reduce lower back pain (Stam et al., 2001). This was compared to 37.8% in the placebo group. 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. 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. Nat Prod Res 2018;32(5):605-9. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2017.1326492. Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. First, make the comfrey root tincture by combining the dried comfrey root and alcohol in a sterilized, dry, glass pint jar. View abstract. The comfrey plant, Symphytum officinale, gets its name from the Latin confervere, meaning to grow together. Comfrey cream may help treat knee osteoarthritis, according to a Cochrane review of topical herbal therapies. Comfreycontains PAs, substances that can cause significant damage, including: Therefore, it should never be taken by mouth. To make the cream, combine sunflower oil, safflower oil, coconut oil, and cocoa butter in a double-boiler over low heat until completely melted. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. The participants were assigned three weeks of treatment with two grams of either comfrey ointment or a placebo three times a day. The review included one study of 220 people with knee osteoarthritis, a degenerative "wear-and-tear" joint condition. 2011;10(3):147-56. Centurian, South Africa: Medpharm Scientific Publishers. Influence of moderate physical exertion on subacute low back pain, after Symphytum officinale ointment treatment. (2004). This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. The warm weather has a way of encouraging us to get outside and move our bodies more. Grube, B., Grunwald, J., Krug, L., and Staiger, C. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. how to become a school board member in florida ocean deck band schedule 2017;83:1-4. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. A member of the borage family, comfrey root, leaves, and stems have an obvious coat of bristly hair. After 2-4 weeks have passed, strain the root from the alcohol using a coffee filter inserted in a wire mesh strainer or similar setup. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport. 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? Recent studies have suggested topical benefits, but more research is needed. 2012;26(10):14411448. Most comfrey oils keep for around 2 years after production. Retrieved from, https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=295. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide. Dosage: How Much Comfrey Cream Should I Use? In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. Other alternative therapies may help to ease the pain. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Regarding its antioxidant, antilipoperoxidant, antiinflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. Learn more in The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? Some people ingest comfrey roots or leaves or use them in teas. Resuscitation 2008;76(3):323-324. Maryland Heights, MO. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. 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. Seal with a lid and then label with the ingredients and date. 2013;163(3-4):58-64. Comfrey ( Symphytum officinale) is an attractive ornamental plant used in gardening and medicine. Written by Cerner Multum. Comfrey is changed and broken down by the liver. Book your free, one-to-one online consultation with one of our qualified advisors. Symphytum officinale), store bought or via recipe, above. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. HOLLAND & BARRETT PRO VITAMIN E DAY CREAM 50ML This Vitamin E day cream works with your skin daily to hydrate and protect your skin. Quis autem velum iure reprehe nderit. Hybrids and other species may have a similar appearance but could have significantly different amounts of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Kucera et al., 2018). Staiger C. 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. These side effects may be common or severe. The study involved 43 patients with knee osteoarthritis and a six-week treatment period. It can grow up to 5 feet tall. View abstract. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010538, Smith DB, Jacobson BH. Pabst H, Schaefer A, Staiger C, Junker-samek M, Predel HG. Comfrey is a flowering shrub that grows in Europe, Asia and, now, North America. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements. For External Use only Do not use if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients. WMW Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 154(21), 498-507. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10354-004-0114-8, Natural Medicines (2020). Ther Drug Monit 2001;23:698-708. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions before use. Comfrey is traditionally used for the symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises and is also known for its healing properties. HTB; 2021 2; Youtube; Twitter; Facebook; ; Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). (2001). Drug class: Herbal products. Comfrey oil should be applied topically to parts of the body where you have muscular pain or discomfort. Three clinical studies have provided evidence that ointments containing comfrey root have helped reduce back pain. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label. Save the remaining liquid alcohol portion. It contains chemicals that are poisonous. Jedlinszki, N., Balzs, B., Csnyi, E., & Csupor, D. (2017). View abstract. The way that they work is by blocking small blood vessels in the liver. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Comfrey may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide. Tolerability and effectiveness of an antitrauma cream with comfrey herb extract in pediatric use with application on intact and on broken skin. Comfrey cream Satisfaction. The use of babosa (Aloe vera) in treating burns: a literature review. 