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. View abstract. However, further well-designed studies are needed. 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 . Human liver microsomal reduction of pyrrolizidine alkaloid N-oxides to form the corresponding carcinogenic parent alkaloid. Effects of Symphytum ointment on muscular symptoms and functional locomotor disturbances. Phytomedicine, 12(10), 707-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.001, Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). Ther Drug Monit 2001;23:698-708. Comfrey cream combines ingredients like oils or water and glyceryl stearate with Symphytum officinale (comfrey) extracts. Avoid using comfrey together with other herbal/health supplements that can also harm the liver. It also covers side effects, interactions, and what to look for. Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 161 patients having acute lower back pain. This could change the effects and side effects of comfrey. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Preclinical studies suggest that oral comfrey has antiproliferative effects , and a topical formulation showed wound healing properties . NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. When the root is boiled in water, it forms a sticky, glue-like paste. Regarding its antioxidant, antilipoperoxidant, antiinflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport. Natural Standard. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. 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. Of course, more research is needed to validate efficacy and safety. Z Phytotherapie 2000;21:127-134. The first European settlers of America considered comfrey so indispensable, they carried it on their journey across the Atlantic in the 1600s.2. Rad. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. 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. A member of the borage family, comfrey root, leaves, and stems have an obvious coat of bristly hair. Avoid taking comfrey orally (by mouth). The study involved 43 patients with knee osteoarthritis and a six-week treatment period. Topical preparations of comfrey are generally safe provided they are not applied excessively or to an open wound. The ointment has a very mild herbal fragrance and is soothing on application. Hybrids and other species may have a similar appearance but could have significantly different amounts of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Kucera et al., 2018). Drug-induced liver injury. Complementary Health Approaches for Chronic Pain: What the Science Says. How do you use it and are there any side effects? This is the tincture. J Agric.Food Chem 2001;49(8):3942-3946. 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. 2007;57(11):712-716. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. View abstract. 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. View abstract. However, comfrey can also contain toxic substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. Transfer the cooled oil and butter mixture to a standing electric mixer or blender. Symphytum officinale L., dermal use (Flexagile cream)]. Comfrey cream may help treat knee osteoarthritis, according to a Cochrane review of topical herbal therapies. Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis. Can comfrey be used for cracked nipples during breastfeeding? cup organic sunflower oil Read our. Comfrey is likley unsafe to take by mouth. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. It has bell-shaped red-violet or yellowish flowers. Choose organically grown comfrey when possible. View abstract. 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. Combination of comfrey root extract plus methyl nicotinate in patients with conditions of acute upper or low back pain: a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Grube, B., Grunwald, J., Krug, L., and Staiger, C. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. For External Use only Do not use if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients. 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. Frost R, O'meara S, Macpherson H. The external use of comfrey: a practitioner survey. Browse our Sports Hub, Get 20% student discount with Student Beans, Discover the latest natural beauty products. 6 Healing Benefits of Comfrey. 1/8 cup comfrey tincture (Symphytum officinale), store bought or via recipe, above. 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). View abstract. Comfrey is often sold as an herbal supplement. Frost R, Macpherson H, O'meara S. A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.). This recipe is contraindicated for small children and those with certain medical conditions. Drug class: Herbal products. 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. Fortschr Med Orig 2002;120:1-9. View abstract. Affiliate links are shared throughout the website and the Herbal Academy may receive compensation if you make a purchase with these links. Spine(Phila Pa 1976). 2013;163:5864 (2013) doi:10.1007/s10354-012-0162-4, Giannetti BM, Staiger C, Bulitta M, Predel HG. 2004;11(6):470-477. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. It should only be used in small amounts for short periods as a cream. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-007-0474-y. The plant leaves have a lower concentration of PAs than the roots. Comfrey has been claimed to heal gastric ulcers and hemorrhoids, and to suppress bronchial congestion and inflammation. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. View abstract. Comfrey contains chemicals that can cause liver damage, lung problems, or cancer. Comfrey is avoided on cuts or puncture wounds for this reason. We're proud to make a difference, and you can to. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Anotherstudy found that comfrey ointment was superior to placebo in relieving pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis. What alternatives to comfrey cream are there for back pain? 2012;20(11):1209-16. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2012.07.019, Zago LR, Prado K, Benedito VL, Pereira MM. of India and by a State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority constituted by Government of India on the recommendations made . D'Anchise, R., Bulitta, M., and Giannetti, B. Comfrey extract ointment in comparison to diclofenac gel in the treatment of acute unilateral ankle sprains (distortions). Finally, well warn of any side effects associated with comfrey oil. Barna, M., Kucera, A., Hladikova, M., & Kucera, M. (2012). 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. By Megan Nunn, PharmD Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. Cbd Oil In Holland And Barrett. 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. 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. When harvesting comfrey or buying from a non-commercial supplier, note that there is variety within the species. The combination of Vitamin E, Wheat Germ oil and Rice Bran oil makes this cream perfect for your daily hydration needs. Kuera, M., Barna, M., Horek, O., Kovrikov, J., & Kuera, A. 2011;10(3):147-56. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003, Laslett LL, Quinn SJ, Darian-Smith E, et al. Acupuncture has also shown solid evidence of benefit for back pain. Therapeutic use of comfrey is limited because of its toxicity. View abstract. 2010;44(9):637-41. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2009.058677, Cameron M, Chrubasik S. Topical herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. Comfrey is a perennial herb found in moist grasslands in western Asia as well as in North America. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). J Chiropr Med. Complement Ther Clin Pract. We currently have no information for COMFREY overview. 2013;27(6):811-7. Apply a small amount (not to exceed a teaspoon) topically 2-3x/day for up to 2 weeks. Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Stickel F, Seitz HK. Comfrey has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating back pain, osteoarthritis, or tenderness and swelling caused by a sprain injury. View abstract. Check regularly, but it should take about six weeks for all the leaves to break down into a thick, black liquid. Recent studies have suggested topical benefits, but more research is needed. 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. CBD oils being bought in high street stores such as Boots and Holland & Barrett are weak, low quality and don't provide the actual therapeutic advantages. An ankle sprain can come out of nowhere and cause a lot of pain, limitations, and regret until it is healed. We go to great efforts to ensure that the information on this page is accurate at the time that the page was last edited. 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. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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). A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 220 patients with knee osteoarthritis used either a commercial topical comfrey root extract or a placebo. Comfrey contains chemicals that cause serious liver damage when taken by mouth. Also, avoid use for more than two weeks or excessive concentrations containing more than 100 mcg of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Wichtl, 2004 & Ulbricht, 2010). Symphytum species: A comprehensive review on chemical composition, food applications and phytopharmacology. Most comfrey oils keep for around 2 years after production. Comfrey [Online article]. When harvesting comfrey or buying from a non-commercial supplier, note that there is variety within the species. Cap, then label the jars with the date made and ingredients. Definitely do not use during pregnancy or nursing, with infants, and if you have liver or kidney disease. Commercial comfrey sale and distribution is restricted in Germany and Canada because of its substantial toxicity. Simply massage into the skin as required. The comfrey plant, Symphytum officinale, gets its name from the Latin confervere, meaning to grow together. Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). 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. We answer questions, including what are essential oils? & what can I use them for? in this article. After the tincture is made, then you can whip up the fabulous joint and muscle cream! Topically applied comfrey oil is associated with a wide range of health benefits and can help with certainissues including: Comfrey oil is good at helping with superficial cuts, scratches, and scrapes. This is done by soaking the root in at least 50% alcohol for a minimum of two weeks. Giannetti, B. M., Staiger, C., Bulitta, M., & Predel, H. G. (2010). Molecules. Rad. Grube, B., Grnwald, J., Krug, L., & Staiger, C. (2007). 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. Do not use extra comfrey to make up the missed dose. In 2001, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned oral comfrey products. You can purchase the Comfrey Ointment at Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury's or Holland & Barrett. With extract of Comfrey. To make the cream, combine sunflower oil, safflower oil, coconut oil, and cocoa butter in a double-boiler over low heat until completely melted. Comfrey has also been used for the following conditions: There is currently not enough evidence to recommend comfrey cream for any of these uses. Comfrey is considered likely unsafe to use if you are nursing a baby. Comfrey is not recommended for internal use because of the liver damage caused by its pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Navarro VJ, Khan I, Bjrnsson E, Seeff LB, Serrano J, Hoofnagle JH. Topically, comfrey root and leaf extracts have been traditionally used for bruises, sore muscles and joints, sprains, mild wounds, and gout (Natural Medicines, 2020). Gyorik, S. and Stricker, H. Severe pulmonary hypertension possibly due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids in polyphytotherapy. 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.