After the tincture is made, then you can whip up the fabulous joint and muscle cream! Comfrey is changed and broken down by the liver. Giannetti, B. M., Staiger, C., Bulitta, M., & Predel, H. G. (2010). Phytomedicine, 12(10), 707-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.001, Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). A review of 26 clinical trials concluded that mild skin reactions were the most common side effects of comfrey creams used in the studies. Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with comfrey does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product. Undergoingmassage or taking up yoga may help alleviate pain and help people with back or joint problems function more easily. 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. HTB; 2021 2; Youtube; Twitter; Facebook; ; Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Some drugs increase how quickly the liver changes and breaks down comfrey. 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. Please read the Topical Use Safety section of this article (above) before using. July 6, 2001. randomized double-blind study of 278 patients with fresh abrasions, a. topical preparation containing a 10% comfrey leaf extraction applied for 2-3 days reduced wound healing time of adults and children without side effects (Barna et al., 2012). Using a combination product makes it challenging to know how much of the beneficial effect came from comfrey alone. You should never ingest comfrey by mouth. Further study is needed to confirm these results. Looks like you may need to upgrade your browser We're sorry, we no longer support the web browser that you are using Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 83, 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.11.015. The internal or extensive topical use of comfrey cannot be recommended because of numerous reports of liver damage. Br J Sports Med. 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 might harm the liver. 2 cups organic, unrefined coconut oil View abstract. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Symphytum officinale L., dermal use (Flexagile cream)]. 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. Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs. Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements. hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited. Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. As a Licensed Massage Therapist, I have personally made this comfrey cream recipe multiple times and given jars to my clients. Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., & Staiger, C. (2004). Avoid comfrey with certain medical conditions, such as liver disease. Nutrition C for FS and A. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Make sure to always buy comfrey. (2004). Drug class: Herbal products. When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. 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. It is not certain whether comfrey is effective in treating any medical condition. Healthy adults: massage about 1 teaspoon of cream into a local area up to 4x/day for up to 2 weeks. View abstract. Symphytum species: A comprehensive review on chemical composition, food applications and phytopharmacology. This site uses cookies to improve your experience. Wien Med Wochenschr. Barna, M., Kucera, A., Hladicova, M., and Kucera, M. [Wound healing effects of a Symphytum herb extract cream (Symphytum x uplandicum NYMAN: ): results of a randomized, controlled double-blind study]. Remove from heat. Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements. J Pain. A symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises. 2017;65(1):363-373. doi:10.1002/hep.28813. The way that they work is by blocking small blood vessels in the liver. View abstract. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. 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. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. . Registered VAT no. The participants were assigned three weeks of treatment with two grams of either comfrey ointment or a placebo three times a day. 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. 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. The herbal topical cream was prepared at two different strengths, as an additional measure of efficacy. Comfrey has been claimed to heal gastric ulcers and hemorrhoids, and to suppress bronchial congestion and inflammation. 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). Staiger C. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials. Simply massage into the skin as required. Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Comfrey contains chemicals that cause serious liver damage when taken by mouth. Join Rewards for Life today and we'll give you 300 points worth 3, Save 5% on your favourite products, plus get the lowest price from the last 90 days and free delivery on orders over 10. To Use. 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. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. All rights reserved. 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). Lewis, C. J. FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. Ulbricht, C. (2010). Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis. 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. Add comfy to Vaseline . This was compared to 37.8% in the placebo group. 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. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. 211727395. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. After 7 years in this role and a further year working as a drug safety officer in the pharmaceutical industry, Bhupesh joined Holland &Barrett as a Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate in 2019. She is passionate about providing evidence-based recommendations that make health decisions easier and improve lives. 