1 Since at least the 4 th century, people have used comfrey medicinally. Wound-healing effects of a symphytum herb extract cream (Symphytum uplandicum Nyman) in children: A randomized double-blind study. 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. 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. FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. Although not examined in clinical trials, comfrey may possess antifungal and anticancer activity. Grube, B., Grnwald, J., Krug, L., & Staiger, C. (2007). The chemicals contained in comfrey may cause birth defects. In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. We go to great efforts to ensure that the information on this page is accurate at the time that the page was last edited. Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Comfrey is not recommended for children under three years old, as it's not been studied in that population. The Pharmaceutical Journal, PJ, December 2007. 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. It also covers side effects, interactions, and what to look for. Discontinue use if a rash appears. No comments. doi:10.1002/ptr.4612, Salehi B, Sharopov F, Boyunegmez Tumer T, et al. Two interesting studies found that a topical application of a product containing comfrey root extract helped with knee pain and stiffness. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport, 14(3). Stewart MJ, Steenkamp V. Pyrrolizidine poisoning: a neglected area in human toxicology. Kuera, M., Barna, M., Horek, O., Kovrikov, J., & Kuera, A. We answer questions, including what are essential oils? & what can I use them for? in this article. Taking comfrey along with a medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage. Phytomedicine, 12(10), 707-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.001, Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). Hepatology. Healthy adults: massage about 1 teaspoon of cream into a local area up to 4x/day for up to 2 weeks. This includes androstenedione, bishop's weed, borage, chaparral, comfrey, DHEA, echinacea, garlic, germander, golden ragwort, hound's tongue, kava, licorice, niacin (vitamin B3), pennyroyal oil, red yeast, St. John's wort, and others. Many of those following the folk use of comfrey up to present-day think so. This perennial can grow up to 4-feet tall. Wien Med Wochenschr. Registered in England: company no. Wichtl, M. (2004). 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. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Be sure to use comfrey root from a reputable source that has properly identified the species. Topical preparations of comfrey are generally safe provided they are not applied excessively or to an open wound. An ankle sprain can come out of nowhere and cause a lot of pain, limitations, and regret until it is healed. July 6, 2001. View abstract. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with comfrey does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product. Study results revealed that pain intensity during active movement decreased an average of 95.2% in the group given comfrey ointment. It's found in Europe, Asia, and North America. As a Licensed Massage Therapist, I have personally made this comfrey cream recipe multiple times and given jars to my clients. J Chiropr Med. All rights reserved. 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. Gyorik, S. and Stricker, H. Severe pulmonary hypertension possibly due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids in polyphytotherapy. (2013). 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. Some of these components are thought to speed up wound healing by stimulating new cell growth. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Discard after a year or according to labeling. 211727395. Do not use this product if you have a sensitivity to any of the ingredients. Comfrey cream combines ingredients like oils or water and glyceryl stearate with Symphytum officinale (comfrey) extracts. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Comfrey is an herb in the Boraginaceae family and has small purple flowers. The Herbal Academy supports trusted organizations with the use of affiliate links. View abstract. 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. Treatment with 4Jointz reduces knee pain over 12 weeks of treatment in patients with clinical knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial. Studies in humans are very limited. (3), 147-156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: Results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. Comfrey cream contains several active components (substances). Comfrey oil is a herbal oil that moisturises skin, and that's been used as a healing herb for a long time. 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. 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. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. 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]. Store comfrey cream according to package instructions, typically at room temperature and out of reach of children and pets. Which part of the comfrey plant has the lowest level of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)? Small glass jars with lids for sharing (optional). 2013;21(6):724-45. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. 2010;73(2):97-100. 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. View abstract. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Eliot Park, Nuneaton, CV10 7RH, UK. British Homeopathic Journal, 90(01), 21-28. https://doi.org/10.1054/homp.1999.0460. It also came as a reference to the belief that comfrey can mend broken bones. Add cup of the comfrey tincture and all essential oils to the cooled oil/butter mixture. Complement Ther Clin Pract. All rights reserved. The ankle swelling decreased by 79.5% in the comfrey root group and 69.4% in the diclofenac group. Comfrey oil is made by infusing the leaves and roots of a comfrey plant with a neutral oil. The leaves and stems of comfrey contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause toxic damage if ingested in excess (Ulbricht, 2010). Generic name: comfrey [COM-free] 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. 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 about an hour two nites. 2012;62(6):285-289. 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). Available for Android and iOS devices. Additionally, there is scientific research demonstrating comfreys effectiveness at soothing muscle and joint pain, some of which are highlighted in this post. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. Phytother Res. J Chiropr Med. Comfrey is avoided on cuts or puncture wounds for this reason. When harvesting comfrey or buying from a non-commercial supplier, note that there is variety within the species. After the consistency begins to thicken, turn the mixer up a little bit. 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. Heard about essential oils but not quite sure about what they can do for you? J Pharmacopuncture 2021;24(4):196-205. Acupuncture has also shown solid evidence of benefit for back pain. Newer Post Older . Be sure to choose organic carrier oils and essential oils when possible. Tunon, H., Olavsdotter, C., and Bohlin, L. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of some Swedish medicinal plants. View abstract. Comfrey is considered likely unsafe to use if you are nursing a baby. A systematic review and quality assessment of case reports of adverse events for borage (Borago officinalis), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and comfrey (Symphytum officinale). hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited. Other uses not proven with research have included skin wounds, skin ulcers, cough, sore throat, gum disease, joint pain, diarrhea, and other conditions. Therapeutic use of comfrey is limited because of its toxicity. Barna, M., Kucera, A., Hladikova, M., & Kucera, M. (2012). Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. 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. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. View abstract. Cbd Oil In Holland And Barrett. Rad. Comfrey contains chemicals called. You can weight them down with a rock or brick. 95 ($14.78/Fl Oz) FREE delivery Wed, Mar 8 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon. J Chin Med.Assoc. Knit bone, Eucalyptus, Rapeseed Oil, BHA. One study followed 142 patients with ankle sprains. Many have said that it has helped them with a variety of aches and pains! Amendments to the poison list. randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multi-clinical trial. A symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises. This is done by soaking the root in at least 50% alcohol for a minimum of two weeks. We cover all you need to know in this article. 2010;44(9):637-641. Check regularly, but it should take about six weeks for all the leaves to break down into a thick, black liquid. comfrey cream holland and barrett. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 83, 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.11.015. Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Experts suggest not using comfrey cream for longer than ten days in a row. Ulbricht, C. (2010). 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. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. Staiger, C. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. However, not a rate considered harmful for those with healthy livers.10,11, Masters Degree in Toxicology and BSc Hons in Medical Biochemistry. Facebook; Twitter; Pinterest; Related Posts. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. 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). Soaked foot in warm water with a few leaves of comfry. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. Latest: Senior Software Engineer - Front End Senior Software Engineer Senior Product Manager - Basket, Checkout and Payments UX Designer - Instore Tech. 2013;21(6):724-745. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2013.09.009. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46. 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. (2018). Avoid using comfrey extracts on broken skin or open wounds. 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. To use on established plants, dilute 1 part comfrey fertilizer in 15 parts water. BMJ Case Rep. 2016. To make this recipe, first, you must prepare the comfrey root tincture. Phytomedicine 2005;12(10):707-714. The groups using the herbal preparations reported a significantly greater reduction in pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis of the knee without serious adverse reactions (Smith & Jacobson, 2011). Stickel F, Seitz HK. 2013;163:5864 (2013) doi:10.1007/s10354-012-0162-4, Giannetti BM, Staiger C, Bulitta M, Predel HG. (Grube et al., 2007). Complement Ther Med. Mei N, Guo L, Fu PP, Fuscoe JC, Luan Y, Chen T. Metabolism, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity of comfrey. Understand comfreys contraindications before using it. Homeopathy. What are the benefits of using it? Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Can quickly relieve muscle and joint pain. Aust.J Physiother. 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. 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.