Complement Ther Med. Mix for about 10 minutes, until nice and whipped. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. It has bell-shaped red-violet or yellowish flowers. Barthomeuf, C. M., Debiton, E., Barbakadze, V. V., and Kemertelidze, E. P. Evaluation of the dietetic and therapeutic potential of a high molecular weight hydroxycinnamate-derived polymer from Symphytum asperum Lepech. This is the tincture. We're proud to make a difference, and you can to. 2012;(1):41-42. 95 ($14.78/Fl Oz) FREE delivery Wed, Mar 8 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon. Heard about essential oils but not quite sure about what they can do for you? Tanret, I. and Duh, D. [Pharmaceutical sheet. The Pharmaceutical Journal, PJ, December 2007. Discard after a year or according to labeling. Registered in England: company no. Comfrey cream Bhupesh started his career as a Clinical Toxicologist for Public Health England, advising healthcare professionals all around the country on how to manage clinical cases of adverse exposure to supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industrial chemicals and agricultural products. Select a condition to view a list of vitamins. 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. Kucera, M., Kalal, J., and Polesna, Z. Researchers have investigated the effects of comfrey cream on several health conditions. 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). View abstract. Brassica Campest is Seed Oil (Rapeseed Oil), Symphytum Officinale Herb (Comfrey Herb), BHA, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil (Eucalyptus Oil). Mosby Elsevier. The comfrey plant, Symphytum officinale, gets its name from the Latin confervere, meaning to grow together. If you choose to use comfrey, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. The plant has a long history in folk and ancient herbal treatments before comfrey is . First, make the comfrey root tincture by combining the dried comfrey root and alcohol in a sterilized, dry, glass pint jar. Comfrey oil shouldnt be used for cooking, like other types of cooking oil. 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 topically applied Symphytum herb extract cream in the treatment of ankle distortion: Results of a randomized controlled clinical double-blind study. J Chin Med.Assoc. Symphytum officinale L, S. asperum Lepechin, S. tuberosum L, Symphytum x uplandicum Nyman. In some cases, ointments with comfrey have caused redness, itching, and a rash (Smith, 2011). To Use. When buying commercial brands, seek those that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed, if possible. Lewis, C. J. FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. 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. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. Registered VAT no. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Safety Alerts & Advisories: FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. No comments. It also covers side effects, interactions, and what to look for. Don't use comfrey products if you have or are at risk of having liver disease, cancer, or are taking any medication that affects the liver since it may increase the risk of liver toxicity. 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? (2004). Maryland Heights, MO. This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. of India and by a State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority constituted by Government of India on the recommendations made . 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. For this reason, some topical products are advertised as made from comfrey leaves, but it's safest to choose a PA-free product. 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. Available at: https://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/dspltr06.html. My family has used comfy for ingrown toenails. Using a combination product makes it challenging to know how much of the beneficial effect came from comfrey alone. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLabs, or NSF when possible. Br J Sports Med. Copyright Holland & Barrett Limited 2023. Comfrey is a fast-growing plant whose leaves and roots have been used historically for wound healing and other conditions. View abstract. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. 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 soothing blend of herbal oils contains Comfrey (also known as Knitbone) and Eucalyptus Oil. . Comfrey is generally considered unsafe, with numerous toxicological effects in animals and humans. As a Licensed Massage Therapist, I have personally made this comfrey cream recipe multiple times and given jars to my clients. Symphytum species: A comprehensive review on chemical composition, food applications and phytopharmacology. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. It should only be used in small amounts for short periods as a cream. We cover all you need to know in this article. 2008;54(1):7-20. Without overexposure to air or heatand without cross-contaminationthe recipe should last as long as the expiration date of the carrier oils used. Documented adverse effects (the pyrrolizidine alkaloids, have substantial risk of causing fatal liver damage and can cause abortion). Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., & Staiger, C. (2004). She is passionate about providing evidence-based recommendations that make health decisions easier and improve lives. FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. However, not a rate considered harmful for those with healthy livers.10,11, Masters Degree in Toxicology and BSc Hons in Medical Biochemistry. 2016 Jan;41(2):116-33. doi:10.1097/01.brs.0000249525.70011.fe. 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). Stewart MJ, Steenkamp V. Pyrrolizidine poisoning: a neglected area in human toxicology. However, comfrey can also contain toxic substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. Kucera, A., Barna, M., Holcova, S., Horacek, O., Hladikov, M., & Ottillinger, B. After the consistency begins to thicken, turn the mixer up a little bit. A limited number of clinical trials show short-term efficacy of topically applied, alkaloid-free comfrey preparations in skin abrasions and inflammatory conditions. Save the remaining liquid alcohol portion. This is done by soaking the root in at least 50% alcohol for a minimum of two weeks. 