and improve lives. Study results revealed that pain intensity during active movement decreased an average of 95.2% in the group given comfrey ointment. Patients with hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to the plant should also avoid external use. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Toe was infected and painful. Be sure to use comfrey root from a reputable source that has properly identified the species. Healthy adults: massage about 1 teaspoon of cream into a local area up to 4x/day for up to 2 weeks. View abstract. Sowa I, Paduch R, Strzemski M, et al. View abstract. Anotherstudy found that comfrey ointment was superior to placebo in relieving pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis. 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. 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. 2020;142:104519. Herbal medicine for low back pain: A Cochrane review. Available for Android and iOS devices. Mosby Elsevier. Staiger C. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials. Company number 02758955 Registered VAT number 211727395. 2758955. View abstract. D'Anchise, R., Bulitta, M., and Giannetti, B. Comfrey extract ointment in comparison to diclofenac gel in the treatment of acute unilateral ankle sprains (distortions). (10), 707-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.001. Comfrey oil should be applied topically to parts of the body where you have muscular pain or discomfort. (2004). Comfrey cream may help treat knee osteoarthritis, according to a Cochrane review of topical herbal therapies. Staiger, C. Comfrey: a clinical overview. Check regularly, but it should take about six weeks for all the leaves to break down into a thick, black liquid. 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.). Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., & Staiger, C. (2004). Retrieved from, https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=295. Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. Essential oils are a whole new world in themselves & the benefits of using them are widespread. 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? For that reason, Ive also included my go-to comfrey cream recipe for achy joints and muscles! Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). 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. This soothing blend of herbal oils contains Comfrey (also known as Knitbone) and Eucalyptus Oil. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. View abstract. Hybrids and other species may have a similar appearance but could have significantly different amounts of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Kucera et al., 2018). Regarding its antioxidant, antilipoperoxidant, antiinflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. However, further well-designed studies are needed. Comfrey is considered likely unsafe to use if you are nursing a baby. Ingesting cooking oil has been banned by the European Union, due to a high risk of liver toxicity.9, Adults with liver disease, cancer, or a history of alcoholism are also advised to avoid comfrey because the skin can also absorb the liver-damaging compounds. 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. Since these toxic substances can be absorbed through the skin, there's concern about the safety of comfrey cream applied topically. 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). To make this recipe, first, you must prepare the comfrey root tincture. Follow all directions on the product label and package. Herb & Supplement Guide. Discard after a year or according to labeling. The Pharmaceutical Journal, PJ, December 2007. Thus, it is not advised to ingest herbal preparations of comfrey unless guided by an expert pharmacologist and physician. Other prescription medicines that may harm the liver include: Some supplements may also harm the liver, including: It is essential to carefully read a supplement's ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Nat Prod Res 2018;32(5):605-9. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2017.1326492. Latest: Senior Software Engineer - Front End Senior Software Engineer Senior Product Manager - Basket, Checkout and Payments UX Designer - Instore Tech. *PR sample. Comfrey may be used topically as a cream, ointment, salve, or paste. Arzneimittelforschung. Like any new treatment, discontinue use if any irritation occurs. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010538, Smith DB, Jacobson BH. Studies in humans are very limited. Comfrey flowers are bell-shaped and purple, pink, or pale yellow in color, and it has a dark taproot. Please read the Topical Use Safety section of this article (above) before using. 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. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. Braz J Biol. The cream was applied to the local lumbar area 4x during the day of the exercise, with the first application being pre-exercise (Jurcau & Jurcau, 2013). The comfrey plant, Symphytum officinale, gets its name from the Latin confervere, meaning to grow together. The study involved 43 patients with knee osteoarthritis and a six-week treatment period. 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! Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. However, not a rate considered harmful for those with healthy livers.10,11, Masters Degree in Toxicology and BSc Hons in Medical Biochemistry. Healthy adults: massage about 1 teaspoon of cream into a local area up to 4x/day for up to 2 weeks. Mazzocchi, A. and Montanaro, F. Observational study of the use of Symphytum 5CH in the management of pain and swelling after dental implant surgery. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. However, comfrey can also contain toxic substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. This perennial can grow up to 4-feet tall. Comfrey has been cultivated as a green vegetable and has been used as an herbal medicine for more than 2,000 years. Would you like to win our brilliant Botanical Business Package with nearly $1,000 in prizes? Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs. 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). Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of comfrey at the same time without medical advice. Some drugs increase how quickly the liver changes and breaks down comfrey. 2013;21(6):724-45. For topical comfrey cream, look for products labeled as free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Although topical comfrey has been used for this indication, there's little evidence that it helps and can pose a big risk for nursing babies. Complementary Health Approaches for Chronic Pain: What the Science Says. Allow the oil mixture to cool until it reaches room temperature, which could take 8-12 hours. These third-party organizations test products to ensure they were manufactured safely and contain the ingredients indicated on the labeling without contaminants. Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. Please simply create an account before buying/booking any courses. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. Most comfrey oils keep for around 2 years after production. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Eliot Park, Nuneaton, CV10 7RH, UK. 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. Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with comfrey does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product. It contains chemicals that are poisonous. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. This leads to cirrhosis and eventually liver failure. Fitoterapia. Cover, but leave a small air opening. Comfrey has been claimed to heal gastric ulcers and hemorrhoids, and to suppress bronchial congestion and inflammation. Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. Smith DB, Jacobson BH. Phytomedicine, 12(10), 707-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.001, Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). First, make the comfrey root tincture by combining the dried comfrey root and alcohol in a sterilized, dry, glass pint jar. hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited. Its ready when the mixture has solidified somewhat and has a cloudy, creamy, and slightly runny consistency. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 8, 2023. Instructions. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. It should never be taken by mouth. After the consistency begins to thicken, turn the mixer up a little bit. Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. Comfrey has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating back pain, osteoarthritis, or tenderness and swelling caused by a sprain injury. Store comfrey cream according to package instructions, typically at room temperature and out of reach of children and pets. Can quickly relieve muscle and joint pain. Two interesting studies found that a topical application of a product containing comfrey root extract helped with knee pain and stiffness. Call your doctor for medical advice about . The herbal topical cream was prepared at two different strengths, as an additional measure of efficacy. 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. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. 2013;5(5):CD010538. Limited trials have evaluated the effectiveness of alkaloid-free preparations for external use; however, these studies did not examine how much liver damage occurred in patients. Phytomedicine. Because of the risk of liver toxicity, comfrey cream shouldn't be used with other medicines that may also cause liver damage. 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. 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).