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. What is niacinamide? Drug-induced liver injury. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010538, Smith DB, Jacobson BH. Maryland Heights, MO. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. Sowa I, Paduch R, Strzemski M, et al. 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. Braz J Biol. Comfrey. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. (2004). Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. By Megan Nunn, PharmD Stam, C., Bonnet, M. S., & van Haselen, R. A. What Happens If I Use Too Much Comfrey Cream? Comfrey cream contains several active components (substances). This site uses cookies to improve your experience. Be sure to use comfrey root from a reputable source that has properly identified the species. In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. British Homeopathic Journal, 90(01), 21-28. https://doi.org/10.1054/homp.1999.0460. Registered in England: company no. My family has used comfy for ingrown toenails. This recipe is contraindicated for small children and those with certain medical conditions. The comfrey plant, Symphytum officinale, gets its name from the Latin confervere, meaning to grow together. International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, (4), 135-141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpam.2018.11.002. Mackinnon, M. In general practice, 'always expect the unexpected'. 2013;163:5864 (2013) doi:10.1007/s10354-012-0162-4, Giannetti BM, Staiger C, Bulitta M, Predel HG. Jurcu, R., & Jurcu, I. The efficacy and safety of comfrey. Whether youre familiar with it or not, this unusual herbal remedy is definitely worth knowing more about. 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. This perennial can grow up to 4-feet tall. Set on a sunny windowsill and shake once a day for 2-4 weeks. View abstract. Facebook; Twitter; Pinterest; Related Posts. 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. 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 [Online article]. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Petrowicz, O., Gianetti, B., and Wagener, S. Wirksamkeit und Vertraglichkeit von Beinwellextrakt (Extr. 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). Phytomedicine, 14(1), 2-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2006.11.006, Jedlinszki, N., Balzs, B., Csnyi, E., & Csupor, D. (2017). Seal with a lid and then label with the ingredients and date. Finally, well warn of any side effects associated with comfrey oil. *PR sample. A handbook for practice on a scientific basis. Comfrey is generally considered unsafe, with numerous toxicological effects in animals and humans. To make this recipe, first, you must prepare the comfrey root tincture. Topical preparations of comfrey are generally safe provided they are not applied excessively or to an open wound. Eucalyptus oil is used externally to stimulate blood flow. Registered in England: company no. Join Rewards for Life today and we'll give you 300 points worth 3, Save 5% on your favourite products, plus get the lowest price from the last 90 days and free delivery on orders over 10. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications. First, make the comfrey root tincture by combining the dried comfrey root and alcohol in a sterilized, dry, glass pint jar. Comfrey cream combines ingredients like oils or water and glyceryl stearate with Symphytum officinale (comfrey) extracts. Those who used the comfrey ointment experienced improvements in pain, mobility, and quality of life. 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. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. While there can be a variety of causes for back pain, these small studies offer hopeful results that comfrey root may offer potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits. The most common over-the-counter medication that can be toxic to the liver is acetaminophen (Tylenol). Book your free, one-to-one online consultation with one of our qualified advisors. 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. Since these toxic substances can be absorbed through the skin, there's concern about the safety of comfrey cream applied topically. 2021;83:e249209. Beth Thomas, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist and founder of BMT Consulting Services, LLC. What alternatives to comfrey cream are there for back pain? 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. 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. This article discusses the uses and benefits of comfrey cream. Wound-healing effects of a symphytum herb extract cream (. 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. Set aside cup for the cream recipe and store the rest in a glass jar. Other uses not proven with research have included skin wounds, skin ulcers, cough, sore throat, gum disease, joint pain, diarrhea, and other conditions. Pyrrolizidine poisoning. 1. The plant has a long history in folk and ancient herbal treatments before comfrey is . Browse our Sports Hub, Get 20% student discount with Student Beans, Discover the latest natural beauty products. Information offered on Herbal Academy websites is for educational purposes only. Be sure to choose organic carrier oils and essential oils when possible. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions before use. 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. Newer Post Older . For that reason, Ive also included my go-to comfrey cream recipe for achy joints and muscles! This could change the effects and side effects of comfrey. (2018). Thus, it is not advised to ingest herbal preparations of comfrey unless guided by an expert pharmacologist and physician. Turn off heat and give it a good stir. Also, avoid use for more than two weeks or excessive concentrations containing more than 100 mcg of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Wichtl, 2004 & Ulbricht, 2010). 