Is it safe to drink comfrey root?
Never use the root to make Comfrey Infusions OR Tea, as it contains PA's in much higher amounts, which can cause Liver damage. Even though I drink Comfrey Infusion, I will post every time that the FDA recommends against internal consumption due to this study.
Is comfrey tea good for You?
Tea made from comfrey roots and leaves may offer other healing benefits, but you should talk to your doctor before drinking comfrey tea to treat any condition. Comfrey tea may provide health benefits, but also poses serious risks. This amazing kale pesto is only 210 calories and anti-oxidant rich!
Why is comfrey tea banned?
As an internal remedy, comfrey tea has been banned due to its potential side effects. Comfrey tea is also the way gardeners commonly refer to the liquid organic fertilizer made with the leaves of this herb. It is a source of nourishment for other flowers and vegetables.
How do you make comfrey tea stronger?
Allow the tea to steep for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can boil the water with the comfrey in the same pot for 5 minutes. The longer you wait with either process, the stronger your tea will. Strain the material and use the tea to soak a sterilized cloth and apply it where needed.
What are the benefits of drinking comfrey tea?
Comfrey Tea Health Benefitswound healing.relief from excessive menstrual flow.scar reduction.burn relief.treatment of bronchitis.treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.treatment for rashes or insect bites.treatment of broken bones, sprains, strains.More items...•
Which is better comfrey root or leaf?
Pharmacologically, the wound healing is attributed to allantoin, but comfrey also has pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Pas), tannins, and rosmarinic acid, a proven anti-inflammatory. Both root and leaf contain allantoin, but comfrey root contains about ten times the concentration of PAs found in the leaves.
Does comfrey cause liver damage?
Comfrey, however, also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids and, when taken orally, can cause sinusoidal obstruction syndrome and severe liver injury.
Can you use comfrey internally?
Comfrey is not recommended for internal use because of the liver damage caused by its pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Patients with hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to the plant should also avoid external use. Definitely do not use during pregnancy or nursing, with infants, and if you have liver or kidney disease.
How do you take comfrey root?
0:393:562 Methods of Comfrey Propagation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd also yields of plants that we're growing so what I'm going to do is I'm going to dig this up andMoreAnd also yields of plants that we're growing so what I'm going to do is I'm going to dig this up and I'm going to show you how to propagate it with comfrey you can get up to three cuts a year. And
What is comfrey root used for?
Comfrey has a long history of use as a topical agent for treating wounds, skin ulcers, thrombophlebitis, bruises, and sprains and strains. Comfrey has anti-inflammatory properties that may decrease bruising and help heal wounds when the herb is applied topically.
Is comfrey poisonous to humans?
Comfrey has toxic substances that can cause severe liver damage and even death. You should never take comfrey by mouth. The toxic substances in comfrey can be absorbed by the skin. Even creams and ointments should be used for only a short time, and only under a doctor's supervision.
What herbs are toxic to the liver?
In fact, some common herbs could cause toxic liver disease. Watch out for supplements that contain aloe vera, black cohosh, cascara, chaparral, comfrey, ephedra, or kava. Chemicals and solvents. Some workplace chemicals can harm your liver.
Is comfrey good for arthritis pain?
Comfrey herb has also been shown to be efficacious in wound healing. Comfrey root has also proven to be efficacious in activated osteoarthritis, and equivalent or more efficacious in distortions compared with topical diclofenac.
Can you boil comfrey root?
If using fresh, gently bruise the leaves before steeping to help release their oils. You can also use dried and powdered comfrey root. If using comfrey root, use about 2 tablespoons for two quarts of water. Don't use boiling water as this degrades the healing properties within the comfrey.
Is comfrey good for inflammation?
Comfrey cream, an herbal remedy, is thought to reduce inflammation and pain when applied to the skin. Researchers have found it does seem to reduce pain in some conditions, including back pain, osteoarthritis, and ankle sprains.
How do you use comfrey medicinally?
