Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. 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.). Do not use extra comfrey to make up the missed dose. Additionally, there is scientific research demonstrating comfreys effectiveness at soothing muscle and joint pain, some of which are highlighted in this post. 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 Results of an observational study of patients]. Adv Ther 2005;22(6):681-692. Discard after a year or according to labeling. 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. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. 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. These have a lower risk of serious side effects like liver damage. 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. 2007;57(11):712-716. Other uses not proven with research have included skin wounds, skin ulcers, cough, sore throat, gum disease, joint pain, diarrhea, and other conditions. Public Health Nutr 2000;3:501-8. Here's 10 things essential oils are great for. Wang YP, Yan J, Fu PP, Chou MW. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications. Comfrey is a fast-growing plant whose leaves and roots have been used historically for wound healing and other conditions. 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. Comfrey shouldn't be used in any form during pregnancy or nursing due to the risk of liver damage to infants. One group used a cream with comfrey root fluid extract on the ankle while the others received a placebo. 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 cream holland and barrett - omnigrace.org.tw Jedlinszki, N., Balzs, B., Csnyi, E., & Csupor, D. (2017). FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. It's typically only used in small amounts for a very short period. Book your free, one-to-one online consultation with one of our qualified advisors. Complementary Health Approaches for Chronic Pain: What the Science Says. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Registered in England: company no. Kucera, M., Barna, M., Horacek, O., Kovarikova, J., and Kucera, A. 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. Comfrey: ancient and modern uses. Comfrey may have been applied to the skin in a specific preparation to treat some of these conditions. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. 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? Acupuncture has also shown solid evidence of benefit for back pain. Because of the risk of liver toxicity, comfrey cream shouldn't be used with other medicines that may also cause liver damage. Comfrey - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center BMJ Case Rep. 2016. View abstract. Comfrey cream combines ingredients like oils or water and glyceryl stearate with Symphytum officinale (comfrey) extracts. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. 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). You can purchase the Comfrey Ointment at Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury's or Holland & Barrett. (2004). The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited. Experts suggest not using comfrey cream for longer than ten days in a row. 2011;10(3):147-56. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003, Laslett LL, Quinn SJ, Darian-Smith E, et al. Stam, C., Bonnet, M. S., & van Haselen, R. A. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label. Whenselecting a brand of supplements, look for products certified by Consumer Labs, the U.S.Pharmacopeia, or NSF. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 83, 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.11.015. Herbal medicine for low back pain: A Cochrane review. Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with over twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. However, comfrey can also contain toxic substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. Jurcu, R., & Jurcu, I. Choose organically grown comfrey when possible. View abstract. We cover all you need to know in this article. The leaves and stems of comfrey contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause toxic damage if ingested in excess (Ulbricht, 2010). Be sure to choose organic carrier oils and essential oils when possible. With extract of Comfrey. Topical preparations of comfrey are generally safe provided they are not applied excessively or to an open wound. Ulbricht, C. (2010). 2012;20(11):1209-1216. 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. The chemicals contained in comfrey may cause birth defects. (2018). Br J Sports Med. Phytother Res. A member of the borage family, comfrey root, leaves, and stems have an obvious coat of bristly hair. Phytomedicine, 14(1), 2-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2006.11.006, Jedlinszki, N., Balzs, B., Csnyi, E., & Csupor, D. (2017). The Herbal Academy makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. View abstract. Its ready when the mixture has solidified somewhat and has a cloudy, creamy, and slightly runny consistency. 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. Staiger, C. Comfrey: a clinical overview. The FDA has recommended that all comfrey products that are taken by mouth be removed from the market. After the tincture is made, then you can whip up the fabulous joint and muscle cream! Jedlinszki N, Balzs B, Csnyi E, Csupor D. Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. View abstract. Our associates are qualified to advise, visit us online or in store for unparalleled advice. Comfrey flowers are bell-shaped and purple, pink, or pale yellow in color, and it has a dark taproot. Skin patch test before use, especially if you have sensitive skin, and never use on a deep wound. 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 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. Comfrey oil should be applied topically to parts of the body where you have muscular pain or discomfort. British Homeopathic Journal, 90(01), 21-28. https://doi.org/10.1054/homp.1999.0460. Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Nutrition C for FS and A. Avoid with medications that induce CYP3A4 or are hepatotoxic (Natural Medicines, 2020). Using a combination product makes it challenging to know how much of the beneficial effect came from comfrey alone. However, it did not affect markers of inflammation or cartilage breakdown over 12 weeks of treatment. This is because only a small amount of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids are absorbed through the skin (Jedlinszki et al., 2017). Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport. The most common over-the-counter medication that can be toxic to the liver is acetaminophen (Tylenol). Amazon.com: Comfrey Cream 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. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport, 14(3). Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020. In a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 142 ankle sprain participants, a comfrey root extract applied 4x/day for 8 days improved pain, swelling, and mobility without any adverse reactions (Koll et al., 2004). Here's a look at research on comfrey cream for back pain, osteoarthritis, and ankle sprains. Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., Giannetti, B., Klingenburg, S., and Staiger, C. Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. cup organic, unrefined cocoa butter how to become a school board member in florida ocean deck band schedule This is the tincture. 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). Learn more in The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? Remove from heat. When harvesting comfrey or buying from a non-commercial supplier, note that there is variety within the species. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. Homeopathy. The plant has a long history in folk and ancient herbal treatments before comfrey is . This article discusses the uses and benefits of comfrey cream. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. This site uses cookies to improve your experience. You and your healthcare provider should weigh the pros and cons and use it only under their supervision. Phytomedicine. View abstract. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. If you choose to use comfrey, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. 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. 2758955. This comfrey cream recipe works great for local areas that have mild bruising or soft tissue pain. Vithayathil MK, Edwards M. Comfrey herbal remedy causing second-degree heart block: do not be outfoxed by digitalis. 2007;14(1):2-10. 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. 2013;163:5864 (2013) doi:10.1007/s10354-012-0162-4, Giannetti BM, Staiger C, Bulitta M, Predel HG. Fortschr Med Orig 2002;120:1-9. Osteoarthritis.Cartilage. (Grube et al., 2007). These include allantoin, rosmarinic acid, and others. Glass bowl with a lid This is because only a small amount of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids are absorbed through the skin (. Generic name: comfrey [COM-free] Molecules. The study involved 43 patients with knee osteoarthritis and a six-week treatment period. Staiger C. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials. 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! Copyright Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2022. comfrey: [noun] any of a genus (Symphytum) of perennial herbs of the borage family with coarse hairy entire leaves and flowers in one-sided racemes. 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. Hybrids and other species may have a similar appearance but could have significantly different amounts of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Kucera et al., 2018).

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