International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, (4), 135-141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpam.2018.11.002. Jurcu, R., & Jurcu, I. 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. As a Licensed Massage Therapist, I have personally made this comfrey cream recipe multiple times and given jars to my clients. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Rad. 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. You and your healthcare provider should weigh the pros and cons and use it only under their supervision. 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). Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. Comfrey is avoided on cuts or puncture wounds for this reason. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Choose organically grown comfrey when possible. Which part of the comfrey plant has the lowest level of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)? 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.). 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. Knit bone, Eucalyptus, Rapeseed Oil, BHA. 2010;13(7-8):509-526. doi:10.1080/10937404.2010.509013, Staiger C. Comfrey: A clinical overview. Adv.Ther 2000;17(4):204-210. Complementary Health Approaches for Chronic Pain: What the Science Says. Koll R, Klingenburg S. [Therapeutic characteristance and tolerance of topical comfrey preparations. Comfrey flowers are bell-shaped and purple, pink, or pale yellow in color, and it has a dark taproot. Comfrey is a shrub that grows in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. 2019;24(12):2272. doi:10.3390/molecules24122272, Staiger, Christine. (Grube et al., 2007). It also covers side effects, interactions, and what to look for. The plant leaves have a lower concentration of PAs than the roots. View abstract. Here's 10 things essential oils are great for. Kucera, M., Kalal, J., and Polesna, Z. 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. We cover all you need to know in this article. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. 2004;11(6):470-477. View abstract. Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. Comfrey is generally considered unsafe, with numerous toxicological effects in animals and humans. 95 ($14.78/Fl Oz) FREE delivery Wed, Mar 8 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon. Ulbricht, C. (2010). View abstract. Comfrey is traditionally used for the symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises and is also known for its healing properties. How do you use it and are there any side effects? Drug-induced liver injury. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. 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. 211727395. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: Results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. Latest: Senior Software Engineer - Front End Senior Software Engineer Senior Product Manager - Basket, Checkout and Payments UX Designer - Instore Tech. (2013). 4-4-2009;139(13-14):210-211. 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. All rights reserved. Molecules. 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 is a fast-growing plant whose leaves and roots have been used historically for wound healing and other conditions. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. 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 oil shouldnt be used for cooking, like other types of cooking oil. You should never ingest comfrey by mouth. 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. View abstract. Small glass jars with lids for sharing (optional). Although not examined in clinical trials, comfrey may possess antifungal and anticancer activity. This is done by soaking the root in at least 50% alcohol for a minimum of two weeks. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. View abstract. When buying commercial brands, seek those that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed, if possible. Comfrey contains chemicals that can cause liver damage, lung problems, or cancer. Wien.Med Wochenschr. 2020;142:104519. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesn't mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. Comfrey. Make sure to always buy comfrey. Arzneimittelforschung. Like any new treatment, discontinue use if any irritation occurs. Learn more in. Electric bowl mixer (like a KitchenAid) or a blender, Small glass jars with lids for sharing (optional). Comfrey contains chemicals that cause serious liver damage when taken by mouth. Do not take comfrey without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications: This list is not complete. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This is done by soaking the root in at least 50% alcohol for a minimum of two weeks. It's typically only used in small amounts for a very short period. 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. Glass bowl with a lid Researchers have found it does seem to reduce pain in some conditions, including back pain, osteoarthritis, and ankle sprains. 2012;(1):41-42. Written by Cerner Multum. 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. 12 drops juniper berry (Juniperus communis) essential oil Avoid use. Without overexposure to air or heatand without cross-contaminationthe recipe should last as long as the expiration date of the carrier oils used. Here's a look at research on comfrey cream for back pain, osteoarthritis, and ankle sprains. The Comfrey Ointment that I have been using is to be used only for sprains and bruises. (2018). Experts suggest not using comfrey cream for longer than ten days in a row. What alternatives to comfrey cream are there for back pain? Comfrey is not recommended for children under three years old, as it's not been studied in that population. Comfrey root extracts have been used by herbalists and in folk traditions for centuries to soothe aches and pains. Supplements marketed for body-building (ex.. Heard about essential oils but not quite sure about what they can do for you? 2004;154(21-22):498-507. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. 2012;62(6):285-289. Other uses not proven with research have included skin wounds, skin ulcers, cough, sore throat, gum disease, joint pain, diarrhea, and other conditions. Whenselecting a brand of supplements, look for products certified by Consumer Labs, the U.S.Pharmacopeia, or NSF. Spine(Phila Pa 1976). Label with the ingredients and date made. 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. The leaves and stems of comfrey contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause toxic damage if ingested in excess (Ulbricht, 2010). Yield: Approximately 5 cups of whipped lotion. A review of 26 clinical trials concluded that mild skin reactions were the most common side effects of comfrey creams used in the studies. As an additional measure of efficacy, groups instructed to use the comfrey preparation for the longest period of time experienced the most improvement. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. The use of babosa (Aloe vera) in treating burns: a literature review. (3), 147-156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003. 2013;21(6):724-45. When the root is boiled in water, it forms a sticky, glue-like paste. J Ethnopharmacol 1995;48(2):61-76. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. Join rewards for life today and we'll give you 300 points worth 3.00. cup organic sunflower oil 2010;73(2):97-100. WMW Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 154(21), 498-507. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10354-004-0114-8, Natural Medicines (2020). 2012;20(11):1209-1216. Also, avoid use for more than two weeks or excessive concentrations containing more than 100 mcg of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Wichtl, 2004 & Ulbricht, 2010). Arzneimittelforschung. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Available for Android and iOS devices. Although it has historically been used on open wounds, it is now not advised related to the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can absorb more readily into the body through an open wound. 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). 1.35 Fl Oz. A handbook for practice on a scientific basis. The recipe makes about 5 cups of whipped creamy lotion. Complement Ther Clin Pract. June 3, 2022 Posted by: Category: Uncategorized; No Comments . Comfreycontains PAs, substances that can cause significant damage, including: Therefore, it should never be taken by mouth. Wound-healing effects of a symphytum herb extract cream (. The participants were assigned three weeks of treatment with two grams of either comfrey ointment or a placebo three times a day. The plant has a long history in folk and ancient herbal treatments before comfrey is . Comfrey is an herb in the Boraginaceae family and has small purple flowers. We currently have no information for COMFREY overview. A significant reduction in pain was observed in the groups using the comfrey product. Safety Alerts & Advisories: FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. 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. Combination of comfrey root extract plus methyl nicotinate in patients with conditions of acute upper or low back pain: a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Affiliate links are shared throughout the website and the Herbal Academy may receive compensation if you make a purchase with these links. Set aside cup for the cream recipe and store the rest in a glass jar. Staiger C. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials. View abstract. 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). However, not a rate considered harmful for those with healthy livers.10,11, Masters Degree in Toxicology and BSc Hons in Medical Biochemistry. Comfrey ( Symphytum officinale) is an attractive ornamental plant used in gardening and medicine. Jedlinszki N, Balzs B, Csnyi E, Csupor D. Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. 2011;10(3):147-56. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003, Laslett LL, Quinn SJ, Darian-Smith E, et al. Thus, it is not advised to ingest herbal preparations of comfrey unless guided by an expert pharmacologist and physician. BMJ Case Rep. 2016. Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., & Staiger, C. (2004). A handbook for practice on a scientific basis. Comfrey also is known as Russian comfrey, knitbone, radix consolidate, bruisewort, blackwort, and slippery root. Lorem ipsum dolor sit nulla or narjusto laoreet onse ctetur adipisci. Our associates are qualified to advise, visit us online or in store for unparalleled advice. Brassica Campest is Seed Oil (Rapeseed Oil), Symphytum Officinale Herb (Comfrey Herb), BHA, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil (Eucalyptus Oil). Rad. Essential oils are a whole new world in themselves & the benefits of using them are widespread. However, it did not affect markers of inflammation or cartilage breakdown over 12 weeks of treatment. In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. This is because only a small amount of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids are absorbed through the skin (Jedlinszki et al., 2017). Looks like you may need to upgrade your browser We're sorry, we no longer support the web browser that you are using Therapeutic use of comfrey is limited because of its toxicity. Registered VAT no. 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. Close LOGIN FOR DONATION. 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). Topical preparations of comfrey are generally safe provided they are not applied excessively or to an open wound. Generic name: comfrey [COM-free] 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? 6 Healing Benefits of Comfrey. 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. 12 drops black pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil cup organic safflower oil Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with over twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. Complement Ther Med. Comfrey can kill. 2021;83:e249209. Thus, it is not advised to ingest herbal preparations of comfrey unless guided by an expert pharmacologist and physician. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Comfrey cream combines ingredients like oils or water and glyceryl stearate with Symphytum officinale (comfrey) extracts. Consult your healthcare provider before using. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. Copyright Holland & Barrett Limited 2023. Book your free, one-to-one online consultation with one of our qualified advisors. Hybrids and other species may have a similar appearance but could have significantly different amounts of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Kucera et al., 2018). Topical comfrey is for use only on the skin. Additionally, there is scientific research demonstrating comfreys effectiveness at soothing muscle and joint pain, some of which are highlighted in this post. All rights reserved. Safety Alerts & Advisories: FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. For External Use only Do not use if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients. Additionally, use on a deep cut may encourage healing of the outer skin the preparation comes in direct contact with faster than the deeper tissue, leading to abscess. J Pharm.Belg. Comfrey is a flowering shrub that grows in Europe, Asia and, now, North America. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. Kuera, M., Barna, M., Horek, O., Kovrikov, J., & Kuera, A. Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. 