2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Consult your healthcare provider before using. However, not a rate considered harmful for those with healthy livers.10,11, Masters Degree in Toxicology and BSc Hons in Medical Biochemistry. Registered in England: company no. It produces clusters of purple, blue, and white flowers, and it's famous for its long . Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Mei N, Guo L, Fu PP, Fuscoe JC, Luan Y, Chen T. Metabolism, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity of comfrey. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. View abstract. Comfrey cream combines ingredients like oils or water and glyceryl stearate with Symphytum officinale (comfrey) extracts. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. Comfrey is generally considered unsafe, with numerous toxicological effects in animals and humans. Call your doctor for medical advice about . Patients with hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to the plant should also avoid external use. #HBTechCareers. Cbd Oil In Holland And Barrett. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Comfrey may have been applied to the skin in a specific preparation to treat some of these conditions. Comfrey is traditionally used for the symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises and is also known for its healing properties. Herb & Supplement Guide. J Chin Med.Assoc. Medicine makers would bind comfrey leaves and roots in poultices, then apply those poultices to the skin to treat injuries. 2007;57(11):712-716. Symphytum officinale L., dermal use (Flexagile cream)]. View abstract. 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. 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). Comfrey. 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. 2012;(1):41-42. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. 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. Set aside cup for the cream recipe and store the rest in a glass jar. Discard after a year or according to labeling. Turn off heat and give it a good stir. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are very toxic to the liver and are also carcinogenic (cause cancer). Skin patch test before use, especially if you have sensitive skin, and never use on a deep wound. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Comfrey should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Of course, more research is needed to validate efficacy and safety. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: Results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. 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. Facebook; Twitter; Pinterest; Related Posts. Electric bowl mixer (like a KitchenAid) or a blender, Small glass jars with lids for sharing (optional). Comfrey has been cultivated as a green vegetable and has been used as an herbal medicine for more than 2,000 years. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2007;157(21-22):569-574. View abstract. Toxicol Lett 2005;155:411-20. It also covers side effects, interactions, and what to look for. For this reason, some topical products are advertised as made from comfrey leaves, but it's safest to choose a PA-free product. Comfrey root extracts have been used by herbalists and in folk traditions for centuries to soothe aches and pains. Giannetti, B. M., Staiger, C., Bulitta, M., & Predel, H. G. (2010). Rad. Find out how to use it here along with its benefits. All Technology Jobs. 2010;73(2):97-100. Stam, C., Bonnet, M. S., & van Haselen, R. A. Influence of moderate physical exertion on subacute low back pain, after Symphytum officinale ointment treatment. Hybrids and other species may have a similar appearance but could have significantly different amounts of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Kucera et al., 2018). Arzneimittelforschung. Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with over twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. Please read the Topical Use Safety section of this article (above) before using. how to become a school board member in florida ocean deck band schedule 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. Comfrey cream 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. Public Health Nutr 2000;3:501-8. When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. This perennial can grow up to 4-feet tall. about an hour two nites. 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. Available for Android and iOS devices. Comfrey is an herb in the Boraginaceae family and has small purple flowers. 2013;5(5):CD010538. Staiger, C. Comfrey: a clinical overview. Healthy adults: massage about 1 teaspoon of cream into a local area up to 4x/day for up to 2 weeks. And topical capsaicin cream may help to relieve pain temporarily. The herbal topical cream was prepared at two different strengths, as an additional measure of efficacy. One study in 120 patients with acute upper or lower back pain used either four grams (g) of comfrey root ointment or a placebo (sham treatment) three times daily for five days. This article discusses the uses and benefits of comfrey cream. View abstract. Knit bone, Eucalyptus, Rapeseed Oil, BHA. Huxtable RJ, Awang DV. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a plant with yellow or purple flowers found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Can a comfrey (Symphytum officianale) root extraction help ease aching joints and muscles? To use on established plants, dilute 1 part comfrey fertilizer in 15 parts water. HTB; 2021 2; Youtube; Twitter; Facebook; ; It's found in Europe, Asia, and North America. 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. This is because only a small amount of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids are absorbed through the skin (. In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. 2 Comfrey cream contains several active components (substances). hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited. The Effect of Comfrey on Enoxaparin-Induced Bruise in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Randomised Clinical Trial. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. The ankle swelling decreased by 79.5% in the comfrey root group and 69.4% in the diclofenac group. View abstract. Choose organically grown comfrey when possible. A review of 26 clinical trials concluded that mild skin reactions were the most common side effects of comfrey creams used in the studies. No comments. 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. Experts suggest not using comfrey cream for longer than ten days in a row. Yield: Approximately 5 cups of whipped lotion. 