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. Information offered on Herbal Academy websites is for educational purposes only. 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]. Sometimes, massaging on topical ointments can help reduce pain and inflammation. Grube, B., Grunwald, J., Krug, L., and Staiger, C. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. Generic name: comfrey [COM-free] 2011;10(3):147-56. Eucalyptus oil is used externally to stimulate blood flow. How to Make and Use Comfrey Fertilizer - The Spruce Comfrey contains chemicals that can cause liver damage, lung problems, or cancer. comfrey cream holland and barrett - daxasys.com The Herbal Academy makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Here's 10 things essential oils are great for. Newer Post Older . reduce lower back pain (Stam et al., 2001). The use of babosa (Aloe vera) in treating burns: a literature review. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Make sure to always buy comfrey (Symphytum officianale) root and leaf from a trusted source. Br.J Sports Med. Make sure to always buy comfrey. It produces clusters of purple, blue, and white flowers, and it's famous for its long . It is not certain whether comfrey is effective in treating any medical condition. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 8, 2023. Stewart MJ, Steenkamp V. Pyrrolizidine poisoning: a neglected area in human toxicology. Comfrey's original name, knitbone, derives from the external use of poultices of its leaves and roots to heal burns, sprains, swelling, and bruises. View abstract. Topical comfrey is for use only on the skin. One study followed 142 patients with ankle sprains. Registered in England: company no. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Satisfaction. Phytomedicine. After the tincture is made, then you can whip up the fabulous joint and muscle cream! Comfrey Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com Please simply create an account before buying/booking any courses. 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. We cover all you need to know in this article. When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. 2012;101(4):211-216. Recent studies have suggested topical benefits, but more research is needed. To make this recipe, first, you must prepare the comfrey root tincture. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. root extraction help ease aching joints and muscles? Choose organically grown comfrey when possible. The most common over-the-counter medication that can be toxic to the liver is acetaminophen (Tylenol). Be sure to choose organic carrier oils and essential oils when possible. 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. However, it did not affect markers of inflammation or cartilage breakdown over 12 weeks of treatment. Other uses not proven with research have included skin wounds, skin ulcers, cough, sore throat, gum disease, joint pain, diarrhea, and other conditions. Thus, it is not advised to ingest herbal preparations of comfrey unless guided by an expert pharmacologist and physician. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Food and Drug Administration. Other drugs may interact with comfrey, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Comfrey cream, an topical herbal product, is thought to reduce inflammation and pain when applied to the skin. Whether youre familiar with it or not, this unusual herbal remedy is definitely worth knowing more about. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Comfrey cream 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. Influence of moderate physical exertion on subacute low back pain, after Symphytum officinale ointment treatment. 1/8 cup comfrey tincture (Symphytum officinale), store bought or via recipe, above. Learn more in The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? Additionally, there is scientific research demonstrating comfreys effectiveness at soothing muscle and joint pain, some of which are highlighted in this post. Avoid comfrey with certain medical conditions, such as liver disease. Discontinue use if a rash develops. June 3, 2022 Posted by: Category: Uncategorized; No Comments . Staiger C. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials. 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. 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. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications. Yield: Approximately 5 cups of whipped lotion. For that reason, Ive also included my go-to comfrey cream recipe for achy joints and muscles! 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. Do not take comfrey without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications: This list is not complete. 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. Centurian, South Africa: Medpharm Scientific Publishers. 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). (2001). Bagheri Z, Azizi A, Oshvandi K, Mohammadi Y, Larki-Harchegani A. A later study of 133 peoplefound some evidence that a topical combination of comfrey extract and tannic acid led to reduced knee pain. 12 drops juniper berry (Juniperus communis) essential oil International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, (4), 135-141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpam.2018.11.002. Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with over twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. 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 some cases, ointments with comfrey have caused redness, itching, and a rash (Smith, 2011). 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. 