Save the remaining liquid alcohol portion. Additionally, there is scientific research demonstrating comfreys effectiveness at soothing muscle and joint pain, some of which are highlighted in this post. Find out how to use it here along with its benefits. 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. 2013;21(6):724-745. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2013.09.009. 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. Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. While there can be a variety of causes for back pain, these small studies offer hopeful results that comfrey root may offer potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits. The Effect of Comfrey on Enoxaparin-Induced Bruise in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Randomised Clinical Trial. Beth Thomas, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist and founder of BMT Consulting Services, LLC. 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. View abstract. Ulbricht, C. (2010). 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. Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98. The study involved 43 patients with knee osteoarthritis and a six-week treatment period. Potters Herbal Comfrey Oil is a soothing aromatic herbal massage oil. 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. 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. Br J Sports Med. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released an advisory in July 2001 recommending that comfrey products be removed from the market because of cases of hepatic veno-occlusive disease. The groups using the herbal preparations reported a significantly greater reduction in pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis of the knee without serious adverse reactions (Smith & Jacobson, 2011). Comfrey is not recommended for children under three years old, as it's not been studied in that population. Comfrey should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Comfrey has been used medicinally for at least 2000 years for various conditions, including bone fractures, ulcers, and gout. This is done by soaking the root in at least 50% alcohol for a minimum of two weeks. View abstract. View abstract. July 6, 2001. Medicine makers would bind comfrey leaves and roots in poultices, then apply those poultices to the skin to treat injuries. 2017;83:1-4. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 161 patients having acute lower back pain. Please simply create an account before buying/booking any courses. 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. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Set aside cup for the cream recipe and store the rest in a glass jar. Mosby Elsevier. Comfrey cream combines ingredients like oils or water and glyceryl stearate with Symphytum officinale (comfrey) extracts. View abstract. Be sure to use comfrey root from a reputable source that has properly identified the species. cup organic safflower oil 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. 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. Registered VAT no. View abstract. This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Phytomedicine 2005;12(10):707-714. What are the benefits of using it? Other herbal supplements that may have benefits for back pain include: Some other supplements that may be useful for osteoarthritis are: Back pain is often treated with medication such as over-the-counter pain relievers. Comfrey oil is a herbal oil that moisturises skin, and that's been used as a healing herb for a long time. 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 can also contain echimidine, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), and symphytine, which can damage the liver, are carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and may harm a fetus. Therapeutic use of comfrey is limited because of its toxicity. Comfrey cream may help treat knee osteoarthritis, according to a Cochrane review of topical herbal therapies. Stam, C., Bonnet, M. S., & van Haselen, R. A. These have a lower risk of serious side effects like liver damage. Squish and squeeze as many leaves into as you can into the container. The Herbal Academy neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. (2018). Thus, it is not advised to ingest herbal preparations of comfrey unless guided by an expert pharmacologist and physician. Because of the risk of liver toxicity, comfrey cream shouldn't be used with other medicines that may also cause liver damage. Comfrey oil should be applied topically to parts of the body where you have muscular pain or discomfort. Comfrey is avoided on cuts or puncture wounds for this reason. Affiliate links are shared throughout the website and the Herbal Academy may receive compensation if you make a purchase with these links. HOLLAND & BARRETT PRO VITAMIN E DAY CREAM 50ML This Vitamin E day cream works with your skin daily to hydrate and protect your skin. Avoid using comfrey extracts on broken skin or open wounds. Generic name: comfrey [COM-free] One study followed 142 patients with ankle sprains. More research is needed. 2017;65(1):363-373. doi:10.1002/hep.28813. 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. Giannetti, B. M., Staiger, C., Bulitta, M., & Predel, H. G. (2010). NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. When harvesting comfrey or buying from a non-commercial supplier, note that there is variety within the species. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose. 95 ($14.78/Fl Oz) FREE delivery Wed, Mar 8 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon. 1 It's found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. 2012;20(11):1209-1216. 