Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use. Be sure to use comfrey root from a reputable source that has properly identified the species. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010538, Smith DB, Jacobson BH. Potters Comfrey Oil | Holland & Barrett It contains chemicals that are poisonous. 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). Discard after a year or according to labeling. 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. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. View abstract. My family has used comfy for ingrown toenails. Yield: Approximately 5 cups of whipped lotion. Comfrey has been claimed to heal gastric ulcers and hemorrhoids, and to suppress bronchial congestion and inflammation. Toxicol Lett 2005;155:411-20. Beth Thomas, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist and founder of BMT Consulting Services, LLC. Phytother.Res 2012;26(10):1441-1448. 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. 2010;44(9):637-641. Other uses not proven with research have included skin wounds, skin ulcers, cough, sore throat, gum disease, joint pain, diarrhea, and other conditions. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. (2004). This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. gGtRO-m92259215844 - osouji1616.com CLICK HERE TO ENTER! 2758955. Phytomedicine 2005;12(10):707-714. It also covers side effects, interactions, and what to look for. 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. Barna, M., Kucera, A., Hladikova, M., & Kucera, M. (2012). It is called knitbone or boneset, referring to the bone-like growth of its roots. Eucalyptus oil is used externally to stimulate blood flow. Need some help with an order or want to speak to a member of our Customer Services team? 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. Electric bowl mixer (like a KitchenAid) or a blender, Small glass jars with lids for sharing (optional). 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 . Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of comfrey at the same time without medical advice. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Comfrey is not recommended for internal use because of the liver damage caused by its pyrrolizidine alkaloids. This was compared to 37.8% in the placebo group. 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. Two interesting studies found that a topical application of a product containing comfrey root extract helped with knee pain and stiffness. 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. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are very toxic to the liver and are also carcinogenic (cause cancer). 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! We answer questions, including what are essential oils? & what can I use them for? in this article. 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. What is niacinamide? The use of babosa (Aloe vera) in treating burns: a literature review. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Version: 5.01. Wien.Med.Wochenschr. The Effect of Comfrey on Enoxaparin-Induced Bruise in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Randomised Clinical Trial. The Herbal Academy neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. 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. Bhupesh started his career as a Clinical Toxicologist for Public Health England, advising healthcare professionals all around the country on how to manage clinical cases of adverse exposure to supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industrial chemicals and agricultural products. The internal or extensive topical use of comfrey cannot be recommended because of numerous reports of liver damage. View abstract. All rights reserved. Fitoterapia. Because of the risk of liver toxicity, comfrey cream shouldn't be used with other medicines that may also cause liver damage. Learn more in The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? View abstract. Simply massage into the skin as required. Our Two Pennies Worth. 12 drops juniper berry (Juniperus communis) essential oil Make sure to always buy comfrey (Symphytum officianale) root and leaf from a trusted source. It is not certain whether comfrey is effective in treating any medical condition. 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? 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). HTB; 2021 2; Youtube; Twitter; Facebook; ; 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 traditionally used for the symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises and is also known for its healing properties. This perennial can grow up to 4-feet tall. After 7 years in this role and a further year working as a drug safety officer in the pharmaceutical industry, Bhupesh joined Holland &Barrett as a Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate in 2019. Jurcu, R., & Jurcu, I. 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. Osteoarthritis.Cartilage. Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietician, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. Glass bowl with a lid Hybrids and other species may have a similar appearance but could have significantly different amounts of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Kucera et al., 2018). Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose. J Pharm.Belg. 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? Comfrey has been claimed to heal gastric ulcers and hemorrhoids, and to suppress bronchial congestion and inflammation. View abstract. View abstract. Some drugs increase how quickly the liver changes and breaks down comfrey. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. First, make the comfrey root tincture by combining the dried comfrey root and alcohol in a sterilized, dry, glass pint jar. (2013). 2020;142:104519. Comfrey ( Symphytum officinale) is an attractive ornamental plant used in gardening and medicine. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Therapeutic use of comfrey is limited because of its toxicity. A systematic review and quality assessment of case reports of adverse events for borage (Borago officinalis), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and comfrey (Symphytum officinale). (2001). 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. Comfrey - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Using a supplement like comfrey may have potential side effects. Medicine makers would bind comfrey leaves and roots in poultices, then apply those poultices to the skin to treat injuries. Frost R, O'meara S, Macpherson H. The external use of comfrey: a practitioner survey. Squish and squeeze as many leaves into as you can into the container. Begin mixing on low. Wien.Med Wochenschr. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Comfrey root extracts have been used by herbalists and in folk traditions for centuries to soothe aches and pains. You can weight them down with a rock or brick. 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. Wound-healing effects of a symphytum herb extract cream (Symphytum uplandicum Nyman) in children: A randomized double-blind study. Complement Ther Med. Copyright Holland & Barrett Limited 2023. Undergoingmassage or taking up yoga may help alleviate pain and help people with back or joint problems function more easily. The first European settlers of America considered comfrey so indispensable, they carried it on their journey across the Atlantic in the 1600s.2. An ankle sprain can come out of nowhere and cause a lot of pain, limitations, and regret until it is healed. Comfrey: Soothes Muscles & Joints + Helps Relieve Pain - Dr. Axe Staiger, C. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials. Save the remaining liquid alcohol portion. Can comfrey be used for cracked nipples during breastfeeding? Combination of comfrey root extract plus methyl nicotinate in patients with conditions of acute upper or low back pain: a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Eliot Park, Nuneaton, CV10 7RH, UK. The chemicals contained in comfrey may cause birth defects. Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. 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. #HBTechCareers. Store comfrey cream according to package instructions, typically at room temperature and out of reach of children and pets. Mei N, Guo L, Fu PP, Fuscoe JC, Luan Y, Chen T. Metabolism, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity of comfrey. 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 are the benefits of using it? Mix for about 10 minutes, until nice and whipped. Aust.J Physiother. comfrey cream holland and barrett - mail.empower.tn Wound-healing effects of a symphytum herb extract cream (. Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. This is done by soaking the root in at least 50% alcohol for a minimum of two weeks. Phytomedicine, 12(10), 707-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.001, Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. 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. Comfrey cream may help treat knee osteoarthritis, according to a Cochrane review of topical herbal therapies. 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. June 3, 2022 Posted by: Category: Uncategorized; No Comments . Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. The combination of Vitamin E, Wheat Germ oil and Rice Bran oil makes this cream perfect for your daily hydration needs. British Homeopathic Journal, 90(01), 21-28. https://doi.org/10.1054/homp.1999.0460. 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). This is the tincture. Comfrey is generally considered unsafe, with numerous toxicological effects in animals and humans. Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. Can a comfrey (Symphytum officianale) root extraction help ease aching joints and muscles? Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. 2004;11(6):470-477. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport. randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multi-clinical trial. (2018). 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. Phytother Res. This site uses cookies to improve your experience. cup organic safflower oil Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: Results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. View abstract. This comfrey cream recipe works great for local areas that have mild bruising or soft tissue pain. It's found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Stickel F, Seitz HK. Copyright Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2022. 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. Rad. Food and Drug Administration. Topical preparations of comfrey are generally safe provided they are not applied excessively or to an open wound. In another study, participants with ankle sprains received either comfrey root extract cream or diclofenac gel, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). 2012;101(4):211-216. J Pain. Commercial comfrey sale and distribution is restricted in Germany and Canada because of its substantial toxicity. Wien Med Wochenschr. Vithayathil MK, Edwards M. Comfrey herbal remedy causing second-degree heart block: do not be outfoxed by digitalis. The plant has a long history in folk and ancient herbal treatments before comfrey is . This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. A significant reduction in pain was observed in the groups using the comfrey product. View abstract. Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. 12 drops black pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil Registered in England: company no. Frost R, Macpherson H, O'meara S. A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.). Herbal medicine for low back pain: A Cochrane review, Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know, Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (blockage of veins in the liver). Here's a look at research on comfrey cream for back pain, osteoarthritis, and ankle sprains. Comfrey cream comfrey cream holland and barrett - omnigrace.org.tw Arzneimittelforschung. Phytother Res. 2013;163:5864 (2013) doi:10.1007/s10354-012-0162-4, Giannetti BM, Staiger C, Bulitta M, Predel HG. Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: Results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. View abstract. New South Wales Health, Australia. Nyman) in children: A randomized double-blind study. It has bell-shaped red-violet or yellowish flowers. Comfrey oil shouldnt be used for cooking, like other types of cooking oil. (2001). View abstract. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Further study is needed to confirm these results. It's typically only used in small amounts for a very short period. Taking comfrey along with a medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 220 patients with knee osteoarthritis used either a commercial topical comfrey root extract or a placebo. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. Yield: Approximately 5 cups of whipped lotion. Avoid using comfrey together with other herbal/health supplements that can also harm the liver. However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesn't mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. 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. Potters Comfrey Ointment | Holland & Barrett This leads to cirrhosis and eventually liver failure. Gyorik, S. and Stricker, H. Severe pulmonary hypertension possibly due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids in polyphytotherapy. 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. Transfer the cooled oil and butter mixture to a standing electric mixer or blender. Set on a sunny windowsill and shake once a day for 2-4 weeks. View abstract. Which part of the comfrey plant has the lowest level of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)? When harvesting comfrey or buying from a non-commercial supplier, note that there is variety within the species. 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). As an additional measure of efficacy, groups instructed to use the comfrey preparation for the longest period of time experienced the most improvement. Comfrey oil should be applied topically to parts of the body where you have muscular pain or discomfort. Pabst H, Schaefer A, Staiger C, Junker-samek M, Predel HG. Comfrey - please don't use it - The Herbal Horse and Pet Heat oil in double boiler gently then add beeswax until it melts. This site uses cookies to improve your experience. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications. Koll R, Klingenburg S. [Therapeutic characteristance and tolerance of topical comfrey preparations. Comfrey [Online article]. Other drugs may interact with comfrey, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. 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. For this reason, some topical products are advertised as made from comfrey leaves, but it's safest to choose a PA-free product. Dosage: How Much Comfrey Cream Should I Use? Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 2012;20(11):1209-16. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2012.07.019, Zago LR, Prado K, Benedito VL, Pereira MM. 98% Naturally derived. Add cup of the comfrey tincture and all essential oils to the cooled oil/butter mixture. Using a combination product makes it challenging to know how much of the beneficial effect came from comfrey alone. Turley, A. J. and Muir, D. F. ECG for physicians: a potentially fatal case of mistaken identity. Registered VAT no. Many have said that it has helped them with a variety of aches and pains! Influence of moderate physical exertion on subacute low back pain, after Symphytum officinale ointment treatment.