To use comfrey externally, it may be made into a strong tea and used as a wash or it can be dried and used in an ointment or salve. If used fresh, the bruised, fresh leaf is applied directly to the skin, and the cleansed, crushed root can be applied to a minor wound if desired.
Which comfrey is best?
Garden comfrey has a higher nutrient content than the common wild comfrey, and its leaves can be cut several times in a season. Our research found that the 'Bocking 14' variety is the best.
Which comfrey is best for fertilizer?
Comfrey is more than just an herb found in cottage gardens and seasoning blends. This old fashioned herb has been used as both a medicinal plant and food crop for grazing animals and hogs. The large hairy leaves are an excellent source of the three macro-nutrients found in fertilizer.
What is the difference between Russian comfrey and true comfrey?
While true comfrey can spread easily, Russian comfrey has sterile seed, so it won't take over the garden. That benefit, plus the fact that it is a vigorous grower, is why many permaculture gardeners grow it as biomass for mulch or green manure.
Are there different types of comfrey?
Common comfreySymphytum tuberosumComfreySymphytum asperumSymphytum caucasicumSymphytum/Lower classifications
What is the root of a comfrey plant?
Some traditional healers have also used it to treat diarrhea and other stomach ailments. The roots of leaves of the comfrey plant contain chemical substances called allantoin and rosmarinic acid. Allantoin boosts the growth of new skin cells, while rosmarinic acid helps relieve pain and inflammation.
What is comfrey used for?
bruises. burns. joint inflammation. Europeans have also used comfrey to treat inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and gout. Some traditional healers have also used it to treat diarrhea and other stomach ailments.
Does Comfrey root help with back pain?
A study reported in Phytotherapy Research. also suggests that creams containing comfrey root can help relieve upper and lower back pain.
Is Comfrey good for joint pain?
People still use comfrey as an alternative remedy for joint and muscle pain, as well as closed wounds. It’s available at many health stores and pharmacies as. ointments. creams. other topical solutions. salves that also contain other herbs, such as aloe and goldenseal.
Can you use comfrey on open wounds?
Many experts also advise against using topical comfrey on open wounds. But comfrey may be acceptable for short-term use on your skin and closed wounds. You can purchase topical comfrey preparations from many health stores. Talk to your doctor before using them to learn more about the potential benefits and risks.
Can you take comfrey by mouth?
You should never take comfrey by mouth. You should also avoid using it on open wounds. Comfrey may be safe to apply to your skin or closed wounds for short periods. Always talk to your doctor before using products that contain it. They can help you understand the potential benefits and risks.
Does Comfrey help with wound healing?
Some clinical research supports the claim that comfrey has wound-healing powers. For example, a research review published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found some evidence that comfrey can help heal abrasion wounds.
What is comfrey?
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 à la Coupure, Knitback, Knitbone, Langue-de-Vache, Oreille d'Âne, Salsify, Slippery Root, Symphytum officinale, or Wallwort.
What other drugs will affect comfrey?
Do not take comfrey without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:
How long does comfrey last on skin?
Although not all side effects are known, comfrey is thought to be possibly safe when applied to unbroken skin for less than 10 days.
Can you take comfrey with medication?
Comfrey should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Comfrey is often sold as an herbal supplement. 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.
Is Comfrey a skin treatment?
Comfrey may have been applied to the skin in a specific preparation to treat some of these conditions.
Is Comfrey good for back pain?
Comfrey has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating back pain, osteoarthritis, or tender ness and swelling caused by a sprain injury. Other uses not proven with research have included skin wounds, skin ulcers, cough, sore throat, gum disease, joint pain, diarrhea, and other conditions.
Is comfrey safe for pregnant women?
Comfrey is considered likely unsafe to use during pregnancy. The chemicals contained in comfrey may cause birth defects. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. Comfrey is considered likely unsafe to use if you are nursing a baby.
How to Make Comfrey Tea?
If you want to brew comfrey tea at home for yourself, the recipe is quite simple. Let’s take a look at the procedure below.
What is the purpose of herbal tea?
