The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Generic name: comfrey [COM-free] Cap, then label the jars with the date made and ingredients. 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). (2013). A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 161 patients having acute lower back pain. Electric bowl mixer (like a KitchenAid) or a blender, Small glass jars with lids for sharing (optional). For one of these studies, the average time participants had experienced knee pain and stiffness leading up to the study was six and a half years! It contains chemicals that are poisonous. The internal or extensive topical use of comfrey cannot be recommended because of numerous reports of liver damage. Hybrids and other species may have a similar appearance but could have significantly different amounts of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Kucera et al., 2018). Learn more in The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? Lorem ipsum dolor sit nulla or narjusto laoreet onse ctetur adipisci. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. After eight days, the group that used the cream had significantly less pain than those who had the placebo. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. Phytother Res. View abstract. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 8, 2023. 2013;21(6):724-45. Because of the risk of liver toxicity, comfrey cream shouldn't be used with other medicines that may also cause liver damage. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport, 14(3). Comfrey is considered likely unsafe to use if you are nursing a baby. Studies in humans are very limited. Pour into bowl /jug big enough for all ingredients and safe for the mixer. The leaves and stems of comfrey contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause toxic damage if ingested in excess (Ulbricht, 2010). Safety Alerts & Advisories: FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. 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.). Z Phytotherapie 2000;21:127-134. Frost R, O'meara S, Macpherson H. The external use of comfrey: a practitioner survey. Make sure to always buy comfrey (Symphytum officianale) root and leaf from a trusted source. 12 drops juniper berry (Juniperus communis) essential oil View abstract. 2012;20(11):1209-1216. When the root is boiled in water, it forms a sticky, glue-like paste. Choose organically grown comfrey when possible. It's found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Phytomedicine, 12(10), 707-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.001, Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). 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 . Mosby Elsevier. Dosage: How Much Comfrey Cream Should I Use? Kuera, M., Barna, M., Horek, O., Kovrikov, J., & Kuera, A. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. View abstract. Heat oil in double boiler gently then add beeswax until it melts. 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. 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. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Eliot Park, Nuneaton, CV10 7RH, UK. Comfrey shouldn't be used in any form during pregnancy or nursing due to the risk of liver damage to infants. Most comfrey oils keep for around 2 years after production. This is not recommended due to the presence of chemicals that can cause organ damage and cancer. Comfrey. 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. Can a comfrey (Symphytum officianale) root extraction help ease aching joints and muscles? To make this recipe, first, you must prepare the comfrey root tincture. Tunon, H., Olavsdotter, C., and Bohlin, L. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of some Swedish medicinal plants. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Comfrey cream, an topical herbal product, is thought to reduce inflammation and pain when applied to the skin. Comfrey may be used topically as a cream, ointment, salve, or paste. Some recent human studies have demonstrated that extracts may help with ankle sprains, knee pain and stiffness, backaches, and mild skin abrasions. 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). Aust.Fam.Physician 2008;37(4):235-236. Copyright Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2022. Experts suggest not using comfrey cream for longer than ten days in a row. Sometimes, massaging on topical ointments can help reduce pain and inflammation. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. View abstract. You can weight them down with a rock or brick. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 83, 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.11.015. Wien.Med.Wochenschr. It also came as a reference to the belief that comfrey can mend broken bones. Comfrey oil is a herbal oil that moisturises skin, and that's been used as a healing herb for a long time. Comfrey [Online article]. Comfrey cream combines ingredients like oils or water and glyceryl stearate with Symphytum officinale (comfrey) extracts. View abstract. Arzneimittelforschung. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. Influence of moderate physical exertion on subacute low back pain, after Symphytum officinale ointment treatment. 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. The efficacy and safety of comfrey. View abstract. , meaning to grow together. All rights reserved. Be sure to choose organic carrier oils and essential oils when possible. Limited trials have evaluated the effectiveness of alkaloid-free preparations for external use; however, these studies did not examine how much liver damage occurred in patients. Please read the Topical Use Safety section of this article (above) before using. Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. 2012;20(11):1209-16. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2012.07.019, Zago LR, Prado K, Benedito VL, Pereira MM. For External Use only Do not use if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients. This comfrey cream recipe works great for local areas that have mild bruising or soft tissue pain. The plant leaves have a lower concentration of PAs than the roots. Comfrey's original name, knitbone, derives from the external use of poultices of its leaves and roots to heal burns, sprains, swelling, and bruises. 