98% Naturally derived. Many of those following the folk use of comfrey up to present-day think so. Bagheri Z, Azizi A, Oshvandi K, Mohammadi Y, Larki-Harchegani A. Jurcu, R., & Jurcu, I. Comfrey [Online article]. The Herbal Academy makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. My family has used comfy for ingrown toenails. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. Documented adverse effects (the pyrrolizidine alkaloids, have substantial risk of causing fatal liver damage and can cause abortion). Comfrey cream Fitoterapia. Browse our Sports Hub, Get 20% student discount with Student Beans, Discover the latest natural beauty products. Phytother Res. Hepatology. What Happens If I Use Too Much Comfrey Cream? Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. Comfrey cream, an topical herbal product, is thought to reduce inflammation and pain when applied to the skin. A limited number of clinical trials show short-term efficacy of topically applied, alkaloid-free comfrey preparations in skin abrasions and inflammatory conditions. Do not use this product if you have a sensitivity to any of the ingredients. Lewis, C. J. FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. Healthy adults: massage about 1 teaspoon of cream into a local area up to 4x/day for up to 2 weeks. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a plant with yellow or purple flowers found in Europe, Asia, and North America. 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. Discard after a year or according to labeling. 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). This perennial can grow up to 4-feet tall. The chemicals contained in comfrey may cause birth defects. In another study, participants with ankle sprains received either comfrey root extract cream or diclofenac gel, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Comfrey is a perennial herb found in moist grasslands in western Asia as well as in North America. (2013). Satisfaction. View abstract. 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. 2008;54(1):7-20. Comfrey is not recommended for internal use because of the liver damage caused by its pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. When buying commercial brands, seek those that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed, if possible. The comfrey plant, Symphytum officinale, gets its name from the Latin confervere, meaning to grow together. An Evidence-Based Reference. Potters Herbal Comfrey Oil is a soothing aromatic herbal massage oil. Please read the Topical Use Safety section of this article (above) before using. how to become a school board member in florida ocean deck band schedule The recipe makes about 6 small jars. Osteoarthritis.Cartilage. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Copyright Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2022. J Pharmacopuncture 2021;24(4):196-205. Wichtl, M. (2004). Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. This site uses cookies to improve your experience. Scoop the finished comfrey cream into sanitized glass jars. Am J Med 1990;89:547-8. 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. Grube, B., Grnwald, J., Krug, L., & Staiger, C. (2007). Store comfrey cream according to package instructions, typically at room temperature and out of reach of children and pets. Proliferative and antioxidant activity of Symphytum officinale root extract. Comfrey cream may help treat knee osteoarthritis, according to a Cochrane review of topical herbal therapies. Braz J Biol. Be sure to choose organic carrier oils and essential oils when possible. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions before use. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport. What Are the Side Effects of Comfrey Cream? View abstract. The ointment has a very mild herbal fragrance and is soothing on application. The Herbal Academy supports trusted organizations with the use of affiliate links. Allow the oil mixture to cool until it reaches room temperature, which could take 8-12 hours. New South Wales Health, Australia. Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. It is not certain whether comfrey is effective in treating any medical condition. View abstract. With extract of Comfrey. 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! It contains chemicals that are poisonous. As the consistency thickens some more, turn the mixer up a little bit more. Tolerability and effectiveness of an antitrauma cream with comfrey herb extract in pediatric use with application on intact and on broken skin. Understand comfreys contraindications before using it. Available at: https://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/dspltr06.html. Most comfrey oils keep for around 2 years after production. Hybrids and other species may have a similar appearance but could have significantly different amounts of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Kucera et al., 2018). 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 . In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 220 patients with knee osteoarthritis used either a commercial topical comfrey root extract or a placebo. Since these toxic substances can be absorbed through the skin, there's concern about the safety of comfrey cream applied topically. Frost R, Macpherson H, O'meara S. A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.). No comments. Available for Android and iOS devices. Wang YP, Yan J, Fu PP, Chou MW. Turley, A. J. and Muir, D. F. ECG for physicians: a potentially fatal case of mistaken identity. Comfrey cream combines ingredients like oils or water and glyceryl stearate with Symphytum officinale (comfrey) extracts. View abstract. View abstract. Kucera, A., Barna, M., Holcova, S., Horacek, O., Hladikov, M., & Ottillinger, B. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 8, 2023. Simply massage into the skin as required. 2010;44(9):637-41. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2009.058677, Cameron M, Chrubasik S. Topical herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis. Eucalyptus oil is used externally to stimulate blood flow. 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! Phytother Res. The leaves and stems of comfrey contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause toxic damage if ingested in excess (Ulbricht, 2010). Comfrey contains chemicals called. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Treatment with 4Jointz reduces knee pain over 12 weeks of treatment in patients with clinical knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial. Frost R, O'meara S, Macpherson H. The external use of comfrey: a practitioner survey. 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (225) $19.95 $ 19. Comfrey should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.