Supplements marketed for body-building (ex.. This leads to cirrhosis and eventually liver failure. Call your doctor for medical advice about . Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. 2010;44(9):637-41. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2009.058677, Cameron M, Chrubasik S. Topical herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis. What alternatives to comfrey cream are there for back pain? 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. Comfrey oil should be applied topically to parts of the body where you have muscular pain or discomfort. Published 2021 Sep 20. doi:10.1590/1519-6984.249209, Frost R, MacPherson H, O'Meara S. A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.). When buying commercial brands, seek those that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed, if possible. Yield: Approximately 5 cups of whipped lotion. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: Results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. This article discusses the uses and benefits of comfrey cream. All rights reserved. Br.J Sports Med. As the consistency thickens some more, turn the mixer up a little bit more. 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. 98% Naturally derived. To use on established plants, dilute 1 part comfrey fertilizer in 15 parts water. Mosby Elsevier. View abstract. Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. British Homeopathic Journal, 90(01), 21-28. https://doi.org/10.1054/homp.1999.0460. #HBTechCareers. Molecules. 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 later study of 133 peoplefound some evidence that a topical combination of comfrey extract and tannic acid led to reduced knee pain. Copyright Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2022. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. The recipe makes about 6 small jars. You can weight them down with a rock or brick. All Technology Jobs. Comfrey should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Although not examined in clinical trials, comfrey may possess antifungal and anticancer activity. Save the remaining liquid alcohol portion. Generic name: comfrey [COM-free] 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. Phytother Res. 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. This perennial can grow up to 4-feet tall. Symphytum species: A comprehensive review on chemical composition, food applications and phytopharmacology. J Chin Med.Assoc. 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. Braz J Biol. Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with over twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. Staiger, C. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials. Add cup of the comfrey tincture and all essential oils to the cooled oil/butter mixture. Need some help with an order or want to speak to a member of our Customer Services team? One study followed 142 patients with ankle sprains. Many have said that it has helped them with a variety of aches and pains! 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. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. 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. A limited number of clinical trials show short-term efficacy of topically applied, alkaloid-free comfrey preparations in skin abrasions and inflammatory conditions. Pyrrolizidine poisoning. 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. Browse our Sports Hub, Get 20% student discount with Student Beans, Discover the latest natural beauty products, 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, For the symptomatic relief of minor sprains and bruises, Contains Comfrey which is known for its healing properties. Homeopathy. These include allantoin, rosmarinic acid, and others. Here's 10 things essential oils are great for. 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). Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. To make the cream, combine sunflower oil, safflower oil, coconut oil, and cocoa butter in a double-boiler over low heat until completely melted. Wien Med Wochenschr. A large review released in 2013 about the medicinal uses of comfrey stated: It is clinically proven to relieve pain, inflammation and swelling of muscles and joints in the case of degenerative arthritis, acute myalgia in the back, sprains, contusions and strains after . 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. It is not certain whether comfrey is effective in treating any medical condition. As a Licensed Massage Therapist, I have personally made this comfrey cream recipe multiple times and given jars to my clients. These side effects may be common or severe. Tolerability and effectiveness of an antitrauma cream with comfrey herb extract in pediatric use with application on intact and on broken skin. The warm weather has a way of encouraging us to get outside and move our bodies more. Giannetti, B. M., Staiger, C., Bulitta, M., & Predel, H. G. (2010). 2012;20(11):1209-16. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2012.07.019, Zago LR, Prado K, Benedito VL, Pereira MM. An ankle sprain can come out of nowhere and cause a lot of pain, limitations, and regret until it is healed. Complement Ther Med. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. The Effect of Comfrey on Enoxaparin-Induced Bruise in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Randomised Clinical Trial. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Which part of the comfrey plant has the lowest level of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)? Information offered on Herbal Academy websites is for educational purposes only. 2011;10(3):147-56. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003, Laslett LL, Quinn SJ, Darian-Smith E, et al. 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. Other uses not proven with research have included skin wounds, skin ulcers, cough, sore throat, gum disease, joint pain, diarrhea, and other conditions. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. Avoid using comfrey together with other herbal/health supplements that can also harm the liver. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. 2017;83:1-4. The most common over-the-counter medication that can be toxic to the liver is acetaminophen (Tylenol). Whenselecting a brand of supplements, look for products certified by Consumer Labs, the U.S.Pharmacopeia, or NSF. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 2013;27(6):811-7. A significant reduction in pain was observed in the groups using the comfrey product. 2007;57(11):712-716. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. 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 use of babosa (Aloe vera) in treating burns: a literature review. Wichtl, M. (2004). 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. Other drugs may interact with comfrey, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. To make this recipe, first, you must prepare the comfrey root tincture. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. J Ethnopharmacol 1995;48(2):61-76. This is done by soaking the root in at least 50% alcohol for a minimum of two weeks. 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. Study results revealed that pain intensity during active movement decreased an average of 95.2% in the group given comfrey ointment. Nutrition C for FS and A. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 83, 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.11.015. Do not use this product if you have a sensitivity to any of the ingredients. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. There is no daily recommended allowance for comfrey, sold in creams, ointments, gels, and salves. Comfrey may have been applied to the skin in a specific preparation to treat some of these conditions. Patients with hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to the plant should also avoid external use. This could change the effects and side effects of comfrey. The cream was applied to the local lumbar area 4x during the day of the exercise, with the first application being pre-exercise (Jurcau & Jurcau, 2013). Discontinue use if a rash appears. 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. Retrieved from, https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=295. Comfrey cream 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. After the tincture is made, then you can whip up the fabulous joint and muscle cream! Therapeutic use of comfrey is limited because of its toxicity. A review of 26 clinical trials concluded that mild skin reactions were the most common side effects of comfrey creams used in the studies. However, comfrey can also contain toxic substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. 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. If you're considering using the cream, consult your healthcare provider first. Researchers have found it does seem to reduce pain in some conditions, including back pain, osteoarthritis, and ankle sprains. Fortschr Med Orig 2002;120:1-9. View abstract. Frost R, Macpherson H, O'meara S. A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.). Koll R, Klingenburg S. [Therapeutic characteristance and tolerance of topical comfrey preparations. Fitoterapia. Allow the oil mixture to cool until it reaches room temperature, which could take 8-12 hours. It contains chemicals that are poisonous. The comfrey plant, Symphytum officinale, gets its name from the Latin confervere, meaning to grow together. 16 Rewards for Life points with this purchase. Complement Ther Clin Pract. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Symphytum officinale L, S. asperum Lepechin, S. tuberosum L, Symphytum x uplandicum Nyman. When buying commercial brands, seek those that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed, if possible. Choose organically grown comfrey when possible. 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. Hybrids and other species may have a similar appearance but could have significantly different amounts of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Kucera et al., 2018). Symphytum officinale L., dermal use (Flexagile cream)]. Registered VAT no. root extraction help ease aching joints and muscles? Hybrids and other species may have a similar appearance but could have significantly different amounts of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Kucera et al., 2018). 2011;10(3):147-56. Comfrey. Affiliate links are shared throughout the website and the Herbal Academy may receive compensation if you make a purchase with these links. Rad. Version: 5.01. Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. 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. of India and by a State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority constituted by Government of India on the recommendations made . An Evidence-Based Reference. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. 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). 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. J Pharmacopuncture 2021;24(4):196-205. 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! When the root is boiled in water, it forms a sticky, glue-like paste. While larger and more studies are needed to fully determine safety and effectiveness, short term topical application of comfrey may give you peace of mind, relief, and support while you rest and heal, following any additional advice from your physician. Stam, C., Bonnet, M. S., & van Haselen, R. A. 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. 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. 211727395. Am J Med 1990;89:547-8. 2016 Jan;41(2):116-33. doi:10.1097/01.brs.0000249525.70011.fe. 2012;62(6):285-289. Wien Med Wochenschr. Drug-induced liver injury. Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. A member of the borage family, comfrey root, leaves, and stems have an obvious coat of bristly hair. , 43 volunteers with osteoarthritis used either a topical cream containing comfrey, tannic acid, and eucalyptus or a placebo cream 3x/ day for 6 weeks. 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). Make sure to always buy comfrey. Phytomedicine 2005;12(10):707-714. Comfrey can kill. 2 Comfrey cream contains several active components (substances). Its ready when the mixture has solidified somewhat and has a cloudy, creamy, and slightly runny consistency. CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This was compared to 37.8% in the placebo group. Select a condition to view a list of vitamins. The herbal topical cream was prepared at two different strengths, as an additional measure of efficacy. 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). Comfrey is a flowering shrub that grows in Europe, Asia and, now, North America. 12 drops peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil Simply massage into the skin as required. J Pharm.Belg. 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). Most comfrey oils keep for around 2 years after production. Latest: Senior Software Engineer - Front End Senior Software Engineer Senior Product Manager - Basket, Checkout and Payments UX Designer - Instore Tech. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Symphytum officinale), store bought or via recipe, above. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label. Treatment with 4Jointz reduces knee pain over 12 weeks of treatment in patients with clinical knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial. View abstract. 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. Using it no more than four to six weeks a year as a general guideline would be best. For External Use only Do not use if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients. View abstract. In 2001, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned oral comfrey products. This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. We go to great efforts to ensure that the information on this page is accurate at the time that the page was last edited. 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. Wound-healing effects of a symphytum herb extract cream (. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. Thus, it is not advised to ingest herbal preparations of comfrey unless guided by an expert pharmacologist and physician. 1/8 cup comfrey tincture (Symphytum officinale), store bought or via recipe, above. Experts suggest not using comfrey cream for longer than ten days in a row. View abstract. What are the benefits of using it? Close LOGIN FOR DONATION. This is done by soaking the root in at least 50% alcohol for a minimum of two weeks. Lorem ipsum dolor sit nulla or narjusto laoreet onse ctetur adipisci. randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multi-clinical trial. Topical comfrey is for use only on the skin. Like any new treatment, discontinue use if any irritation occurs. Phytomedicine, 12(10), 707-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.001, Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). Heard about essential oils but not quite sure about what they can do for you? Toe was infected and painful. Oral use of comfrey is not recommended because of potential liver damage. 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. Be sure to choose organic carrier oils and essential oils when possible. 2017;65(1):363-373. doi:10.1002/hep.28813. Comfrey's original name, knitbone, derives from the external use of poultices of its leaves and roots to heal burns, sprains, swelling, and bruises. The study involved 43 patients with knee osteoarthritis and a six-week treatment period. Comfrey may be used topically as a cream, ointment, salve, or paste. Kuera, M., Barna, M., Horek, O., Kovrikov, J., & Kuera, A. The ointment has a very mild herbal fragrance and is soothing on application. Comfrey cream may help treat knee osteoarthritis, according to a Cochrane review of topical herbal therapies. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use. Comfrey has also been used for the following conditions: There is currently not enough evidence to recommend comfrey cream for any of these uses.