#HBTechCareers. The participants were assigned three weeks of treatment with two grams of either comfrey ointment or a placebo three times a day. The Herbal Academy supports trusted organizations with the use of affiliate links. Patients with hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to the plant should also avoid external use. 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. A member of the borage family, comfrey root, leaves, and stems have an obvious coat of bristly hair. 2017;83:1-4. comfrey cream holland and barrett. Comfreycontains PAs, substances that can cause significant damage, including: Therefore, it should never be taken by mouth. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. Huxtable RJ, Awang DV. Those who used the comfrey ointment experienced improvements in pain, mobility, and quality of life. Comfrey has been claimed to heal gastric ulcers and hemorrhoids, and to suppress bronchial congestion and inflammation. 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! hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited. Some recent human studies have demonstrated that extracts may help with ankle sprains, knee pain and stiffness, backaches, and mild skin abrasions. Comfrey cream, an topical herbal product, is thought to reduce inflammation and pain when applied to the skin. View abstract. Find out how to use it here along with its benefits. This leads to cirrhosis and eventually liver failure. Influence of moderate physical exertion on subacute low back pain, after Symphytum officinale ointment treatment. 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. After eight days, the group that used the cream had significantly less pain than those who had the placebo. View abstract. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. Written by Cerner Multum. cup organic safflower oil Poisons Legislation Circular 3-22-1993;60. 2004;154(21-22):498-507. 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. The recipe makes about 5 cups of whipped creamy lotion. Be sure to use comfrey root from a reputable source that has properly identified the species. This is because only a small amount of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids are absorbed through the skin (Jedlinszki et al., 2017). 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. Topically applied comfrey oil is associated with a wide range of health benefits and can help with certainissues including: Comfrey oil is good at helping with superficial cuts, scratches, and scrapes. The Pharmaceutical Journal, PJ, December 2007. Comfrey also is known as Russian comfrey, knitbone, radix consolidate, bruisewort, blackwort, and slippery root. The Effect of Comfrey on Enoxaparin-Induced Bruise in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Randomised Clinical Trial. This site uses cookies to improve your experience. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. (2013). Further study is needed to confirm these results. Jurcu, R., & Jurcu, I. For this reason, some topical products are advertised as made from comfrey leaves, but it's safest to choose a PA-free product. To Use. Can quickly relieve muscle and joint pain. How do you use it and are there any side effects? Comfrey contains toxic substances that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. Using it no more than four to six weeks a year as a general guideline would be best. The efficacy and safety of a homeopathic gel in the treatment of acute low back pain: a multi-centre, randomised, double-blind comparative clinical trial. First, make the comfrey root tincture by combining the dried comfrey root and alcohol in a sterilized, dry, glass pint jar. Available for Android and iOS devices. Phytother Res. Preclinical studies suggest that oral comfrey has antiproliferative effects , and a topical formulation showed wound healing properties . What alternatives to comfrey cream are there for back pain? The most common over-the-counter medication that can be toxic to the liver is acetaminophen (Tylenol). Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. Herb & Supplement Guide. 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 ointment has a very mild herbal fragrance and is soothing on application. Staiger C. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials. The way that they work is by blocking small blood vessels in the liver. After the tincture is made, then you can whip up the fabulous joint and muscle cream! 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. Kucera, A., Barna, M., Holcova, S., Horacek, O., Hladikov, M., & Ottillinger, B. However, not a rate considered harmful for those with healthy livers.10,11, Masters Degree in Toxicology and BSc Hons in Medical Biochemistry. Available for Android and iOS devices. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 83, 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.11.015. Quis autem velum iure reprehe nderit. Comfrey shouldn't be used in any form during pregnancy or nursing due to the risk of liver damage to infants. Children, who suffer from these injuries the most, are statistically unlikely to have adverse reactions to comfrey oil when used on scrapes.5, When comfrey was applied topically to animals above where theyd suffered bone fractures, their bones healed at a much-improved rate than animals who hadnt been treated with comfrey.6, Leg ulcers are uncomfortable, prone to infection, and can take a long time to heal. Tanret, I. and Duh, D. [Pharmaceutical sheet. The chemicals contained in comfrey may cause birth defects. Looks like you may need to upgrade your browser We're sorry, we no longer support the web browser that you are using The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? Br J Sports Med. 2007;57(11):712-716. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications. 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. 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. Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. 2017;65(1):363-373. doi:10.1002/hep.28813. Proliferative and antioxidant activity of Symphytum officinale root extract. Comfrey cream Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. All rights reserved. J Ethnopharmacol 1995;48(2):61-76. Stam, C., Bonnet, M. S., & van Haselen, R. A. 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 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. Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. Safety Alerts & Advisories: FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. Comfrey cream contains several active components (substances). (Grube et al., 2007). Comfrey root extracts have been used by herbalists and in folk traditions for centuries to soothe aches and pains. The Herbal Academy makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. At least three human studies found that the topical use of a cream containing comfrey root extract may safely help with pain, swelling, and mobility symptoms associated with an ankle sprain. Experts suggest not using comfrey cream for longer than ten days in a row. Soaked foot in warm water with a few leaves of comfry. View abstract. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released an advisory in July 2001 recommending that comfrey products be removed from the market because of cases of hepatic veno-occlusive disease. Like any new treatment, discontinue use if any irritation occurs. Am J Med 1990;89:547-8. Affiliate links are shared throughout the website and the Herbal Academy may receive compensation if you make a purchase with these links. These include allantoin, rosmarinic acid, and others. 2010;13(7-8):509-526. doi:10.1080/10937404.2010.509013, Staiger C. Comfrey: A clinical overview. 