Registered VAT no. Nutrition C for FS and A. Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: Results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Rad. Complement Ther Med. 2013;163:5864 (2013) doi:10.1007/s10354-012-0162-4, Giannetti BM, Staiger C, Bulitta M, Predel HG. Comfrey should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a plant with yellow or purple flowers found in Europe, Asia, and North America. (Grube et al., 2007). Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 8, 2023. Complement Ther Clin Pract. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. In 2001, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned oral comfrey products. Begin mixing on low. View abstract. For that reason, Ive also included my go-to comfrey cream recipe for achy joints and muscles! This is done by soaking the root in at least 50% alcohol for a minimum of two weeks. Many of those following the folk use of comfrey up to present-day think so. Close LOGIN FOR DONATION. Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. 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. Electric bowl mixer (like a KitchenAid) or a blender Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Thus, it is not advised to ingest herbal preparations of comfrey unless guided by an expert pharmacologist and physician. This is not recommended due to the presence of chemicals that can cause organ damage and cancer. 2020;142:104519. 2012;20(11):1209-16. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2012.07.019, Zago LR, Prado K, Benedito VL, Pereira MM. It's found in Europe, Asia, and North America. 2019;24(12):2272. doi:10.3390/molecules24122272, Staiger, Christine. Predel, H. G., Giannetti, B., Koll, R., Bulitta, M., & Staiger, C. (2005). Store comfrey cream according to package instructions, typically at room temperature and out of reach of children and pets. Smith DB, Jacobson BH. Osteoarthritis.Cartilage. Also, avoid use for more than two weeks or excessive concentrations containing more than 100 mcg of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Wichtl, 2004 & Ulbricht, 2010). To make this recipe, first, you must prepare the comfrey root tincture. Comfrey is a fast-growing plant whose leaves and roots have been used historically for wound healing and other conditions. Heat oil in double boiler gently then add beeswax until it melts. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. 2014;20(4):347-55. 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (225) $19.95 $ 19. Of course, more research is needed to validate efficacy and safety. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose. Natural Standard. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. Can a comfrey (Symphytum officianale) root extraction help ease aching joints and muscles? We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. 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 Remove from heat. 12 drops black pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil View abstract. Avoid use. cup organic sunflower oil Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. Information offered on Herbal Academy websites is for educational purposes only. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Lewis, C. J. FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. Do not use this product if you have a sensitivity to any of the ingredients. 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? Beth Thomas, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist and founder of BMT Consulting Services, LLC. View abstract. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements. Food and Drug Administration. Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. 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. Symphytum species: A comprehensive review on chemical composition, food applications and phytopharmacology. View abstract. , meaning to grow together. British Homeopathic Journal, 90(01), 21-28. https://doi.org/10.1054/homp.1999.0460. ). 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. If you choose to use comfrey, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. cup organic, unrefined cocoa butter 2013;27(6):811-7. We go to great efforts to ensure that the information on this page is accurate at the time that the page was last edited. Choose organically grown comfrey when possible. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. 2007;57(11):712-716. The FDA has recommended that all comfrey products that are taken by mouth be removed from the market. Facebook; Twitter; Pinterest; Related Posts. View abstract. (2004). Copyright Holland & Barrett Limited 2023. Arzneimittelforschung. (2001). Other uses not proven with research have included skin wounds, skin ulcers, cough, sore throat, gum disease, joint pain, diarrhea, and other conditions. Cap, then label the jars with the date made and ingredients. This could change the effects and side effects of comfrey. Find out how to use it here along with its benefits. Cbd Oil In Holland And Barrett. Symphytum officinale), store bought or via recipe, above. Comfrey has long been used in folk traditions for bruising and abrasions. In some cases, ointments with comfrey have caused redness, itching, and a rash (Smith, 2011). Pabst H, Schaefer A, Staiger C, Junker-samek M, Predel HG. Cover, but leave a small air opening. You should never ingest comfrey by mouth. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. 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. Public Health Nutr 2000;3:501-8. It should never be taken by mouth. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). 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. 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). Stam, C., Bonnet, M. S., & van Haselen, R. A. 2012;62(6):285-289. Mosby Elsevier. It may contain small amounts of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Comfrey is avoided on cuts or puncture wounds for this reason. 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). 2013;21(6):724-45. A few studies show that comfrey cream may be helpful in the treatment of ankle sprains. Some people ingest comfrey roots or leaves or use them in teas. After eight days, the group that used the cream had significantly less pain than those who had the placebo. Discontinue use if a rash appears. We're proud to make a difference, and you can to. 2010;13(7-8):509-526. doi:10.1080/10937404.2010.509013, Staiger C. Comfrey: A clinical overview. (21), 498-507. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10354-004-0114-8, Natural Medicines (2020). Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. Comfrey is often sold as an herbal supplement. Comfrey has been used medicinally for at least 2000 years for various conditions, including bone fractures, ulcers, and gout. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use. What are the benefits of using it? Avoid taking comfrey orally (by mouth). 2012;26(10):14411448. 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. Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. View abstract. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. J Agric.Food Chem 2001;49(8):3942-3946. 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. Satisfaction. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. 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). View abstract. (3), 147-156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003. The chemicals contained in comfrey may cause birth defects. 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. A member of the borage family, comfrey root, leaves, and stems have an obvious coat of bristly hair. My family has used comfy for ingrown toenails. However, comfrey can also contain toxic substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. BMJ Case Rep. 2016. Complementary Health Approaches for Chronic Pain: What the Science Says. 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. Jurcu, R., & Jurcu, I. First, make the comfrey root tincture by combining the dried comfrey root and alcohol in a sterilized, dry, glass pint jar. Effects of Symphytum ointment on muscular symptoms and functional locomotor disturbances. To use on established plants, dilute 1 part comfrey fertilizer in 15 parts water. Rad. Wichtl, M. (2004). Barna, M., Kucera, A., Hladikova, M., & Kucera, M. (2012). Comfrey cream, an topical herbal product, is thought to reduce inflammation and pain when applied to the skin. 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 . Consult your healthcare provider before using. When buying commercial brands, seek those that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed, if possible. WMW Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 154(21), 498-507. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10354-004-0114-8, Natural Medicines (2020). Please simply create an account before buying/booking any courses. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport. Comfrey can kill. Book your free, one-to-one online consultation with one of our qualified advisors. Comfrey oil shouldnt be used for cooking, like other types of cooking oil. 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. 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). Using a combination product makes it challenging to know how much of the beneficial effect came from comfrey alone. View abstract. Would you like to win our brilliant Botanical Business Package with nearly $1,000 in prizes? A symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises. Symphytum officinale L, S. asperum Lepechin, S. tuberosum L, Symphytum x uplandicum Nyman. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46. Grube, B., Grnwald, J., Krug, L., & Staiger, C. (2007). Book your free, one-to-one online consultation with one of our qualified advisors. Grube, B., Grunwald, J., Krug, L., and Staiger, C. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. View abstract. Homeopathy. All Technology Jobs. 16 Rewards for Life points with this purchase. However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesn't mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. Discontinue use if a rash develops. View abstract. Save the remaining liquid alcohol portion. Comfrey ( Symphytum officinale) is an attractive ornamental plant used in gardening and medicine. Avila C, Breakspear I, Hawrelak J, Salmond S, Evans S. A systematic review and quality assessment of case reports of adverse events for borage (Borago officinalis), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and comfrey (Symphytum officinale).