Speeding the healing of wounds . Aiding in broken bones. Stimulating digestion. Lowering your risk of bruising and bleeding [2] This herbal tea contains a high concentration of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, copper, cobalt, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, as well as vitamins A, E, C, and various B vitamins.
Does comfrey tea help with inflammation?
Photo Credit: Shutterstock. The nutrients and antioxidants in comfrey tea also help to treat inflammatory issues throughout the body and have even been known to improve tissue repair and regrowth. [3]
Does comfrey tea help with bone growth?
In addition to tannins, saponins, and other antioxidants, this tea can help the body initiate its healing processes, and stimulate the regrowth of certain parts of the body, such as bone matter and even your teeth! Comfrey leaves and flowers should be used carefully. Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Is comfrey tea safe?
Regular use of comfrey tea can provide a range of health benefits, although there are some important considerations and risks of which you should be aware.
Is tea bad for your liver?
This tea (and herb) is controversial because of the potential damage it can do to the liver, as well as increasing your risk of cancer. While these side effects mostly appeared in animal testing at a very high concentration of this herbal extract, you should still always speak to your doctor before using this, particularly if you have suffered from liver disease or damage in the past. [7]
Can you strain tea?
Strain the tea and use appropriately (only consume if approved by your doctor).
What is comfrey tea?
Digestive Aid. Comfrey tea can serve as a remedy for gastrointestinal problems. Image Credit: patpitchaya/iStock/Getty Images. Greek healers recommended comfrey tea as a remedy for gastrointestinal problems, such as heartburn and indigestion, as early as the first century, according to Castleman.
Where does Comfrey grow?
Comfrey is an herb that grows in temperate areas of western Asia, Europe, Australia and North America. It primarily grows in marshes and wet soil.
Does comfrey tea cause liver problems?
Although comfrey tea may offer medicinal benefits, the internal use of comfrey tea has raised considerable controversy. Taking this herb internally may cause liver damage, according to Castleman. It may also contribute to hepatic veno-occlusive disease, a condition characterized by narrowing of blood vessels in your liver -- this condition can impair liver function. Comfrey has also been linked to cancer formation, although it has only been shown to increase cancer risk in animals. Talk to your doctor before taking any form of comfrey, including comfrey tea, internally.
Does comfrey tea help with skin wounds?
Image Credit: Alberto Bogo/iStock/Getty Images. Comfrey tea may help speed the healing of minor skin wounds because comfrey roots and leaves contain a chemical compound called allantoin that may stimulate the growth of new skin cells, according to Castleman.
What are the side effects of Comfrey?
Stomach ulcers. Swelling ( inflammation) of the main airways in the lungs (bronchitis). Swelling ( inflammation) of the stomach (gastritis). Tuberculosis. Varicose veins. Wound healing. Other conditions. More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of comfrey for these uses. Side Effects.
What is comfrey used for?
Despite safety concerns, comfrey is used by mouth for stomach ulcers, heavy menstrual periods, diarrhea, bloody urine, cough, bronchitis, cancer, and chest pain ( angina ). It is also used as a gargle for gum disease and sore throat.
How long does it take for comfrey ointment to work?
Sprains. Early research shows that applying comfrey ointment to the affected area for up to 2 weeks improves mobility, decreases pain, and reduces tenderness and swelling of sprains. The effect of comfrey ointment in relieving pain and reducing swelling seems to be comparable to the effects of diclofenac gel.
How long does it take for comfrey to work on bruises?
Bruises. Early research shows that applying comfrey directly to the skin for 2 weeks might decrease the pain and tenderness of bruises.
What drugs break down comfrey?
Some of these medicines include carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), rifampin, rifabutin (Mycobutin), and others. Dosing.
Is it safe to take comfrey on broken skin?
For this reason, it is POSSIBLY UNSAFE to apply comfrey to broken skin or to apply large amounts to the skin for more than 6 weeks. Special Precautions and Warnings. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Comfrey is LIKELY UNSAFE to take by mouth or apply to the skin if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Can you use comfrey on your skin?