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. 98% Naturally derived. Fitoterapia. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Eliot Park, Nuneaton, CV10 7RH, UK. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. 2007;14(1):2-10. Heard about essential oils but not quite sure about what they can do for you? 4-4-2009;139(13-14):210-211. New South Wales Health, Australia. Comfrey should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Generic name: comfrey [COM-free] View abstract. Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietician, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. Available for Android and iOS devices. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. , 43 volunteers with osteoarthritis used either a topical cream containing comfrey, tannic acid, and eucalyptus or a placebo cream 3x/ day for 6 weeks. View abstract. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. We are building the future of Health and Wellness Tech. View abstract. Here's a look at research on comfrey cream for back pain, osteoarthritis, and ankle sprains. An Evidence-Based Reference. Studies in humans are very limited. Natural Standard. 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. Follow all directions on the product label and package. Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). 2013;21(6):724-745. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2013.09.009. 2012;26(10):14411448. A member of the borage family, comfrey root, leaves, and stems have an obvious coat of bristly hair. Other drugs may interact with comfrey, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Fortschr Med Orig 2002;120:1-9. Sometimes, massaging on topical ointments can help reduce pain and inflammation. (2001). Comfrey is a fast-growing plant whose leaves and roots have been used historically for wound healing and other conditions. A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.). Topical preparations of comfrey are generally safe provided they are not applied excessively or to an open wound. View abstract. cup organic safflower oil FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. It has bell-shaped red-violet or yellowish flowers. Copyright Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2022. Bagheri Z, Azizi A, Oshvandi K, Mohammadi Y, Larki-Harchegani A. 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). Wien Med Wochenschr. Frost R, Macpherson H, O'meara S. A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.). Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 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. 1.35 Fl Oz. Jedlinszki N, Balzs B, Csnyi E, Csupor D. Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. J Chiropr Med. These have a lower risk of serious side effects like liver damage. However, comfrey can also contain toxic substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. . Healthy adults: massage about 1 teaspoon of cream into a local area up to 4x/day for up to 2 weeks. We're proud to make a difference, and you can to. 2010;73(2):97-100. Store comfrey cream according to package instructions, typically at room temperature and out of reach of children and pets. 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. It produces clusters of purple, blue, and white flowers, and it's famous for its long . View abstract. Grube, B., Grunwald, J., Krug, L., and Staiger, C. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. Do not use extra comfrey to make up the missed dose. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. 2011;10(3):147-56. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003, Laslett LL, Quinn SJ, Darian-Smith E, et al. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose. It should never be taken by mouth. Select a condition to view a list of vitamins. View abstract. The Comfrey Ointment that I have been using is to be used only for sprains and bruises. Toe was infected and painful. OTHER NAME(S): Ass Ear, Black Root, Blackwort, Bruisewort, Common. 2012;20(11):1209-1216. Do not use comfrey with very young children or during pregnancy or lactation. The Pharmaceutical Journal, PJ, December 2007. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-007-0474-y. It should only be used in small amounts for short periods as a cream. 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. For topical comfrey cream, look for products labeled as free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., & Staiger, C. (2004). Treatment with 4Jointz reduces knee pain over 12 weeks of treatment in patients with clinical knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial. 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. As an additional measure of efficacy, groups instructed to use the comfrey preparation for the longest period of time experienced the most improvement. The recipe makes about 5 cups of whipped creamy lotion. With extract of Comfrey. However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesn't mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. 2758955. A few studies show that comfrey cream may be helpful in the treatment of ankle sprains. Hybrids and other species may have a similar appearance but could have significantly different amounts of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Kucera et al., 2018). Do not take comfrey without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications: This list is not complete. 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). All rights reserved. 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. Rad. Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of comfrey at the same time without medical advice. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: Results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled 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?