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). Comfrey cream, an topical herbal product, is thought to reduce inflammation and pain when applied to the skin. Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: Results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements. Resuscitation 2008;76(3):323-324. 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. Close LOGIN FOR DONATION. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. root extraction help ease aching joints and muscles? Some people ingest comfrey roots or leaves or use them in teas. Arzneimittelforschung. The use of babosa (Aloe vera) in treating burns: a literature review. View abstract. These side effects may be common or severe. Staiger, C. Comfrey: a clinical overview. The efficacy and safety of comfrey. We are building the future of Health and Wellness Tech. 2010;73(2):97-100. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport, 14(3). 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. A few studies show that comfrey cream may be helpful in the treatment of ankle sprains. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Electric bowl mixer (like a KitchenAid) or a blender, Small glass jars with lids for sharing (optional). byBhupesh Panchal, Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate, Comfrey oil is a herbal oil that moisturises skin, and thats been used as a healing herb for a long time.1, Since at least the 4th century, people have used comfrey medicinally. Begin mixing on low. Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements. Comfrey has been claimed to heal gastric ulcers and hemorrhoids, and to suppress bronchial congestion and inflammation. J Pain. Copyright Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2022. One study in 120 patients with acute upper or lower back pain used either four grams (g) of comfrey root ointment or a placebo (sham treatment) three times daily for five days. View abstract. Read our. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. It produces clusters of purple, blue, and white flowers, and it's famous for its long . Whether youre familiar with it or not, this unusual herbal remedy is definitely worth knowing more about. J Pharmacopuncture 2021;24(4):196-205. 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. This soothing blend of herbal oils contains Comfrey (also known as Knitbone) and Eucalyptus Oil. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Topical preparations of comfrey are generally safe provided they are not applied excessively or to an open wound. Make sure to always buy comfrey. This is because only a small amount of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids are absorbed through the skin (Jedlinszki et al., 2017). 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 View abstract. 2010;44(9):637-641. Study results revealed that pain intensity during active movement decreased an average of 95.2% in the group given comfrey ointment. View abstract. 2 Comfrey cream contains several active components (substances). Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Wien Med Wochenschr. Pour into bowl /jug big enough for all ingredients and safe for the mixer. Can quickly relieve muscle and joint pain. Registered in England: company no. Natural Standard. 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. Join Rewards for Life today and we'll give you 300 points worth 3, Save 5% on your favourite products, plus get the lowest price from the last 90 days and free delivery on orders over 10. 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). 2013;27(6):811-7. Be sure to choose organic carrier oils and essential oils when possible. Huxtable RJ, Awang DV. All rights reserved. Comfrey can kill. Stickel F, Seitz HK. However, it did not affect markers of inflammation or cartilage breakdown over 12 weeks of treatment. Glass bowl with a lid For External Use only Do not use if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients. 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 contains toxic substances that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. Barna, M., Kucera, A., Hladicova, M., and Kucera, M. [Wound healing effects of a Symphytum herb extract cream (Symphytum x uplandicum NYMAN: ): results of a randomized, controlled double-blind study]. Simply massage into the skin as required. Comfrey has been claimed to heal gastric ulcers and hemorrhoids, and to suppress bronchial congestion and inflammation. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. You and your healthcare provider should weigh the pros and cons and use it only under their supervision. 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. 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. Check regularly, but it should take about six weeks for all the leaves to break down into a thick, black liquid. Homeopathy. . 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 . Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Healthy adults: massage about 1 teaspoon of cream into a local area up to 4x/day for up to 2 weeks. Select a condition to view a list of vitamins. Phytomedicine. And topical capsaicin cream may help to relieve pain temporarily. Lewis, C. J. FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. Oral use of comfrey is not recommended because of potential liver damage. This perennial can grow up to 4-feet tall. Comfrey [Online article]. View abstract. Comfrey may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide. Wang YP, Yan J, Fu PP, Chou MW. Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. The roots and leaves of the comfrey plant have medicinal properties. 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).