Broken or damaged skin: Don't apply comfrey to broken or damaged skin. Doing so might expose you to large amounts of the chemicals in comfrey that can cause liver damage and other serious health effects. Liver disease: There is a concern that comfrey might make liver disease worse.
Why is comfrey tea banned?
As an internal remedy, comfrey tea has been banned due to its potential side effects. Comfrey tea is also the way gardeners commonly refer to the liquid organic fertilizer made with the leaves of this herb. It is a source of nourishment for other flowers and vegetables.
How long does it take to boil comfrey tea?
Water temperature: boiling (100ºC) Steeping time: 10 minutes. Dosage: 10 minute-soak, for short periods of time. The whole comfrey plant is considered beneficial, but the best parts you can use to make a healing pot of tea are the leaves and the roots.
What is Comfrey?
Comfrey, symphytum officinale in Latin, is a perennial herb native to marshy and damp places in Europe and Asia, such as river banks and ditches. Today it is found growing in temperate climates of western Asia, Europe, North America and even Australia.
What is the best tea for a rash?
Comfrey tea may also soothe and treat rashes and insect bites, reducing the urge to scratch the itch. It is astringent, helping to compress blood vessels and pores on the skin, and as a form of pain relief and coolant. This may be good for skin abrasions, such as scraped knuckles or chapped lips. Repairing Tea.
What is the best tea to use on a cut?
Comfrey tea may be used to help scar a cut or a wound. You have to make sure to clean the wound thoroughly prior to applying this herbal tea as you do not want the skin to close up trapping a bacterial infection. Although it acts as a disinfectant it is best not used directly on an open wound.
What is the best herbal medicine for a bad fall?
Comfrey Tea. -. The Mending Herb. Comfrey tea is a traditional herbal medicine used by people when they have taken a bad fall. This healing herb may be the ideal remedy to mend and soothe your aches and pains. This gorgeous plant makes a popular herbal infusion, long used to treat a number of ailments.
Does comfrey tea help with cholesterol?
The multitude of vitamins and minerals found in this tea are said to be a great help to those who need to lower bad cholesterol levels and keep blood sugar and blood pressure levels under control. The antioxidant effect of such a rich comfrey infusion may help lower the risk of heart disease.
What happens when you boil Comfrey?
Side note- When Comfrey is boiled, the Allontoin is destroyed. That is the healing compound! Most faster heat prepared Salves/Oils are ineffective due to this, as the temps got too high in their processing.
Why did my husband drink tea?
My husband drank gallons of the tea in the early stage of his cancer because he believed it helped coat the tumor in his stomach and protected his stomach from acid.
Can you drink comfrey tea?
Yes, I drink Comfrey Infusion almost every day, just one 8oz glass, for over a year now & healthy as can be. I enjoy the taste hot or cold, put nothing in it. The type of Comfrey I use is Bocking14, never first growth leaves, but later growth leaves. I make it by the quart, Susun Weeds way. Google Susun Weed on YouTube and find out what she says about Comfrey Infusion (also can google her site). She is an Herbalist who has been drinking C I for 20 years with zero ill effects using late Spring leaves, never the roots, for her Infusions. BTW, tea is not just tea. Rooibus is the most highly anti-oxidant and beats out Green Tea.
Is comfrey good for rabbits?
I have tried Comfrey cooked, but don't care for it. The Comfrey Infusion tastes like cucumbers to me. My chickens get 10% of their food in Comfrey. My rabbits get closer to 20%. All are healthy & happy! They are only fed Spring leaves/flowers/stalks, NEVER roots.
Is Rooibus tea anti oxidant?
She is an Herbalist who has been drinking C I for 20 years with zero ill effects using late Spring leaves, never the roots, for her Infusions. BTW, tea is not just tea. Rooibus is the most highly anti-oxidant and beats out Green Tea.
Does Comfrey Prickly go away?
The Comfrey prickly doesn't go away once its dried, I have to wear gloves when I'm putting the dried leaves in the jars.
