J Agric.Food Chem 2001;49(8):3942-3946. All Technology Jobs. Comfrey flowers are bell-shaped and purple, pink, or pale yellow in color, and it has a dark taproot. In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. Amendments to the poison list. It should never be taken by mouth. 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. Taking comfrey along with a medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage. 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. A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 161 patients having acute lower back pain. Natural Standard. No comments. (2013). Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: Results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. It is easily absorbed to leave your skin feeling fresh, soft and radiant. The chemicals contained in comfrey may cause birth defects. Healthy adults: massage about 1 teaspoon of cream into a local area up to 4x/day for up to 2 weeks. Using a combination product makes it challenging to know how much of the beneficial effect came from comfrey alone. 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. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. *PR sample. Glass bowl with a lid Medicine makers would bind comfrey leaves and roots in poultices, then apply those poultices to the skin to treat injuries. Homeopathy. Comfreycontains PAs, substances that can cause significant damage, including: Therefore, it should never be taken by mouth. Comfrey is considered likely unsafe to use if you are nursing a baby. Regarding its antioxidant, antilipoperoxidant, antiinflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. Comfrey is changed and broken down by the liver. Like any new treatment, discontinue use if any irritation occurs. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. 2020;142:104519. Sometimes, massaging on topical ointments can help reduce pain and inflammation. Mazzocchi, A. and Montanaro, F. Observational study of the use of Symphytum 5CH in the management of pain and swelling after dental implant surgery. . View abstract. Avoid using comfrey together with other herbal/health supplements that can also harm the liver. Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietician, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. 211727395. A member of the borage family, comfrey root, leaves, and stems have an obvious coat of bristly hair. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. It also came as a reference to the belief that comfrey can mend broken bones. Some drugs increase how quickly the liver changes and breaks down comfrey. A systematic review and quality assessment of case reports of adverse events for borage (Borago officinalis), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know. Generic name: comfrey [COM-free] Comfrey cream Molecules. DOI:10.1211/PJ.2021.1.69803. Skin patch test before use, especially if you have sensitive skin, and never use on a deep wound. Please read the Topical Use Safety section of this article (above) before using. Heat oil in double boiler gently then add beeswax until it melts. View abstract. It's found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Add cup of the comfrey tincture and all essential oils to the cooled oil/butter mixture. Acupuncture has also shown solid evidence of benefit for back pain. Follow all directions on the product label and package. cup organic sunflower oil Therapeutic use of comfrey is limited because of its toxicity. Comfrey cream, an topical herbal product, is thought to reduce inflammation and pain when applied to the skin. 16 Rewards for Life points with this purchase. A handbook for practice on a scientific basis. J Chiropr Med. 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 2014;20(4):347-55. Barna, M., Kucera, A., Hladikova, M., & Kucera, M. (2012). Book your free, one-to-one online consultation with one of our qualified advisors. After the tincture is made, then you can whip up the fabulous joint and muscle cream! Staiger, C. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials. Topical preparations of comfrey are generally safe provided they are not applied excessively or to an open wound. Mackinnon, M. In general practice, 'always expect the unexpected'. Tanret, I. and Duh, D. [Pharmaceutical sheet. Study results revealed that pain intensity during active movement decreased an average of 95.2% in the group given comfrey ointment. Comfrey is traditionally used for the symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises and is also known for its healing properties. 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. 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. 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. 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). Public Health Nutr 2000;3:501-8. 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. Documented adverse effects (the pyrrolizidine alkaloids, have substantial risk of causing fatal liver damage and can cause abortion). Centurian, South Africa: Medpharm Scientific Publishers. The internal or extensive topical use of comfrey cannot be recommended because of numerous reports of liver damage. The FDA has recommended that all comfrey products that are taken by mouth be removed from the market. What alternatives to comfrey cream are there for back pain? Comfrey is an herb in the Boraginaceae family and has small purple flowers. View abstract. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Results of an observational study of patients]. 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. 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. Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. Wien Med Wochenschr. You and your healthcare provider should weigh the pros and cons and use it only under their supervision. 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. Close LOGIN FOR DONATION. For that reason, Ive also included my go-to comfrey cream recipe for achy joints and muscles! Comfrey is generally considered unsafe, with numerous toxicological effects in animals and humans. One study followed 142 patients with ankle sprains. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. Potters Herbal Comfrey Oil is a soothing aromatic herbal massage oil. Additionally, there is scientific research demonstrating comfreys effectiveness at soothing muscle and joint pain, some of which are highlighted in this post. Available at: https://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/dspltr06.html. Latest: Senior Software Engineer - Front End Senior Software Engineer Senior Product Manager - Basket, Checkout and Payments UX Designer - Instore Tech. 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. After testing their 1000mg CBD oil drops for over a month, we now have little question this is the best CBD oil within the UK as of 2019. comfrey cream holland and barrettfeathered friend questions and answers. Many have said that it has helped them with a variety of aches and pains! 2 Comfrey cream contains several active components (substances). Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications. Learn more in. Gyorik, S. and Stricker, H. Severe pulmonary hypertension possibly due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids in polyphytotherapy. Mosby Elsevier. Comfrey [Online article]. 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. Add comfy to Vaseline . Frost R, Macpherson H, O'meara S. A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.). Braz J Biol. 2007;157(21-22):569-574. Comfrey may be used topically as a cream, ointment, salve, or paste. Aust.J Physiother. Staiger, C. Comfrey: a clinical overview. Experts suggest not using comfrey cream for longer than ten days in a row. Squish and squeeze as many leaves into as you can into the container. Some medications can also harm the liver. Many of those following the folk use of comfrey up to present-day think so. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are very toxic to the liver and are also carcinogenic (cause cancer). 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! Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. A review of 26 clinical trials concluded that mild skin reactions were the most common side effects of comfrey creams used in the studies. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. After the consistency begins to thicken, turn the mixer up a little bit. Drug class: Herbal products. Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. Kucera, A., Barna, M., Holcova, S., Horacek, O., Hladikov, M., & Ottillinger, B. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Undergoingmassage or taking up yoga may help alleviate pain and help people with back or joint problems function more easily. Many of those following the folk use of comfrey up to present-day think so. The combination of Vitamin E, Wheat Germ oil and Rice Bran oil makes this cream perfect for your daily hydration needs. 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). Registered VAT no. Registered in England: company no. Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., & Staiger, C. (2004). Its ready when the mixture has solidified somewhat and has a cloudy, creamy, and slightly runny consistency. 4-4-2009;139(13-14):210-211. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and to check in about any potential interactions with other supplements or medications. Phytomedicine, 14(1), 2-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2006.11.006, Jedlinszki, N., Balzs, B., Csnyi, E., & Csupor, D. (2017). View abstract. Three clinical studies have provided evidence that ointments containing comfrey root have helped reduce back pain. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. Medicine makers would bind comfrey leaves and roots in poultices, then apply those poultices to the skin to treat injuries. This is done by soaking the root in at least 50% alcohol for a minimum of two weeks. 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 might harm the liver. Herb & Supplement Guide. Rad. View abstract. It has bell-shaped red-violet or yellowish flowers. Turley, A. J. and Muir, D. F. ECG for physicians: a potentially fatal case of mistaken identity. 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, Topical herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis, 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, Treatment with 4Jointz reduces knee pain over 12 weeks of treatment in patients with clinical knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial. Topically, comfrey root and leaf extracts have been traditionally used for bruises, sore muscles and joints, sprains, mild wounds, and gout (Natural Medicines, 2020). View abstract. Wien Med Wochenschr. These have a lower risk of serious side effects like liver damage. Lewis, C. J. FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. 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). Registered in England: company no. Comfrey has been used medicinally for at least 2000 years for various conditions, including bone fractures, ulcers, and gout. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Effects of Symphytum ointment on muscular symptoms and functional locomotor disturbances. 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.