2013;27(6):811-7. 12 drops juniper berry (Juniperus communis) essential oil Barna, M., Kucera, A., Hladikova, M., & Kucera, M. (2012). Pour into bowl /jug big enough for all ingredients and safe for the mixer. Complement Ther Clin Pract. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. Complement Ther Med. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. 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. Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. 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). (2018). Avoid using comfrey extracts on broken skin or open wounds. 2012;26(10):14411448. Comfrey has been claimed to heal gastric ulcers and hemorrhoids, and to suppress bronchial congestion and inflammation. Comfrey's original name, knitbone, derives from the external use of poultices of its leaves and roots to heal burns, sprains, swelling, and bruises. 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. Close LOGIN FOR DONATION. Avoid with medications that induce CYP3A4 or are hepatotoxic (Natural Medicines, 2020). 211727395. 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). Gyorik, S. and Stricker, H. Severe pulmonary hypertension possibly due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids in polyphytotherapy. Anotherstudy found that comfrey ointment was superior to placebo in relieving pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis. Comfrey is an herb in the Boraginaceae family and has small purple flowers. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a plant with yellow or purple flowers found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Comfrey cream, an topical herbal product, is thought to reduce inflammation and pain when applied to the skin. Be sure to use comfrey root from a reputable source that has properly identified the species. 2010;73(2):97-100. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 220 patients with knee osteoarthritis used either a commercial topical comfrey root extract or a placebo. 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]. Comfrey has long been used in folk traditions for bruising and abrasions. Bergamot oil is one of the most popular essential oils, but what is it & what are the benefits of using it? Poisons Legislation Circular 3-22-1993;60. 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. randomized double-blind study of 278 patients with fresh abrasions, a. topical preparation containing a 10% comfrey leaf extraction applied for 2-3 days reduced wound healing time of adults and children without side effects (Barna et al., 2012). These third-party organizations test products to ensure they were manufactured safely and contain the ingredients indicated on the labeling without contaminants. 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. Which part of the comfrey plant has the lowest level of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)? View abstract. 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.). For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. J Agric.Food Chem 2001;49(8):3942-3946. View abstract. A handbook for practice on a scientific basis. Wound-healing effects of a symphytum herb extract cream (Symphytum uplandicum Nyman) in children: A randomized double-blind study. 2007;157(21-22):569-574. Turley, A. J. and Muir, D. F. ECG for physicians: a potentially fatal case of mistaken identity. Here's 10 things essential oils are great for. Wang YP, Yan J, Fu PP, Chou MW. Heat oil in double boiler gently then add beeswax until it melts. Koll R, Klingenburg S. [Therapeutic characteristance and tolerance of topical comfrey preparations. 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 ). Herbal medicine for low back pain: A Cochrane review. , 43 volunteers with osteoarthritis used either a topical cream containing comfrey, tannic acid, and eucalyptus or a placebo cream 3x/ day for 6 weeks. Finally, well warn of any side effects associated with comfrey oil. Drug class: Herbal products. #HBTechCareers. Comfrey is a shrub that grows in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: Results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Results of an observational study of patients]. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. Comfrey is a flowering shrub that grows in Europe, Asia and, now, North America. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. Thus, it is not advised to ingest herbal preparations of comfrey unless guided by an expert pharmacologist and physician. Comfrey is avoided on cuts or puncture wounds for this reason. Braz J Biol. After eight days, the group that used the cream had significantly less pain than those who had the placebo. View abstract. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Please read the Topical Use Safety section of this article (above) before using. Knee pain and stiffness can be a stubborn concern that keeps many from doing activities they enjoy. Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose. Aust.Fam.Physician 2008;37(4):235-236. Book your free, one-to-one online consultation with one of our qualified advisors. 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. 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. Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. Giannetti, B. M., Staiger, C., Bulitta, M., & Predel, H. G. (2010). 1 It's found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. Comfrey flowers are bell-shaped and purple, pink, or pale yellow in color, and it has a dark taproot. 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. 1/8 cup comfrey tincture (Symphytum officinale), store bought or via recipe, above. Using a supplement like comfrey may have potential side effects. In another study, participants with ankle sprains received either comfrey root extract cream or diclofenac gel, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Comfrey cream combines ingredients like oils or water and glyceryl stearate with Symphytum officinale (comfrey) extracts. A member of the borage family, comfrey root, leaves, and stems have an obvious coat of bristly hair. 2012;20(11):1209-1216. Symphytum officinale), store bought or via recipe, above. 