Is comfrey root good for liver?
Yes I have read the reports about liver cancer, rats fed the extract of comfrey root which comprised 1/3 of their diet. I have also read reports that say a cup of tea or even several cups of tea a day are not harmful to human health and are even beneficial.
Why Do Herbalists Use Comfrey Then?
So why then do herbalists keep on using comfrey when they know that it is banned as a foodstuff ingredient?
How many cases of Comfrey's toxicity have been reported?
Reported Cases of Comfrey’s Toxicity. Besides, since 1980, there have been four reported cases in the world literature of comfrey toxicity. Proving the severity of the problem. Again it is of no consequence that before 1980, no human toxicity was ever recorded. Also, the four cases each involved very high consumption levels ...
Why is Comfrey banned?
The reason for its ban as a foodstuff ingredient is simple. Comfrey contains a class of substances called pyrrolizidine alkoloids or PA’s for short. Under certain conditions they apparently can cause the destruction of liver tissue by creating a condition known as hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD), in which the cells lining the veins in the liver proliferate and choke off the veins.
How long did rats eat comfrey?
To proof, or disproof, this to be the case, researchers fed a bunch of infant lab rats a diet of comfrey, twenty-eight times their body weight , over a period of nine weeks. During this time they were also injected isolated comfrey extracts.
Is Comfrey a topical or external remedy?
Most contemporary herbologists use comfrey as a topical (external) remedy only. It is a powerful soothing and healing remedy if used in this way, as millions can testify. And there are no reports of any safety concerns for its external use.
Is comfrey a banned herb?
Comfrey is Banned in Foodstuffs. Let’s start with comfrey’s status as a banned herb in South Africa as reported by one of our daily newspapers. Fact is, it is banned as an ingredient in foodstuffs. Yes that is right, you may not sell a foodstuff containing comfrey. And if you are into legal stuff then please read Regulation R1541 dated 13 December ...
Can you take comfrey internally?
Be that as it may, since we seldom, if ever, take comfrey internally in medicinal doses, this ‘foodstuff ban’ does not bother herbologists at all. But it is interesting to note that farmers all over the world regularly feed comfrey to their livestock with very good results. Again posing the scientific question, are you and I rats or sheep?
What is comfrey tea?
Sometimes called knitbone or All Heal, comfrey ( Symphytum officinale L.) has been used for centuries to support wound and bone healing, and at one time was recommended as a tea to soothe digestive issues. Most often found in moist grasslands, this perennial herb is rich in a bioactive compound called allantoin that plays a role in cell formation ...
Why is comfrey used internally?
Comfrey was historically recommended internally to support healing when there is a dry cough or connective tissue injury (bone and skin ). Fortunately, there are alternative herbs for both of these situations that don’t pose the same risk as comfrey.
How long does a comfrey salve last?
Shelf Life: Because it does not contain any water, this comfrey salve recipe is relatively shelf stable and can last for several months to a year. The two main things that will affect shelf life are the freshness of your carrier oil and the freshness of your essential oils.
How long to make a comfrey salve?
Here's how to make a comfrey salve that's portable and easy to use. Total Time 10 minutes. Servings 5 ounces.
How to store comfrey jars?
Place the jar in a paper bag and store near a warm, sunny window. Some people skip the paper bag, but others believe it helps protect some of the valuable constituents found in comfrey from breaking down due to UV light. Give the jar a good shake when you walk by it every day.
How to make comfrey oil from beeswax?
Gently heat the beeswax in a double boiler. (If you don’t have a double boiler you can use a stainless steel bowl set inside a pot of boiling water.) When the beeswax is melted, add in the comfrey oil . Allow it to warm up for 30-60 seconds, then stir until the beeswax and oil are thoroughly mixed. If you’re adding essential oils, wait until the mixture has cooled just a little and then stir them in.
How long to wait to make comfrey?
However, sometimes it’s just not practical to wait 4-6 weeks for a batch, so I’ve also included a faster method below.
