This is because only a small amount of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids are absorbed through the skin (. This is the tincture. 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. View abstract. Koll R, Klingenburg S. [Therapeutic characteristance and tolerance of topical comfrey preparations. 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. Comfrey is generally considered unsafe, with numerous toxicological effects in animals and humans. View abstract. Glass bowl with a lid 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. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010538, Smith DB, Jacobson BH. 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. 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). Comfrey may be used topically as a cream, ointment, salve, or paste. Comfrey is traditionally used for the symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises and is also known for its healing properties. 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. Hybrids and other species may have a similar appearance but could have significantly different amounts of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Kucera et al., 2018). J Ethnopharmacol 1995;48(2):61-76. 2010;44(9):637-41. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2009.058677, Cameron M, Chrubasik S. Topical herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis. 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. Be sure to choose organic carrier oils and essential oils when possible. The Comfrey Ointment that I have been using is to be used only for sprains and bruises. Comfrey is considered likely unsafe to use if you are nursing a baby. Undergoingmassage or taking up yoga may help alleviate pain and help people with back or joint problems function more easily. Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98. 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. Maryland Heights, MO. Metabolism, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity of comfrey. 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (225) $19.95 $ 19. Aust.J Physiother. 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). J Pharmacopuncture 2021;24(4):196-205. Make sure to always buy comfrey (Symphytum officianale) root and leaf from a trusted source. She is passionate about providing evidence-based recommendations that make health decisions easier and improve lives. , 43 volunteers with osteoarthritis used either a topical cream containing comfrey, tannic acid, and eucalyptus or a placebo cream 3x/ day for 6 weeks. It's typically only used in small amounts for a very short period. Safety Alerts & Advisories: FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. These have a lower risk of serious side effects like liver damage. Osteoarthritis.Cartilage. Some of these components are thought to speed up wound healing by stimulating new cell growth. Lorem ipsum dolor sit nulla or narjusto laoreet onse ctetur adipisci. You and your healthcare provider should weigh the pros and cons and use it only under their supervision. Phytother Res. Centurian, South Africa: Medpharm Scientific Publishers. Set aside cup for the cream recipe and store the rest in a glass jar. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. More research is needed. Add comfy to Vaseline . Avoid with medications that induce CYP3A4 or are hepatotoxic (Natural Medicines, 2020). Kucera, A., Barna, M., Holcova, S., Horacek, O., Hladikov, M., & Ottillinger, B. We cover all you need to know in this article. All rights reserved. A member of the borage family, comfrey root, leaves, and stems have an obvious coat of bristly hair. Registered VAT no. 1 It's found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Combination of comfrey root extract plus methyl nicotinate in patients with conditions of acute upper or low back pain: a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Knit bone, Eucalyptus, Rapeseed Oil, BHA. Essential oils are a whole new world in themselves & the benefits of using them are widespread. Of course, more research is needed to validate efficacy and safety. DOI:10.1211/PJ.2021.1.69803. 211727395. An ankle sprain can come out of nowhere and cause a lot of pain, limitations, and regret until it is healed. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: Results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. Using a combination product makes it challenging to know how much of the beneficial effect came from comfrey alone. OTHER NAME(S): Ass Ear, Black Root, Blackwort, Bruisewort, Common. 2012;20(11):1209-16. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2012.07.019, Zago LR, Prado K, Benedito VL, Pereira MM. Learn more in The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. 98% Naturally derived. Complement Ther Med. Consult your healthcare provider before using. Drug class: Herbal products. Three clinical studies have provided evidence that ointments containing comfrey root have helped reduce back pain. This could change the effects and side effects of comfrey. Scoop the finished comfrey cream into sanitized glass jars. Hepatology. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. Can a comfrey (Symphytum officianale) root extraction help ease aching joints and muscles? View abstract. Cap, then label the jars with the date made and ingredients. J Pharm.Belg. Aust.Fam.Physician 2008;37(4):235-236. Grube, B., Grunwald, J., Krug, L., and Staiger, C. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. 4-4-2009;139(13-14):210-211. It is called knitbone or boneset, referring to the bone-like growth of its roots. Complement Ther Med. 6 Healing Benefits of Comfrey. 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? Comfrey: ancient and modern uses. Definitely do not use during pregnancy or nursing, with infants, and if you have liver or kidney disease. Smith DB, Jacobson BH. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: Results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. cup organic sunflower oil To make this recipe, first, you must prepare the comfrey root tincture. Giannetti, B. M., Staiger, C., Bulitta, M., and Predel, H. G. 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. In a study of 712 children with superficial wounds, applying a 25% comfrey cream for one week or up to two weeks (2-4x day) offered a strong benefit to risk ratio (Kucera et al., 2018). Brassica Campest is Seed Oil (Rapeseed Oil), Symphytum Officinale Herb (Comfrey Herb), BHA, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil (Eucalyptus Oil). (21), 498-507. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10354-004-0114-8, Natural Medicines (2020). Jurcu, R., & Jurcu, I. Predel, H. G., Giannetti, B., Koll, R., Bulitta, M., & Staiger, C. (2005). Comfrey is changed and broken down by the liver. For that reason, Ive also included my go-to comfrey cream recipe for achy joints and muscles! This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. 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. Commercial comfrey sale and distribution is restricted in Germany and Canada because of its substantial toxicity. CBD oils being bought in high street stores such as Boots and Holland & Barrett are weak, low quality and don't provide the actual therapeutic advantages. A significant reduction in pain was observed in the groups using the comfrey product. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. (2013). Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. The roots and leaves of the comfrey plant have medicinal properties. Do not take comfrey without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications: This list is not complete. An Evidence-Based Reference. Please simply create an account before buying/booking any courses. Wang YP, Yan J, Fu PP, Chou MW. Most comfrey oils keep for around 2 years after production. Comfrey cream combines ingredients like oils or water and glyceryl stearate with Symphytum officinale (comfrey) extracts. Comfrey is traditionally used for the symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises and is also known for its healing properties. 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). 1 Since at least the 4 th century, people have used comfrey medicinally. Regarding its antioxidant, antilipoperoxidant, antiinflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: Results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Nutrition C for FS and A. 2004;154(21-22):498-507. Finally, well warn of any side effects associated with comfrey oil. Sowa I, Paduch R, Strzemski M, et al. The recipe makes about 6 small jars. Arzneimittelforschung. Potters Herbal Comfrey Oil is a soothing aromatic herbal massage oil. Wien.Med Wochenschr. 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). Make sure to always buy comfrey. 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. Comfrey flowers are bell-shaped and purple, pink, or pale yellow in color, and it has a dark taproot. Bergamot oil is one of the most popular essential oils, but what is it & what are the benefits of using it? Symphyti) bei Sprunggelenks-distorsionen. A systematic review and quality assessment of case reports of adverse events for borage (Borago officinalis), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and comfrey (Symphytum officinale). International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, (4), 135-141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpam.2018.11.002. This site uses cookies to improve your experience. 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). In 2001, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned oral comfrey products. This was compared to 37.8% in the placebo group. Comfrey contains chemicals called. 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. The efficacy and safety of comfrey. Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and to check in about any potential interactions with other supplements or medications. (2018). It should never be taken by mouth. Avoid taking comfrey orally (by mouth). We go to great efforts to ensure that the information on this page is accurate at the time that the page was last edited. It also came as a reference to the belief that comfrey can mend broken bones. Copyright Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2022. As the consistency thickens some more, turn the mixer up a little bit more. Influence of moderate physical exertion on subacute low back pain, after Symphytum officinale ointment treatment. Comfrey is a fast-growing plant whose leaves and roots have been used historically for wound healing and other conditions. Comfrey contains chemicals that cause serious liver damage when taken by mouth. Studies in humans are very limited. 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. Comfrey cream may help treat knee osteoarthritis, according to a Cochrane review of topical herbal therapies. J Chin Med.Assoc. 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). June 3, 2022 Posted by: Category: Uncategorized; No Comments . The combination of Vitamin E, Wheat Germ oil and Rice Bran oil makes this cream perfect for your daily hydration needs. Information offered on Herbal Academy websites is for educational purposes only. Find out how to use it here along with its benefits. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Copyright Holland & Barrett Limited 2023. Cbd Oil In Holland And Barrett. To use on established plants, dilute 1 part comfrey fertilizer in 15 parts water. View abstract. Tolerability and effectiveness of an antitrauma cream with comfrey herb extract in pediatric use with application on intact and on broken skin. Giannetti, B. M., Staiger, C., Bulitta, M., & Predel, H. G. (2010). Follow all directions on the product label and package. 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. Do not use extra comfrey to make up the missed dose. One study followed 142 patients with ankle sprains. This perennial can grow up to 4-feet tall. When buying commercial brands, seek those that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed, if possible. View abstract. View abstract. The plant leaves have a lower concentration of PAs than the roots. The Pharmaceutical Journal, PJ, December 2007. 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.). 2758955. Wound-healing effects of a symphytum herb extract cream (. Electric bowl mixer (like a KitchenAid) or a blender When harvesting comfrey or buying from a non-commercial supplier, note that there is variety within the species. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. When buying commercial brands, seek those that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed, if possible. A later study of 133 peoplefound some evidence that a topical combination of comfrey extract and tannic acid led to reduced knee pain. This makes quite a thick rich cream good for a body cream and an all healing cream . 12 drops black pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil 2011;10(3):147-56. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003, Laslett LL, Quinn SJ, Darian-Smith E, et al. NCCIH. Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Comfreycontains PAs, substances that can cause significant damage, including: Therefore, it should never be taken by mouth. 2013;21(6):724-745. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2013.09.009. Need some help with an order or want to speak to a member of our Customer Services team? Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. Symphytum officinale L., dermal use (Flexagile cream)]. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Other herbal supplements that may have benefits for back pain include: Some other supplements that may be useful for osteoarthritis are: Back pain is often treated with medication such as over-the-counter pain relievers. It should only be used in small amounts for short periods as a cream. The use of babosa (Aloe vera) in treating burns: a literature review. View abstract. Frost R, O'meara S, Macpherson H. The external use of comfrey: a practitioner survey. View abstract. Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. Arzneimittelforschung. Centurian, South Africa: Medpharm Scientific Publishers. Label with the ingredients and date made. Fortschr Med Orig 2002;120:1-9. (2013). Comfrey has been claimed to heal gastric ulcers and hemorrhoids, and to suppress bronchial congestion and inflammation. Toxicol Lett 2005;155:411-20. A symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises. These include allantoin, rosmarinic acid, and others. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 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. 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. In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. Whether youre familiar with it or not, this unusual herbal remedy is definitely worth knowing more about. Version: 5.01. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. Simply massage into the skin as required. Healthy adults: massage about 1 teaspoon of cream into a local area up to 4x/day for up to 2 weeks. Which part of the comfrey plant has the lowest level of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)? Join rewards for life today and we'll give you 300 points worth 3.00. 2017;65(1):363-373. doi:10.1002/hep.28813. View abstract. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. A member of the borage family, comfrey root, leaves, and stems have an obvious coat of bristly hair. Comfrey has also been used for the following conditions: There is currently not enough evidence to recommend comfrey cream for any of these uses. By Megan Nunn, PharmD 2013;163(3-4):58-64. Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements. 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. 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. Barna, M., Kucera, A., Hladikova, M., & Kucera, M. (2012). Comfrey might harm the liver. View abstract. A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.). Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. View abstract. 2 Comfrey cream contains several active components (substances). 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 cream 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. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions before use. 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. The chemicals contained in comfrey may cause birth defects. 2013;5(5):CD010538. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose. Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietician, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. View abstract. What Happens If I Use Too Much Comfrey Cream? The leaves and stems of comfrey contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause toxic damage if ingested in excess (Ulbricht, 2010). Oral use of comfrey is not recommended because of potential liver damage. Comfrey may have been applied to the skin in a specific preparation to treat some of these conditions. 1/8 cup comfrey tincture (Symphytum officinale), store bought or via recipe, above. Wien Med Wochenschr. Further study is needed to confirm these results. View abstract. These side effects may be common or severe. The review included one study of 220 people with knee osteoarthritis, a degenerative "wear-and-tear" joint condition. Many have said that it has helped them with a variety of aches and pains! Registered in England: company no. All Technology Jobs. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Researchers have found it does seem to reduce pain in some conditions, including back pain, osteoarthritis, and ankle sprains. Some recent human studies have demonstrated that extracts may help with ankle sprains, knee pain and stiffness, backaches, and mild skin abrasions. 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. 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. Phytomedicine, 12(10), 707-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.001, Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Quis autem velum iure reprehe nderit. Comfrey is not recommended for children under three years old, as it's not been studied in that population. (2001). Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. Influence of moderate physical exertion on subacute low back pain, after Symphytum officinale ointment treatment. My family has used comfy for ingrown toenails. 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 . Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. When the root is boiled in water, it forms a sticky, glue-like paste. 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. 211727395. The ankle swelling decreased by 79.5% in the comfrey root group and 69.4% in the diclofenac group. Phytother.Res 2012;26(10):1441-1448. 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). Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., & Staiger, C. (2004). Copyright Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2022. The Effect of Comfrey on Enoxaparin-Induced Bruise in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Randomised Clinical Trial. of India and by a State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority constituted by Government of India on the recommendations made . 2016 Jan;41(2):116-33. doi:10.1097/01.brs.0000249525.70011.fe. 16 Rewards for Life points with this purchase. 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. 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. Lewis, C. J. FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. Mackinnon, M. In general practice, 'always expect the unexpected'. 2019;24(12):2272. doi:10.3390/molecules24122272, Staiger, Christine. Spine(Phila Pa 1976). Adv Ther 2005;22(6):681-692. In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea.