Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: Results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Some of these components are thought to speed up wound healing by stimulating new cell growth. Turley, A. J. and Muir, D. F. ECG for physicians: a potentially fatal case of mistaken identity. Cap, then label the jars with the date made and ingredients. . Predel, H. G., Giannetti, B., Koll, R., Bulitta, M., & Staiger, C. (2005). Human liver microsomal reduction of pyrrolizidine alkaloid N-oxides to form the corresponding carcinogenic parent alkaloid. Registered VAT no. 98% Naturally derived. Comfrey cream, an topical herbal product, is thought to reduce inflammation and pain when applied to the skin. View abstract. (2001). Written by Cerner Multum. A member of the borage family, comfrey root, leaves, and stems have an obvious coat of bristly hair. 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. First, make the comfrey root tincture by combining the dried comfrey root and alcohol in a sterilized, dry, glass pint jar. Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. Additionally, there is scientific research demonstrating comfreys effectiveness at soothing muscle and joint pain, some of which are highlighted in this post. Comfrey shouldn't be used in any form during pregnancy or nursing due to the risk of liver damage to infants. 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. The recipe makes about 5 cups of whipped creamy lotion. Copyright Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2022. Treatment with 4Jointz reduces knee pain over 12 weeks of treatment in patients with clinical knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial. However, further well-designed studies are needed. Skin patch test before use, especially if you have sensitive skin, and never use on a deep wound. cup organic sunflower oil Other drugs may interact with comfrey, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Frost R, Macpherson H, O'meara S. A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.). Pabst H, Schaefer A, Staiger C, Junker-samek M, Predel HG. This is done by soaking the root in at least 50% alcohol for a minimum of two weeks. 2020;142:104519. View abstract. Call your doctor for medical advice about . In 2001, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned oral comfrey products. 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. Comfrey is traditionally used for the symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises and is also known for its healing properties. Comfrey is a shrub that grows in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. Barna, M., Kucera, A., Hladikova, M., & Kucera, M. (2012). Rad. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide. 12 drops black pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil 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. Phytomedicine. NCCIH. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. Staiger, C. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Comfrey has long been used in folk traditions for bruising and abrasions. Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. Preclinical studies suggest that oral comfrey has antiproliferative effects , and a topical formulation showed wound healing properties . Comfrey is a plant also known as Ass Ear, Black Root, Blackwort, Bruisewort, Consolidae Radix, Consound, Consoude, Consuelda, Gum Plant, Healing Herb, Herbe aux Charpentiers, Herbe la Coupure, Knitback, Knitbone, Langue-de-Vache, Oreille d'ne, Salsify, Slippery Root, Symphytum officinale, or Wallwort. 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. Sowa I, Paduch R, Strzemski M, et al. Kucera, M., Kalal, J., and Polesna, Z. This is because only a small amount of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids are absorbed through the skin (Jedlinszki et al., 2017). Book your free, one-to-one online consultation with one of our qualified advisors. Laslett, L. L., Quinn, S. J., Darian-Smith, E., Kwok, M., Fedorova, T., Korner, H., Steels, E., March, L., and Jones, G. Treatment with 4Jointz reduces knee pain over 12 weeks of treatment in patients with clinical knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport, 14(3). J Agric.Food Chem 2001;49(8):3942-3946. This article discusses the uses and benefits of comfrey cream. Some recent human studies have demonstrated that extracts may help with ankle sprains, knee pain and stiffness, backaches, and mild skin abrasions. Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. These include allantoin, rosmarinic acid, and others. 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). This leads to cirrhosis and eventually liver failure. Adv.Ther 2000;17(4):204-210. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: Results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. 2013;163(3-4):58-64. 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. Whether youre familiar with it or not, this unusual herbal remedy is definitely worth knowing more about. Wien.Med Wochenschr. Affiliate links are shared throughout the website and the Herbal Academy may receive compensation if you make a purchase with these links. Without overexposure to air or heatand without cross-contaminationthe recipe should last as long as the expiration date of the carrier oils used. (10), 707-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.001. It may contain small amounts of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Hybrids and other species may have a similar appearance but could have significantly different amounts of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Kucera et al., 2018). The most common over-the-counter medication that can be toxic to the liver is acetaminophen (Tylenol). The comfrey plant, Symphytum officinale, gets its name from the Latin confervere, meaning to grow together. Amendments to the poison list. The FDA has recommended that all comfrey products that are taken by mouth be removed from the market. 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. Safety Alerts & Advisories: FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. Double boiler Nyman) in children: A randomized double-blind study. 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). Which part of the comfrey plant has the lowest level of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)? A symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises. 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). View abstract. Nutrition C for FS and A. 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. Registered in England: company no. , 43 volunteers with osteoarthritis used either a topical cream containing comfrey, tannic acid, and eucalyptus or a placebo cream 3x/ day for 6 weeks. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. Sometimes, massaging on topical ointments can help reduce pain and inflammation. 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. What are the benefits of using it? 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. Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. Remove from heat. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Mazzocchi, A. and Montanaro, F. Observational study of the use of Symphytum 5CH in the management of pain and swelling after dental implant surgery. *PR sample. View abstract. Jedlinszki N, Balzs B, Csnyi E, Csupor D. Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. My family has used comfy for ingrown toenails. Jedlinszki, N., Balzs, B., Csnyi, E., & Csupor, D. (2017). Here's 10 things essential oils are great for. about an hour two nites. Apply a small amount (not to exceed a teaspoon) topically 2-3x/day for up to 2 weeks. Study results revealed that pain intensity during active movement decreased an average of 95.2% in the group given comfrey ointment. Braz J Biol. Learn more in The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? View abstract. Eucalyptus oil is used externally to stimulate blood flow. The plant leaves have a lower concentration of PAs than the roots. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions before use. It also came as a reference to the belief that comfrey can mend broken bones. Instructions. The following applications have been used in research: Using large amounts of comfrey cream or using it for extended periods of time increases the risk of side effects like liver toxicity. After 2-4 weeks have passed, strain the root from the alcohol using a coffee filter inserted in a wire mesh strainer or similar setup. For this reason, some topical products are advertised as made from comfrey leaves, but it's safest to choose a PA-free product. Avoid with medications that induce CYP3A4 or are hepatotoxic (Natural Medicines, 2020). Barna, M., Kucera, A., Hladikova, M., & Kucera, M. (2012). J Pharm.Belg. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-007-0474-y. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. Information offered on Herbal Academy websites is for educational purposes only. Comfrey is avoided on cuts or puncture wounds for this reason. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use. An ankle sprain can come out of nowhere and cause a lot of pain, limitations, and regret until it is healed. This soothing blend of herbal oils contains Comfrey (also known as Knitbone) and Eucalyptus Oil. View abstract. Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis. Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with over twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. 2017;65(1):363-373. doi:10.1002/hep.28813. J Ethnopharmacol 1995;48(2):61-76. Other alternative therapies may help to ease the pain. Proliferative and antioxidant activity of Symphytum officinale root extract. Giannetti, B. M., Staiger, C., Bulitta, M., & Predel, H. G. (2010). A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 161 patients having acute lower back pain. There is no daily recommended allowance for comfrey, sold in creams, ointments, gels, and salves. 2014;20(4):347-55. Version: 5.01. 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. View abstract. 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 Comfrey ( Symphytum officinale) is an attractive ornamental plant used in gardening and medicine. Comfrey can also contain echimidine, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), and symphytine, which can damage the liver, are carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and may harm a fetus. Discontinue use if a rash develops. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Retrieved from https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=295, Predel, H. G., Giannetti, B., Koll, R., Bulitta, M., & Staiger, C. (2005). To use on established plants, dilute 1 part comfrey fertilizer in 15 parts water. The efficacy and safety of comfrey. Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have: Comfrey is considered likely unsafe to use during pregnancy. Safety Alerts & Advisories: FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. 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. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Wien.Med.Wochenschr. Drug-induced liver injury. 2758955. Symphytum officinale), store bought or via recipe, above. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 120 patients with acute back pain, symptoms were quickly reduced in the group using 4 grams of an ointment containing 35% comfrey root extract 3x/day for 5 days (Giannetti et al., 2010). 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. As an additional measure of efficacy, groups instructed to use the comfrey preparation for the longest period of time experienced the most improvement. Quis autem velum iure reprehe nderit. The chemicals contained in comfrey may cause birth defects. 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. 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 oil should be applied topically to parts of the body where you have muscular pain or discomfort. Yield: Approximately 5 cups of whipped lotion. Bergamot oil is one of the most popular essential oils, but what is it & what are the benefits of using it? Z Phytotherapie 2000;21:127-134. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. 2013;21(6):724-45. 6 Healing Benefits of Comfrey. We currently have no information for COMFREY overview. Phytother Res. Newer Post Older . 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. View abstract. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. 2019;24(12):2272. doi:10.3390/molecules24122272, Staiger, Christine. What Happens If I Use Too Much Comfrey Cream? It produces clusters of purple, blue, and white flowers, and it's famous for its long . 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. Maryland Heights, MO. View abstract. Understand comfreys contraindications before using it. 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. 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. Tolerability and effectiveness of an antitrauma cream with comfrey herb extract in pediatric use with application on intact and on broken skin. Arzneimittelforschung. View abstract. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, Getting Help for a Loved One With Psychosis: It's Complicated, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Vitamins and Supplements to Avoid with Hepatitis C. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Healthy adults: massage about 1 teaspoon of cream into a local area up to 4x/day for up to 2 weeks. The combination of Vitamin E, Wheat Germ oil and Rice Bran oil makes this cream perfect for your daily hydration needs. One study followed 142 patients with ankle sprains. The Pharmaceutical Journal, PJ, December 2007. Avoid using comfrey extracts on broken skin or open wounds. 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. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. And topical capsaicin cream may help to relieve pain temporarily. Br.J Sports Med. One group used a cream with comfrey root fluid extract on the ankle while the others received a placebo. randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multi-clinical trial. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Phytomedicine. BMJ Case Rep. 2016. Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with comfrey does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product. hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited. Two interesting studies found that a topical application of a product containing comfrey root extract helped with knee pain and stiffness. Comfrey may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide. The warm weather has a way of encouraging us to get outside and move our bodies more. The Herbal Academy neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. 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). Frost R, O'meara S, Macpherson H. The external use of comfrey: a practitioner survey. The use of babosa (Aloe vera) in treating burns: a literature review. Other prescription medicines that may harm the liver include: Some supplements may also harm the liver, including: It is essential to carefully read a supplement's ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Ulbricht, C. (2010). She is passionate about providing evidence-based recommendations that make health decisions easier and improve lives. 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. It is easily absorbed to leave your skin feeling fresh, soft and radiant. 2013;27(6):811-7. Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements. #HBTechCareers. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. 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. After the tincture is made, then you can whip up the fabulous joint and muscle cream! In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. (2004). Mackinnon, M. In general practice, 'always expect the unexpected'. 95 ($14.78/Fl Oz) FREE delivery Wed, Mar 8 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon. Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Brassica Campest is Seed Oil (Rapeseed Oil), Symphytum Officinale Herb (Comfrey Herb), BHA, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil (Eucalyptus Oil). 2010;44(9):637-641. Complement Ther Med. . root extraction help ease aching joints and muscles? View abstract. When buying commercial brands, seek those that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed, if possible. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. 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. Mosby Elsevier. 2007;14(1):2-10. 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). Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. 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. Be sure to use comfrey root from a reputable source that has properly identified the species. Avoid using comfrey together with other herbal/health supplements that can also harm the liver. 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. Comfrey is considered likely unsafe to use if you are nursing a baby. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. Scoop the finished comfrey cream into sanitized glass jars. Comfrey is not recommended for children under three years old, as it's not been studied in that population.