Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a plant with yellow or purple flowers found in Europe, Asia, and North America. 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? View abstract. doi:10.1002/ptr.4612, Salehi B, Sharopov F, Boyunegmez Tumer T, et al. First, make the comfrey root tincture by combining the dried comfrey root and alcohol in a sterilized, dry, glass pint jar. 2020;142:104519. Satisfaction. Registered VAT no. 2007;157(21-22):569-574. 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 is because only a small amount of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids are absorbed through the skin (. If you're considering using the cream, consult your healthcare provider first. What is niacinamide? , 43 volunteers with osteoarthritis used either a topical cream containing comfrey, tannic acid, and eucalyptus or a placebo cream 3x/ day for 6 weeks. This soothing blend of herbal oils contains Comfrey (also known as Knitbone) and Eucalyptus Oil. Modern science suggests that the ancients were correct in believing comfrey helps to heal woundsand relieve pain.3,4 In this article, well explain where comfrey comes from, comfrey oils remarkable health benefits and how to use it at home. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Turley, A. J. and Muir, D. F. ECG for physicians: a potentially fatal case of mistaken identity. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. 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. Squish and squeeze as many leaves into as you can into the container. In another study, participants with ankle sprains received either comfrey root extract cream or diclofenac gel, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Comfrey is a flowering shrub that grows in Europe, Asia and, now, North America. View abstract. When the root is boiled in water, it forms a sticky, glue-like paste. Do not take comfrey without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications: This list is not complete. 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. Comfrey cream It also covers side effects, interactions, and what to look for. Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. 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. Undergoingmassage or taking up yoga may help alleviate pain and help people with back or joint problems function more easily. 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). Brassica Campest is Seed Oil (Rapeseed Oil), Symphytum Officinale Herb (Comfrey Herb), BHA, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil (Eucalyptus Oil). J Chin Med.Assoc. Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with comfrey does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product. Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Rad. How do you use it and are there any side effects? Additionally, there is scientific research demonstrating comfreys effectiveness at soothing muscle and joint pain, some of which are highlighted in this post. Huxtable RJ, Awang DV. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. After the tincture is made, then you can whip up the fabulous joint and muscle cream! Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Toe was infected and painful. Rad. Add cup of the comfrey tincture and all essential oils to the cooled oil/butter mixture. Mazzocchi, A. and Montanaro, F. Observational study of the use of Symphytum 5CH in the management of pain and swelling after dental implant surgery. View abstract. This site uses cookies to improve your experience. Registered in England: company no. Small glass jars with lids for sharing (optional). We go to great efforts to ensure that the information on this page is accurate at the time that the page was last edited. Because of the risk of liver toxicity, comfrey cream shouldn't be used with other medicines that may also cause liver damage. 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. 1.35 Fl Oz. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 120 patients with acute back pain, symptoms were quickly reduced in the group using 4 grams of an ointment containing 35% comfrey root extract 3x/day for 5 days (Giannetti et al., 2010). A few studies show that comfrey cream may be helpful in the treatment of ankle sprains. Comfrey [Online article]. 2758955. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Registered in England: company no. For External Use only Do not use if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients. Can a comfrey (Symphytum officianale) root extraction help ease aching joints and muscles? Available for Android and iOS devices. 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. Book your free, one-to-one online consultation with one of our qualified advisors. Retrieved from, https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=295. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Experts suggest not using comfrey cream for longer than ten days in a row. Ther Drug Monit 2001;23:698-708. Using a supplement like comfrey may have potential side effects. When the root is boiled in water, it forms a sticky, glue-like paste. Wang YP, Yan J, Fu PP, Chou MW. Comfrey oil is made by infusing the leaves and roots of a comfrey plant with a neutral oil. To Use. Comfrey. Some drugs increase how quickly the liver changes and breaks down comfrey. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. It is not certain whether comfrey is effective in treating any medical condition. Spine(Phila Pa 1976). 2013;21(6):724-745. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2013.09.009. 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. Symphytum officinale L, S. asperum Lepechin, S. tuberosum L, Symphytum x uplandicum Nyman. Newer Post Older . View abstract. Avoid comfrey with certain medical conditions, such as liver disease. Stickel F, Seitz HK. 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. about an hour two nites. Other drugs may interact with comfrey, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Comfrey is often sold as an herbal supplement. To make the cream, combine sunflower oil, safflower oil, coconut oil, and cocoa butter in a double-boiler over low heat until completely melted. View abstract. 6 Healing Benefits of Comfrey. The recipe makes about 5 cups of whipped creamy lotion. Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietician, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. 2012;62(6):285-289. View abstract. 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? Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. Medicine makers would bind comfrey leaves and roots in poultices, then apply those poultices to the skin to treat injuries. Jedlinszki, N., Balzs, B., Csnyi, E., & Csupor, D. (2017). In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. These have a lower risk of serious side effects like liver damage. Comfrey is traditionally used for the symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises and is also known for its healing properties. Check regularly, but it should take about six weeks for all the leaves to break down into a thick, black liquid. 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. A limited number of clinical trials show short-term efficacy of topically applied, alkaloid-free comfrey preparations in skin abrasions and inflammatory conditions. Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Comfrey cream combines ingredients like oils or water and glyceryl stearate with Symphytum officinale (comfrey) extracts. When buying commercial brands, seek those that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed, if possible. However, not a rate considered harmful for those with healthy livers.10,11, Masters Degree in Toxicology and BSc Hons in Medical Biochemistry. The Herbal Academy neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. A later study of 133 peoplefound some evidence that a topical combination of comfrey extract and tannic acid led to reduced knee pain. Would you like to win our brilliant Botanical Business Package with nearly $1,000 in prizes? Lorem ipsum dolor sit nulla or narjusto laoreet onse ctetur adipisci. 2016 Jan;41(2):116-33. doi:10.1097/01.brs.0000249525.70011.fe. In a small study with 30 subjects, lower back pain from exercise was reduced with an ointment containing comfrey. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose. Natural Standard. 2008;54(1):7-20. Affiliate links are shared throughout the website and the Herbal Academy may receive compensation if you make a purchase with these links. Aust.Fam.Physician 2008;37(4):235-236. Using a combination product makes it challenging to know how much of the beneficial effect came from comfrey alone. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport. 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). Food and Drug Administration. 2017;83:1-4. 1 Since at least the 4 th century, people have used comfrey medicinally. Hybrids and other species may have a similar appearance but could have significantly different amounts of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Kucera et al., 2018). 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. The herbal topical cream was prepared at two different strengths, as an additional measure of efficacy. Comfrey is traditionally used for the symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises and is also known for its healing properties. 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). All Technology Jobs. Scoop the finished comfrey cream into sanitized glass jars. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport, 14(3). Call your doctor for medical advice about . The use of babosa (Aloe vera) in treating burns: a literature review.