2017;65(1):363-373. doi:10.1002/hep.28813. Apply a small amount (not to exceed a teaspoon) topically 2-3x/day for up to 2 weeks. The Pharmaceutical Journal, PJ, December 2007. View abstract. Some drugs increase how quickly the liver changes and breaks down comfrey. Staiger C. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials. Poisons Legislation Circular 3-22-1993;60. Hybrids and other species may have a similar appearance but could have significantly different amounts of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Kucera et al., 2018). When buying commercial brands, seek those that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed, if possible. Transfer the cooled oil and butter mixture to a standing electric mixer or blender. 12 drops juniper berry (Juniperus communis) essential oil Topical comfrey is for use only on the skin. This is the tincture. 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 (2018). Safety Alerts & Advisories: FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. After eight days, the group that used the cream had significantly less pain than those who had the placebo. Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). Choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLabs, or NSF when possible. Centurian, South Africa: Medpharm Scientific Publishers. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. To make the cream, combine sunflower oil, safflower oil, coconut oil, and cocoa butter in a double-boiler over low heat until completely melted. doi:10.1002/ptr.4612, Salehi B, Sharopov F, Boyunegmez Tumer T, et al. 2012;101(4):211-216. 2012;20(11):1209-16. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2012.07.019, Zago LR, Prado K, Benedito VL, Pereira MM. First, make the comfrey root tincture by combining the dried comfrey root and alcohol in a sterilized, dry, glass pint jar. Discontinue use if a rash appears. Phytother Res. View abstract. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-007-0474-y. Scientific studies have shown comfrey oil can help reduce the likelihood leg ulcers will become infected.7, Topical application of comfrey oil has been shown to support the lower and upper back more than methyl nicotinate, the main ingredient in many muscle creams.8. 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (225) $19.95 $ 19. 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. Without overexposure to air or heatand without cross-contaminationthe recipe should last as long as the expiration date of the carrier oils used. This soothing blend of herbal oils contains Comfrey (also known as Knitbone) and Eucalyptus Oil. Phytomedicine. The FDA has recommended that all comfrey products that are taken by mouth be removed from the market. Three clinical studies have provided evidence that ointments containing comfrey root have helped reduce back pain. 2017;83:1-4. Information offered on Herbal Academy websites is for educational purposes only. 2010;13(7-8):509-526. doi:10.1080/10937404.2010.509013, Staiger C. Comfrey: A clinical overview. You can weight them down with a rock or brick. 2013;21(6):724-745. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2013.09.009. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46. HOLLAND & BARRETT PRO VITAMIN E DAY CREAM 50ML This Vitamin E day cream works with your skin daily to hydrate and protect your skin. randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multi-clinical trial. Mazzocchi, A. and Montanaro, F. Observational study of the use of Symphytum 5CH in the management of pain and swelling after dental implant surgery. We cover all you need to know in this article. In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. Adv.Ther 2000;17(4):204-210. Topical preparations of comfrey are generally safe provided they are not applied excessively or to an open wound. Symphytum species: A comprehensive review on chemical composition, food applications and phytopharmacology. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. New South Wales Health, Australia. 2010;44(9):637-41. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2009.058677, Cameron M, Chrubasik S. Topical herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis. Here's a look at research on comfrey cream for back pain, osteoarthritis, and ankle sprains. This site uses cookies to improve your experience. 2012;26(10):14411448. Oral use of comfrey is not recommended because of potential liver damage. Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. 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). British Homeopathic Journal, 90(01), 21-28. https://doi.org/10.1054/homp.1999.0460. Adv Ther 2005;22(6):681-692. 1 Since at least the 4 th century, people have used comfrey medicinally. Copyright Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2022. Because of the risk of liver toxicity, comfrey cream shouldn't be used with other medicines that may also cause liver damage. All rights reserved. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport, 14(3). 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 comfrey cream recipe works great for local areas that have mild bruising or soft tissue pain. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. NCCIH. Comfrey can kill. 2013;21(6):724-45. One study followed 142 patients with ankle sprains. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. Aust.J Physiother. Comfrey also is known as Russian comfrey, knitbone, radix consolidate, bruisewort, blackwort, and slippery root. This makes quite a thick rich cream good for a body cream and an all healing cream . If you choose to use comfrey, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Rad. Z Phytotherapie 2000;21:127-134. Comfrey's original name, knitbone, derives from the external use of poultices of its leaves and roots to heal burns, sprains, swelling, and bruises. Choose organically grown comfrey when possible. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a plant with yellow or purple flowers found in Europe, Asia, and North America. If you're considering using the cream, consult your healthcare provider first. Aust.Fam.Physician 2008;37(4):235-236. Add comfy to Vaseline . Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with comfrey does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product. Wound-healing effects of a symphytum herb extract cream (Symphytum uplandicum Nyman) in children: A randomized double-blind study. 98% Naturally derived. Cap, then label the jars with the date made and ingredients. The comfrey plant, Symphytum officinale, gets its name from the Latin confervere, meaning to grow together. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose. The plant leaves have a lower concentration of PAs than the roots. However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesn't mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use comfrey with very young children or during pregnancy or lactation. Thus, it is not advised to ingest herbal preparations of comfrey unless guided by an expert pharmacologist and physician. 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. 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. The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? A significant reduction in pain was observed in the groups using the comfrey product. Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: Results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Complement Ther Med. This site uses cookies to improve your experience. Comfrey flowers are bell-shaped and purple, pink, or pale yellow in color, and it has a dark taproot. 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. Browse our Sports Hub, Buy 1 get 1 Half Price on Vitamins & Supplements, Buy 1 get 1 Half Price gut health supplements, Contains Comfrey known for its healing properties, Symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises. Topical preparations of comfrey are generally safe provided they are not applied excessively or to an open wound. View abstract. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. cup organic sunflower oil Our Two Pennies Worth. (2013). 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. Treatment with 4Jointz reduces knee pain over 12 weeks of treatment in patients with clinical knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial. 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. of India has issued Environment Impact Assessment EIA Notification dated 14th September, 2006 for according Environment Clearance(EC) to 8 categories of industries/projects by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). As a Licensed Massage Therapist, I have personally made this comfrey cream recipe multiple times and given jars to my clients. Symphyti) bei Sprunggelenks-distorsionen. 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. View abstract. For topical comfrey cream, look for products labeled as free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. View abstract. Comfrey [Online article]. 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. Studies in humans are very limited. Written by Cerner Multum. View abstract. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Further study is needed to confirm these results. It can grow up to 5 feet tall. Sometimes, massaging on topical ointments can help reduce pain and inflammation. Avoid taking comfrey orally (by mouth). View abstract. J Agric.Food Chem 2001;49(8):3942-3946. This is done by soaking the root in at least 50% alcohol for a minimum of two weeks. WMW Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 154(21), 498-507. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10354-004-0114-8, Natural Medicines (2020). 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. 2004;154(21-22):498-507. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. What alternatives to comfrey cream are there for back pain? View abstract. Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Learn more in The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? 2013;163:5864 (2013) doi:10.1007/s10354-012-0162-4, Giannetti BM, Staiger C, Bulitta M, Predel HG. Avoid using comfrey together with other herbal/health supplements that can also harm the liver. Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. Looks like you may need to upgrade your browser We're sorry, we no longer support the web browser that you are using Join rewards for life today and we'll give you 300 points worth 3.00. 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. Comfrey has been claimed to heal gastric ulcers and hemorrhoids, and to suppress bronchial congestion and inflammation. Comfrey is not recommended for children under three years old, as it's not been studied in that population. reduce lower back pain (Stam et al., 2001). Comfrey is a shrub that grows in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. 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. Comfrey can also contain echimidine, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), and symphytine, which can damage the liver, are carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and may harm a fetus. 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. Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: Results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Beth Thomas, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist and founder of BMT Consulting Services, LLC. Fitoterapia. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010538, Smith DB, Jacobson BH. 1 It's found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Spine(Phila Pa 1976). (2013). Avoid using comfrey extracts on broken skin or open wounds. You and your healthcare provider should weigh the pros and cons and use it only under their supervision. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. More research is needed. . Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Fortschr Med Orig 2002;120:1-9. 12 drops peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil Other uses not proven with research have included skin wounds, skin ulcers, cough, sore throat, gum disease, joint pain, diarrhea, and other conditions. 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. Ulbricht, C. (2010). Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., & Staiger, C. (2004). With extract of Comfrey. 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. Whenselecting a brand of supplements, look for products certified by Consumer Labs, the U.S.Pharmacopeia, or NSF. Medicine makers would bind comfrey leaves and roots in poultices, then apply those poultices to the skin to treat injuries. Heat oil in double boiler gently then add beeswax until it melts. It contains chemicals that are poisonous. She is passionate about providing evidence-based recommendations that make health decisions easier and improve lives. It also came as a reference to the belief that comfrey can mend broken bones. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials, 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, Topical herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis, 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, Treatment with 4Jointz reduces knee pain over 12 weeks of treatment in patients with clinical knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial.