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. These third-party organizations test products to ensure they were manufactured safely and contain the ingredients indicated on the labeling without contaminants. Phytomedicine, 12(10), 707-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.001, Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). View abstract. 2017;83:1-4. Symphytum officinale L., dermal use (Flexagile cream)]. Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. 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 . Comfrey cream contains several active components (substances). Do not use this product if you have a sensitivity to any of the ingredients. Jedlinszki, N., Balzs, B., Csnyi, E., & Csupor, D. (2017). All rights reserved. Information offered on Herbal Academy websites is for educational purposes only. Simply massage into the skin as required. 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. 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (225) $19.95 $ 19. Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know. 1. The Herbal Academy makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Comfrey flowers are bell-shaped and purple, pink, or pale yellow in color, and it has a dark taproot. Instructions. By Megan Nunn, PharmD Comfrey. comfrey cream holland and barrett. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. 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. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. The Herbal Academy supports trusted organizations with the use of affiliate links. This could change the effects and side effects of comfrey. 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. In a randomized multicenter study with 164 ankle sprain patients, swelling and pain were improved more successfully using a comfrey root extract compared to a diclofenac gel (Predel et al., 2005). 1.35 Fl Oz. Oral use of comfrey is not recommended because of potential liver damage. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. An Evidence-Based Reference. Frost R, Macpherson H, O'meara S. A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.). 20 Rewards for Life points with this purchase, Potters Herbals Comfrey Ointment is a traditional herbal medicinal product used for the symptomatic relief of minor sprains and bruises, based on traditional use only. hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited. 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. 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). A significant reduction in pain was observed in the groups using the comfrey product. Bagheri Z, Azizi A, Oshvandi K, Mohammadi Y, Larki-Harchegani A. Using a supplement like comfrey may have potential side effects. The herbal topical cream was prepared at two different strengths, as an additional measure of efficacy. Choose organically grown comfrey when possible. Combination of comfrey root extract plus methyl nicotinate in patients with conditions of acute upper or low back pain: a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Undergoingmassage or taking up yoga may help alleviate pain and help people with back or joint problems function more easily. DOI:10.1211/PJ.2021.1.69803. For External Use only Do not use if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients. It may contain small amounts of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Avoid using comfrey together with other herbal/health supplements that can also harm the liver. 12 drops black pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of comfrey at the same time without medical advice. This was compared to 37.8% in the placebo group. (2001). 2013;21(6):724-45. Symphytum species: A comprehensive review on chemical composition, food applications and phytopharmacology. Aust.J Physiother. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010538, Smith DB, Jacobson BH. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Please read the Topical Use Safety section of this article (above) before using. Comfrey contains toxic substances that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. 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. Comfrey [Online article]. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: Results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. 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). This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. 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. After the tincture is made, then you can whip up the fabulous joint and muscle cream! Don't use comfrey products if you have or are at risk of having liver disease, cancer, or are taking any medication that affects the liver since it may increase the risk of liver toxicity. Set aside cup for the cream recipe and store the rest in a glass jar. To make this recipe, first, you must prepare the comfrey root tincture. 2011;10(3):147-56. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003, Laslett LL, Quinn SJ, Darian-Smith E, et al. You should never ingest comfrey by mouth. This perennial can grow up to 4-feet tall. 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. Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. Pabst H, Schaefer A, Staiger C, Junker-samek M, Predel HG. 2011;10(3):147-56. You and your healthcare provider should weigh the pros and cons and use it only under their supervision. Comfrey is an herb in the Boraginaceae family and has small purple flowers. 2007;57(11):712-716. 211727395. Most comfrey oils keep for around 2 years after production. 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). A member of the borage family, comfrey root, leaves, and stems have an obvious coat of bristly hair. Select a condition to view a list of vitamins. Topical preparations of comfrey are generally safe provided they are not applied excessively or to an open wound. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. 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. Looks like you may need to upgrade your browser We're sorry, we no longer support the web browser that you are using June 3, 2022 Posted by: Category: Uncategorized; No Comments . The way that they work is by blocking small blood vessels in the liver. View abstract. Read our. It also came as a reference to the belief that comfrey can mend broken bones. This leads to cirrhosis and eventually liver failure. As a Licensed Massage Therapist, I have personally made this comfrey cream recipe multiple times and given jars to my clients. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. Glass bowl with a lid 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. Our Two Pennies Worth. J Chin Med.Assoc. View abstract. Br.J Sports Med. Tunon, H., Olavsdotter, C., and Bohlin, L. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of some Swedish medicinal plants. For that reason, Ive also included my go-to comfrey cream recipe for achy joints and muscles! Some people ingest comfrey roots or leaves or use them in teas. (21), 498-507. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10354-004-0114-8, Natural Medicines (2020). The chemicals contained in comfrey may cause birth defects. As the consistency thickens some more, turn the mixer up a little bit more. The following applications have been used in research: Using large amounts of comfrey cream or using it for extended periods of time increases the risk of side effects like liver toxicity. More research is needed. Cover, but leave a small air opening. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. View abstract. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. Frost R, O'meara S, Macpherson H. The external use of comfrey: a practitioner survey. Book your free, one-to-one online consultation with one of our qualified advisors. In some cases, ointments with comfrey have caused redness, itching, and a rash (Smith, 2011). Comfrey may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide. 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). Wichtl, M. (2004). Topically, comfrey root and leaf extracts have been traditionally used for bruises, sore muscles and joints, sprains, mild wounds, and gout (Natural Medicines, 2020). Avoid comfrey with certain medical conditions, such as liver disease. What Are the Side Effects of Comfrey Cream? Maryland Heights, MO. Yield: Approximately 5 cups of whipped lotion. Discontinue use if a rash develops. However, not a rate considered harmful for those with healthy livers.10,11, Masters Degree in Toxicology and BSc Hons in Medical Biochemistry. This comfrey cream recipe works great for local areas that have mild bruising or soft tissue pain. 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). Complementary Health Approaches for Chronic Pain: What the Science Says. If you're considering using the cream, consult your healthcare provider first. (2018). In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. Comfrey oil shouldnt be used for cooking, like other types of cooking oil. The comfrey plant, Symphytum officinale, gets its name from the Latin confervere, meaning to grow together. OTHER NAME(S): Ass Ear, Black Root, Blackwort, Bruisewort, Common. Staiger C. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a plant with yellow or purple flowers found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Find out how to use it here along with its benefits. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. View abstract. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. View abstract. View abstract. Knee pain and stiffness can be a stubborn concern that keeps many from doing activities they enjoy. View abstract. Comfrey is traditionally used for the symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises and is also known for its healing properties. 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. Wien Med Wochenschr. Turn off heat and give it a good stir. Ulbricht, C. (2010). Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. 6 Healing Benefits of Comfrey. The combination of Vitamin E, Wheat Germ oil and Rice Bran oil makes this cream perfect for your daily hydration needs. Safety Alerts & Advisories: FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. 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. Follow all directions on the product label and package. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. 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. Be sure to choose organic carrier oils and essential oils when possible. 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. cup organic safflower oil Laslett, L. L., Quinn, S. J., Darian-Smith, E., Kwok, M., Fedorova, T., Korner, H., Steels, E., March, L., and Jones, G. Treatment with 4Jointz reduces knee pain over 12 weeks of treatment in patients with clinical knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial. View abstract. Mix for about 10 minutes, until nice and whipped. (2004). Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98. (2001). Dosage: How Much Comfrey Cream Should I Use? Comfrey cream combines ingredients like oils or water and glyceryl stearate with Symphytum officinale (comfrey) extracts. Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs. about an hour two nites. Comfrey contains chemicals that can cause liver damage, lung problems, or cancer. A handbook for practice on a scientific basis. Further study is needed to confirm these results. 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. Here's 10 things essential oils are great for. However, it did not affect markers of inflammation or cartilage breakdown over 12 weeks of treatment. When buying commercial brands, seek those that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed, if possible. View abstract. 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. These include allantoin, rosmarinic acid, and others. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: Results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. View abstract. Fitoterapia. J Agric.Food Chem 2001;49(8):3942-3946. 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. 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. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. Seal with a lid and then label with the ingredients and date. 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 Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? Version: 5.01. Complement Ther Med. Topical preparations of comfrey are generally safe provided they are not applied excessively or to an open wound. Z Phytotherapie 2000;21:127-134. Jurcu, R., & Jurcu, I. As an additional measure of efficacy, groups instructed to use the comfrey preparation for the longest period of time experienced the most improvement. Book your free, one-to-one online consultation with one of our qualified advisors. Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietician, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. *PR sample. Soaked foot in warm water with a few leaves of comfry. Since these toxic substances can be absorbed through the skin, there's concern about the safety of comfrey cream applied topically. Need some help with an order or want to speak to a member of our Customer Services team? Herbal medicine for low back pain: A Cochrane review. Predel, H. G., Giannetti, B., Koll, R., Bulitta, M., & Staiger, C. (2005). Adv Ther 2005;22(6):681-692. Whenselecting a brand of supplements, look for products certified by Consumer Labs, the U.S.Pharmacopeia, or NSF. Drug-induced liver injury. 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. Heard about essential oils but not quite sure about what they can do for you? View abstract. However, comfrey can also contain toxic substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. 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. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLabs, or NSF when possible. Using a combination product makes it challenging to know how much of the beneficial effect came from comfrey alone. 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. Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements. View abstract. Sowa I, Paduch R, Strzemski M, et al. Although not all side effects are known, comfrey is thought to be possibly safe when applied to unbroken skin for less than 10 days. (2013). how to become a school board member in florida ocean deck band schedule Comfrey may have been applied to the skin in a specific preparation to treat some of these conditions. Influence of moderate physical exertion on subacute low back pain, after Symphytum officinale ointment treatment. Toe was infected and painful. A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 161 patients having acute lower back pain. Comfrey is often sold as an herbal supplement. #HBTechCareers. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Studies in humans are very limited. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications. 2012;26(10):14411448. 2007;157(21-22):569-574. 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. This perennial can grow up to 4-feet tall. Make sure to always buy comfrey. Skin patch test before use, especially if you have sensitive skin, and never use on a deep wound. In a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 142 ankle sprain participants, a comfrey root extract applied 4x/day for 8 days improved pain, swelling, and mobility without any adverse reactions (Koll et al., 2004).