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. Safety Alerts & Advisories: FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. View abstract. Undergoingmassage or taking up yoga may help alleviate pain and help people with back or joint problems function more easily. 2012;62(6):285-289. 6 Healing Benefits of Comfrey. 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). 2012;20(11):1209-1216. These include allantoin, rosmarinic acid, and others. 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. Medicine makers would bind comfrey leaves and roots in poultices, then apply those poultices to the skin to treat injuries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietician, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. The roots and leaves of the comfrey plant have medicinal properties. 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. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). Medicine makers would bind comfrey leaves and roots in poultices, then apply those poultices to the skin to treat injuries. Without overexposure to air or heatand without cross-contaminationthe recipe should last as long as the expiration date of the carrier oils used. Frost R, O'meara S, Macpherson H. The external use of comfrey: a practitioner survey. It is called knitbone or boneset, referring to the bone-like growth of its roots. Definitely do not use during pregnancy or nursing, with infants, and if you have liver or kidney disease. Comfrey has long been used in folk traditions for bruising and abrasions. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Pabst H, Schaefer A, Staiger C, Junker-samek M, Predel HG. Our associates are qualified to advise, visit us online or in store for unparalleled advice. Sowa I, Paduch R, Strzemski M, et al. For topical comfrey cream, look for products labeled as free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. 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. Pour into bowl /jug big enough for all ingredients and safe for the mixer. Therapeutic use of comfrey is limited because of its toxicity. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. A significant reduction in pain was observed in the groups using the comfrey product. Cbd Oil In Holland And Barrett. Some drugs increase how quickly the liver changes and breaks down comfrey. Aust.Fam.Physician 2008;37(4):235-236. 1 Since at least the 4 th century, people have used comfrey medicinally. (3), 147-156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003. If you choose to use comfrey, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Comfrey: ancient and modern uses. Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. View abstract. Arzneimittelforschung. Kuera, M., Barna, M., Horek, O., Kovrikov, J., & Kuera, A. Comfrey can also contain echimidine, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), and symphytine, which can damage the liver, are carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and may harm a fetus. Symphytum species: A comprehensive review on chemical composition, food applications and phytopharmacology. Some people ingest comfrey roots or leaves or use them in teas. No comments. 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? Although it has historically been used on open wounds, it is now not advised related to the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can absorb more readily into the body through an open wound. 2007;14(1):2-10. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. 2004;154(21-22):498-507. Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., & Staiger, C. (2004). Avoid use. Potter's Herbals Comfrey Ointment for Minor Sprains and Bruises This is not recommended due to the presence of chemicals that can cause organ damage and cancer. Join rewards for life today and we'll give you 300 points worth 3.00. Comfrey contains chemicals called. Herb & Supplement Guide. Phytother Res. Oral use of comfrey is not recommended because of potential liver damage. Affiliate links are shared throughout the website and the Herbal Academy may receive compensation if you make a purchase with these links. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport, 14(3). The participants were assigned three weeks of treatment with two grams of either comfrey ointment or a placebo three times a day. Many of those following the folk use of comfrey up to present-day think so. Understand comfreys contraindications before using it. Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. A handbook for practice on a scientific basis. 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. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46. Latest: Senior Software Engineer - Front End Senior Software Engineer Senior Product Manager - Basket, Checkout and Payments UX Designer - Instore Tech. 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. Comfrey has also been used for the following conditions: There is currently not enough evidence to recommend comfrey cream for any of these uses. byBhupesh Panchal, Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate, Comfrey oil is a herbal oil that moisturises skin, and thats been used as a healing herb for a long time.1, Since at least the 4th century, people have used comfrey medicinally. The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are very toxic to the liver and are also carcinogenic (cause cancer). Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Comfrey might harm the liver. Homeopathy. Wichtl, M. (2004). how to become a school board member in florida ocean deck band schedule 2012;26(10):14411448. 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. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. J Pharmacopuncture 2021;24(4):196-205. View abstract. #HBTechCareers. Molecules. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 83, 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.11.015. Comfrey oil should be applied topically to parts of the body where you have muscular pain or discomfort. Phytomedicine, 12(10), 707-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.001, Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Turley, A. J. and Muir, D. F. ECG for physicians: a potentially fatal case of mistaken identity. Copyright Holland & Barrett Limited 2023. In 2001, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned oral comfrey products. 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). Comfrey shouldn't be used in any form during pregnancy or nursing due to the risk of liver damage to infants. View abstract. View abstract. Comfrey Cream: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage - Verywell Health Kucera, M., Barna, M., Horacek, O., Kalal, J., Kucera, A., and Hladikova, M. Topical symphytum herb concentrate cream against myalgia: a randomized controlled double-blind clinical study. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. Comfrey may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide. Comfrey cream contains several active components (substances). , 43 volunteers with osteoarthritis used either a topical cream containing comfrey, tannic acid, and eucalyptus or a placebo cream 3x/ day for 6 weeks. Check regularly, but it should take about six weeks for all the leaves to break down into a thick, black liquid. (10), 707-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.001. This is because only a small amount of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids are absorbed through the skin (Jedlinszki et al., 2017). Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Comfrey oil shouldnt be used for cooking, like other types of cooking oil. View abstract. Be sure to use comfrey root from a reputable source that has properly identified the species. Tanret, I. and Duh, D. [Pharmaceutical sheet. Comfrey is not recommended for internal use because of the liver damage caused by its pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Learn more in. View abstract. View abstract. Poisons Legislation Circular 3-22-1993;60. Comfrey is considered likely unsafe to use if you are nursing a baby. Rad. Anotherstudy found that comfrey ointment was superior to placebo in relieving pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis. Comfrey oil is a herbal oil that moisturises skin, and that's been used as a healing herb for a long time. Am J Med 1990;89:547-8. Company number 02758955 Registered VAT number 211727395. Because of the risk of liver toxicity, comfrey cream shouldn't be used with other medicines that may also cause liver damage. (2013). This recipe is contraindicated for small children and those with certain medical conditions. Kucera, A., Barna, M., Holcova, S., Horacek, O., Hladikov, M., & Ottillinger, B. 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. Commercial comfrey sale and distribution is restricted in Germany and Canada because of its substantial toxicity. Some recent human studies have demonstrated that extracts may help with ankle sprains, knee pain and stiffness, backaches, and mild skin abrasions. The ointment has a very mild herbal fragrance and is soothing on application. 2007;57(11):712-716. 2012;(1):41-42. What alternatives to comfrey cream are there for back pain? The efficacy and safety of comfrey. Phytomedicine. Avoid using comfrey together with other herbal/health supplements that can also harm the liver. Arzneimittelforschung. If you're considering using the cream, consult your healthcare provider first. What Are the Side Effects of Comfrey Cream? 2004;11(6):470-477. about an hour two nites. 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). Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020. Heard about essential oils but not quite sure about what they can do for you? Comfreycontains PAs, substances that can cause significant damage, including: Therefore, it should never be taken by mouth. Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. If your healthcare provider recommends it, make sure to use it on intact skin for a small amount of time, and be careful that infants do not ingest it. Kucera, M., Kalal, J., and Polesna, Z. This site uses cookies to improve your experience. Holland Barrett | Careers Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use. (2004). How do you use it and are there any side effects? In a small study with 30 subjects, lower back pain from exercise was reduced with an ointment containing comfrey. In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. 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. Hepatology. Glass bowl with a lid The leaves and stems of comfrey contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause toxic damage if ingested in excess (Ulbricht, 2010). It should only be used in small amounts for short periods as a cream. Frost R, Macpherson H, O'meara S. A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.). 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. J Chiropr Med. 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. Comfrey may have been applied to the skin in a specific preparation to treat some of these conditions. Please read the Topical Use Safety section of this article (above) before using. Comfrey cream combines ingredients like oils or water and glyceryl stearate with Symphytum officinale (comfrey) extracts. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: Results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. Squish and squeeze as many leaves into as you can into the container.