2013;163:5864 (2013) doi:10.1007/s10354-012-0162-4, Giannetti BM, Staiger C, Bulitta M, Predel HG. Do not use extra comfrey to make up the missed dose. . 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. View abstract. Tolerability and effectiveness of an antitrauma cream with comfrey herb extract in pediatric use with application on intact and on broken skin. Further study is needed to confirm these results. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. 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). When the root is boiled in water, it forms a sticky, glue-like paste. However, not a rate considered harmful for those with healthy livers.10,11, Masters Degree in Toxicology and BSc Hons in Medical Biochemistry. As we are constantly reviewing and developing our products to meet our consumer needs, consumers, particularly those that suffer from allergies and intolerances, should always check product labelling, warnings, and directions provided with the product that is delivered, prior to use or consumption. (2004). When harvesting comfrey or buying from a non-commercial supplier, note that there is variety within the species. 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. Comfrey contains toxic substances that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. Comfrey ( Symphytum officinale) is an attractive ornamental plant used in gardening and medicine. A handbook for practice on a scientific basis. 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. Tolerability and effectiveness of an antitrauma cream with comfrey herb extract in pediatric use with application on intact and on broken skin. 95 ($14.78/Fl Oz) FREE delivery Wed, Mar 8 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon. In a small study with 30 subjects, lower back pain from exercise was reduced with an ointment containing comfrey. Our Two Pennies Worth. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: Results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. Stickel F, Seitz HK. Looks like you may need to upgrade your browser We're sorry, we no longer support the web browser that you are using Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. This could change the effects and side effects of comfrey. Consult your healthcare provider before using. Symphyti) bei Sprunggelenks-distorsionen. View abstract. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose. View abstract. 1/8 cup comfrey tincture (Symphytum officinale), store bought or via recipe, above. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements. Since these toxic substances can be absorbed through the skin, there's concern about the safety of comfrey cream applied topically. FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. Comfrey also is known as Russian comfrey, knitbone, radix consolidate, bruisewort, blackwort, and slippery root. Book your free, one-to-one online consultation with one of our qualified advisors. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 220 patients with knee osteoarthritis used either a commercial topical comfrey root extract or a placebo. 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 has been claimed to heal gastric ulcers and hemorrhoids, and to suppress bronchial congestion and inflammation. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. OTHER NAME(S): Ass Ear, Black Root, Blackwort, Bruisewort, Common. 211727395. The study involved 43 patients with knee osteoarthritis and a six-week treatment period. Also, avoid use for more than two weeks or excessive concentrations containing more than 100 mcg of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Wichtl, 2004 & Ulbricht, 2010). Eucalyptus oil is used externally to stimulate blood flow. Like any new treatment, discontinue use if any irritation occurs. Stam, C., Bonnet, M. S., & van Haselen, R. A. The review included one study of 220 people with knee osteoarthritis, a degenerative "wear-and-tear" joint condition. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Avoid use. 1. When buying commercial brands, seek those that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed, if possible. Pabst H, Schaefer A, Staiger C, Junker-samek M, Predel HG. Tanret, I. and Duh, D. [Pharmaceutical sheet. The FDA has recommended that all comfrey products that are taken by mouth be removed from the market. Wang YP, Yan J, Fu PP, Chou MW. 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). What is niacinamide? How do you use it and are there any side effects? Public Health Nutr 2000;3:501-8. View abstract. Small glass jars with lids for sharing (optional). J Pharm.Belg. 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (225) $19.95 $ 19. The Herbal Academy neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. The recipe makes about 5 cups of whipped creamy lotion. Cbd Oil In Holland And Barrett. Additionally, there is scientific research demonstrating comfreys effectiveness at soothing muscle and joint pain, some of which are highlighted in this post. The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? Comfrey is traditionally used for the symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises and is also known for its healing properties. 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. Mei N, Guo L, Fu PP, Fuscoe JC, Luan Y, Chen T. Metabolism, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity of comfrey. As a Licensed Massage Therapist, I have personally made this comfrey cream recipe multiple times and given jars to my clients. 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? 1.35 Fl Oz. Food and Drug Administration. Some medications can also harm the liver. 2012;101(4):211-216. 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. Centurian, South Africa: Medpharm Scientific Publishers. Choose organically grown comfrey when possible. 