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. Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. Swiss.Med.Wkly. 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 . Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know. All rights reserved. Wien.Med.Wochenschr. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Staiger, C. Comfrey: a clinical overview. J Chiropr Med. The Effect of Comfrey on Enoxaparin-Induced Bruise in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Randomised Clinical Trial. A handbook for practice on a scientific basis. Journal of chiropractic medicine, 10(3), 147-156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003, Stam, C., Bonnet, M. S., & van Haselen, R. A. Skin patch test before use, especially if you have sensitive skin, and never use on a deep wound. Do not take comfrey without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications: This list is not complete. To use on established plants, dilute 1 part comfrey fertilizer in 15 parts water. Human liver microsomal reduction of pyrrolizidine alkaloid N-oxides to form the corresponding carcinogenic parent alkaloid. Yield: Approximately 5 cups of whipped lotion. One group used a cream with comfrey root fluid extract on the ankle while the others received a placebo. 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. Arzneimittelforschung, 62(06), 285-289. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-007-0474-y, Giannetti, B. M., Staiger, C., Bulitta, M., & Predel, H. G. (2010). Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Nutrition C for FS and A. 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. Researchers have found it does seem to reduce pain in some conditions, including back pain, osteoarthritis, and ankle sprains. 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. Stam, C., Bonnet, M. S., & van Haselen, R. A. You can purchase the Comfrey Ointment at Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury's or Holland & Barrett. 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. Understand comfreys contraindications before using it. The leaves and stems of comfrey contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause toxic damage if ingested in excess (Ulbricht, 2010). Some of these components are thought to speed up wound healing by stimulating new cell growth. Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with comfrey does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product. Choose organically grown comfrey when possible. 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. 1.35 Fl Oz. The efficacy and safety of comfrey. Smith DB, Jacobson BH. Avoid use. Add comfy to Vaseline . Adv Ther 2005;22(6):681-692. It produces clusters of purple, blue, and white flowers, and it's famous for its long . Phytomedicine. Other uses not proven with research have included skin wounds, skin ulcers, cough, sore throat, gum disease, joint pain, diarrhea, and other conditions. In a randomized, controlled, double-blind study with 203 patients, applications of a 10% comfrey cream were well tolerated, reduced swelling and pain, and improved mobility (Kucera et al., 2004). View abstract. Therapeutic use of comfrey is limited because of its toxicity. Please simply create an account before buying/booking any courses. Wien Med Wochenschr. Lorem ipsum dolor sit nulla or narjusto laoreet onse ctetur adipisci. A later study of 133 peoplefound some evidence that a topical combination of comfrey extract and tannic acid led to reduced knee pain. 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. 2013;163(3-4):58-64. 2012;62(6):285-289. This recipe is contraindicated for small children and those with certain medical conditions. The Herbal Academy neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. You and your healthcare provider should weigh the pros and cons and use it only under their supervision. Our Two Pennies Worth. Some medications can also harm the liver. In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. Centurian, South Africa: Medpharm Scientific Publishers. What are the benefits of using it? Comfrey contains chemicals called. This site uses cookies to improve your experience. Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with over twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. By Megan Nunn, PharmD In a small study with 30 subjects, lower back pain from exercise was reduced with an ointment containing comfrey. 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. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a plant with yellow or purple flowers found in Europe, Asia, and North America. reduce lower back pain (Stam et al., 2001). Whether youre familiar with it or not, this unusual herbal remedy is definitely worth knowing more about. 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). Need some help with an order or want to speak to a member of our Customer Services team? Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport. Discontinue use if a rash appears. Version: 5.01. Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. The herbal topical cream was prepared at two different strengths, as an additional measure of efficacy. A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.). 2004;154(21-22):498-507. hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited. Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. about an hour two nites. Whether youve been hiking, biking, playing, or enjoying water sports, comfrey cream can be a wonderful ally in supporting achy muscles that result from physical, summertime activities. Healthy adults: massage about 1 teaspoon of cream into a local area up to 4x/day for up to 2 weeks. 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. Br.J Sports Med. Thus, it is not advised to ingest herbal preparations of comfrey unless guided by an expert pharmacologist and physician. Aust.J Physiother. When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. Find out how to use it here along with its benefits. Transfer the cooled oil and butter mixture to a standing electric mixer or blender. Simply massage into the skin as required.