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, Bhupesh Panchal, Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5908267/, http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229913001672, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22887778, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6363250/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6631335/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22887778/, https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-symphytum-officinale-l-radix_en.pdf, http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productid=107&pid=33&gid=000234. When buying commercial brands, seek those that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed, if possible. Studies in humans are very limited. comfrey: [noun] any of a genus (Symphytum) of perennial herbs of the borage family with coarse hairy entire leaves and flowers in one-sided racemes. 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? 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. , 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 could change the effects and side effects of comfrey. Book your free, one-to-one online consultation with one of our qualified advisors. Knee pain and stiffness can be a stubborn concern that keeps many from doing activities they enjoy. 2013;163(3-4):58-64. The plant has a long history in folk and ancient herbal treatments before comfrey is . Mackinnon, M. In general practice, 'always expect the unexpected'. 2010;44(9):637-641. Make sure to always buy comfrey (Symphytum officianale) root and leaf from a trusted source. Our Two Pennies Worth. 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. 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? 12 drops peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil Predel, H. G., Giannetti, B., Koll, R., Bulitta, M., and Staiger, C. Efficacy of a comfrey root extract ointment in comparison to a diclofenac gel in the treatment of ankle distortions: results of an observer-blind, randomized, multicenter study. Nutrition C for FS and A. She is passionate about providing evidence-based recommendations that make health decisions easier and improve lives. This soothing blend of herbal oils contains Comfrey (also known as Knitbone) and Eucalyptus Oil. Because of the risk of liver toxicity, comfrey cream shouldn't be used with other medicines that may also cause liver damage. Comfrey flowers are bell-shaped and purple, pink, or pale yellow in color, and it has a dark taproot. However, further well-designed studies are needed. A review of 26 clinical trials concluded that mild skin reactions were the most common side effects of comfrey creams used in the studies. A significant reduction in pain was observed in the groups using the comfrey product. Retrieved from, https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=295. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport. With extract of Comfrey. Phytomedicine. 95 ($14.78/Fl Oz) FREE delivery Wed, Mar 8 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon. Phytother.Res 2012;26(10):1441-1448. 211727395. View abstract. 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. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. (2013). 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. 2007;157(21-22):569-574. J Chiropr Med. Registered in England: company no. View abstract. Complementary Health Approaches for Chronic Pain: What the Science Says. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLabs, or NSF when possible. Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements. For that reason, Ive also included my go-to comfrey cream recipe for achy joints and muscles! Heat oil in double boiler gently then add beeswax until it melts. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Comfrey is avoided on cuts or puncture wounds for this reason. View abstract. 2013;21(6):724-745. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2013.09.009. Vithayathil MK, Edwards M. Comfrey herbal remedy causing second-degree heart block: do not be outfoxed by digitalis. Here's 10 things essential oils are great for. Check regularly, but it should take about six weeks for all the leaves to break down into a thick, black liquid. Barna, M., Kucera, A., Hladikova, M., & Kucera, M. (2012). Using a supplement like comfrey may have potential side effects. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, Getting Help for a Loved One With Psychosis: It's Complicated, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Vitamins and Supplements to Avoid with Hepatitis C. (2004). 2012;20(11):1209-1216. comfrey cream holland and barrettfeathered friend questions and answers. Comfrey is an herb in the Boraginaceae family and has small purple flowers. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport, 14(3). 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. Mix for about 10 minutes, until nice and whipped. Comfrey: ancient and modern uses. To make this recipe, first, you must prepare the comfrey root tincture. Nyman) in children: A randomized double-blind study. Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs. 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. Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. All rights reserved. Comfrey has also been used for the following conditions: There is currently not enough evidence to recommend comfrey cream for any of these uses. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. All rights reserved. Skin patch test before use, especially if you have sensitive skin, and never use on a deep wound. 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. Topical comfrey is for use only on the skin. Registered VAT no. A few studies show that comfrey cream may be helpful in the treatment of ankle sprains. View abstract. Rad. Three clinical studies have provided evidence that ointments containing comfrey root have helped reduce back pain. View abstract. Save the remaining liquid alcohol portion. Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietician, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. (3), 147-156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003. View abstract. Mosby Elsevier. 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. What is niacinamide? 2021;83:e249209. 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. Turley, A. J. and Muir, D. F. ECG for physicians: a potentially fatal case of mistaken identity. Natural Standard. 2016 Jan;41(2):116-33. doi:10.1097/01.brs.0000249525.70011.fe. Bhupesh started his career as a Clinical Toxicologist for Public Health England, advising healthcare professionals all around the country on how to manage clinical cases of adverse exposure to supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industrial chemicals and agricultural products. Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. Potters Comfrey Oil | Holland & Barrett Shop our range of Potter's Herbals products at Holland & Barrett, including Potters Comfrey Oil. More research is needed. My family has used comfy for ingrown toenails. Comfrey's original name, knitbone, derives from the external use of poultices of its leaves and roots to heal burns, sprains, swelling, and bruises. Nat Prod Res 2018;32(5):605-9. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2017.1326492. Comfrey oil is a herbal oil that moisturises skin, and that's been used as a healing herb for a long time. 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. Consult your healthcare provider before using comfrey cream. Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. 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!