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). You can purchase the Comfrey Ointment at Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury's or Holland & Barrett. View abstract. View abstract. Do not take comfrey without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications: This list is not complete. It is called knitbone or boneset, referring to the bone-like growth of its roots. Osteoarthritis.Cartilage. If you're considering using the cream, consult your healthcare provider first. Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. However, it did not affect markers of inflammation or cartilage breakdown over 12 weeks of treatment. Please read the Topical Use Safety section of this article (above) before using. Maryland Heights, MO. Bergamot oil is one of the most popular essential oils, but what is it & what are the benefits of using it? 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. Symphytum officinale), store bought or via recipe, above. Comfrey is traditionally used for the symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises and is also known for its healing properties. Wichtl, M. (2004). Phytomedicine. Read our. Aust.J Physiother. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. With extract of Comfrey. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. Comfrey is not recommended for internal use because of the liver damage caused by its pyrrolizidine alkaloids. All rights reserved. Poisons Legislation Circular 3-22-1993;60. Kucera, M., Kalal, J., and Polesna, Z. Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. However, further well-designed studies are needed. 16 Rewards for Life points with this purchase. Comfrey is not recommended for children under three years old, as it's not been studied in that population. Do not use this product if you have a sensitivity to any of the ingredients. Glass bowl with a lid Comfrey is generally considered unsafe, with numerous toxicological effects in animals and humans. These include allantoin, rosmarinic acid, and others. When buying commercial brands, seek those that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed, if possible. 2013;163(3-4):58-64. The Effect of Comfrey on Enoxaparin-Induced Bruise in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Randomised Clinical Trial. 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. 2020;142:104519. 7-6-2001; Lin, C. C., Yang, C. C., Phua, D. H., Deng, J. F., and Lu, L. H. An outbreak of foxglove leaf poisoning. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. Rad. To use on established plants, dilute 1 part comfrey fertilizer in 15 parts water. Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with over twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. Therapeutic use of comfrey is limited because of its toxicity. 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! Comfrey is an herb in the Boraginaceae family and has small purple flowers. Beth Thomas, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist and founder of BMT Consulting Services, LLC. A review of 26 clinical trials concluded that mild skin reactions were the most common side effects of comfrey creams used in the studies. Br J Sports Med. However, people with knee pain may be glad to try a topical preparation that could help in addition to any other recommendations made by their physician. ). This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. (2013). Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Skin patch test before use, especially if you have sensitive skin, and never use on a deep wound. doi:10.1002/ptr.4612, Salehi B, Sharopov F, Boyunegmez Tumer T, et al. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Registered VAT no. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. J Chiropr Med. We go to great efforts to ensure that the information on this page is accurate at the time that the page was last edited. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: Results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. Gyorik, S. and Stricker, H. Severe pulmonary hypertension possibly due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids in polyphytotherapy. Grube, B., Grunwald, J., Krug, L., and Staiger, C. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. Available for Android and iOS devices. 2010;44(9):637-41. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2009.058677, Cameron M, Chrubasik S. Topical herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis. Human liver microsomal reduction of pyrrolizidine alkaloid N-oxides to form the corresponding carcinogenic parent alkaloid. Additionally, there is scientific research demonstrating comfreys effectiveness at soothing muscle and joint pain, some of which are highlighted in this post. These side effects may be common or severe. Here's a look at research on comfrey cream for back pain, osteoarthritis, and ankle sprains. 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. (Grube et al., 2007). The participants were assigned three weeks of treatment with two grams of either comfrey ointment or a placebo three times a day. Documented adverse effects (the pyrrolizidine alkaloids, have substantial risk of causing fatal liver damage and can cause abortion). After the tincture is made, then you can whip up the fabulous joint and muscle cream! 2021;83:e249209. 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. What Happens If I Use Too Much Comfrey Cream? Healthy adults: massage about 1 teaspoon of cream into a local area up to 4x/day for up to 2 weeks. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. Phytother Res. Discard after a year or according to labeling. View abstract. Oral use of comfrey is not recommended because of potential liver damage. Rad. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Available at: https://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/dspltr06.html. We are building the future of Health and Wellness Tech. Allow the oil mixture to cool until it reaches room temperature, which could take 8-12 hours.