Comfrey cream is typically used as a topical herbal remedy for painful muscle and joint conditions, such as low back pain, osteoarthritis, and sprains. It's also used in alternative medicine for the following problems: Bruises.
What is comfrey ointment good for?
What is comfrey cream good for?
- wound healing.
- relief from excessive menstrual flow.
- diarrhea.
- bloody urine.
- scar reduction.
- burn relief.
- treatment of bronchitis.
- treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
How to use comfrey leaf herb as a natural remedy?
Soothing Comfrey Cream
- Loosely pack a 1 quart mason jar with comfrey leaves. ...
- Strain comfrey leaves, yielding approximately 1 1/2 cups of infused oil.
- Place the 1 1/2 cup of infused oil in the top of a double boiler which has been brought to a boil. ...
- Slowly add beeswax pastilles and emulsifying wax. ...
- Blend in shea butter or lanolin until melted. ...
What is comfrey good for?
The Greeks and Romans commonly used comfrey to stop heavy bleeding, treat bronchial problems and heal wounds and broken bones. Poultices were made for external wounds and tea was consumed for internal ailments. Comfrey has been reported to promote healthy skin with its mucilage content that moisturizes and soothes and promotes cell proliferation.
Is comfrey cream safe?
Is comfrey Cream safe to use? The FDA has recommended that all oral comfrey products be removed from the market. When applied to the skin: When applied to unbroken skin in small amounts for less than 10 days, comfrey is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people. It’s important to remember that the poisonous chemicals in comfrey can pass through the skin.
How do you use comfrey for healing?
Historically, some people have eaten comfrey leaves as a vegetable. Traditional healers have also used oral preparations of comfrey to treat stomach issues, such as ulcers, colitis, and diarrhea. You can also drink dried comfrey root and leaves as tea.
How do you use comfrey cream?
APPLIED TO THE SKIN:For back pain: About 4 grams of a specific ointment containing 35% comfrey root extract has been applied three times daily for 5 days. ... For osteoarthritis: About 2 grams of a specific ointment containing 35% comfrey root extract has been applied to the knee three times daily for 3 weeks.More items...
Is comfrey cream good for face?
Comfrey is considered to be an essential anti-aging ingredient, because it contains both allantoin and rosmarinic acid. Allantoin promotes the growth of new skin cells and rosmarinic acid acts as a painkiller and reduces inflammation. Comfrey softens skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Does comfrey cream reduce swelling?
Also known as comfrey ointment, salve, or gel, it's said to reduce inflammation (swelling) and alleviate pain when applied to the skin. Proponents claim that comfrey cream can treat a variety of health conditions and injuries.
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.
Is comfrey good for nerve pain?
Half used an ointment containing extract of comfrey root – 4g applied three to five times a day - and the rest used a placebo. After five days, the researchers found that those who used extract of comfrey root ointment had a 95% reduction in pain intensity, compared to just 39% of those who used a placebo.
Does comfrey lighten skin?
It is formulated with lightening ingredients like arbutin and vitamin C to combat dark spots and circles while comfrey extract soothes any skin redness and inflammation.
Is comfrey good for hair?
It is the backbone of the soothing and anti-inflammatory component of comfrey and actually makes hair softer. Comfrey is helpful for hair growth because it has gamma linoleic acid, a omega-6 fatty acid, that helps stimulate skin and hair growth, which is why many cosmetic companies use comfrey.
Is comfrey good for skin rashes?
It's used in a few medical treatments to help with issues such as rashes and burns. This property makes using comfrey for acne a great idea. It helps stop that uncomfortable inflammation and reduces the intensity of acne! Antioxidant: The Rosmarinic acid in comfrey is an antioxidant.
Can comfrey help with knee pain?
Conclusion. Both active topical comfrey formulations were effective in relieving pain and stiffness and in improving physical functioning and were superior to placebo in those with primary osteoarthritis of the knee without serious adverse effects.
How do you use comfrey for sore muscles?
Or, you can create your own oil (also known as comfrey balm)by simmering olive oil (or another carrier oil) and comfrey roots and leaves. Use this oil to treat minor closed wounds and aches. Many people simply use fresh or dry comfrey leaves directly on the skin, depending on the type and severity of pain they have.
Does comfrey heal bones?
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is sometimes used on the skin to treat wounds and reduce inflammation from sprains and broken bones.
How do you make comfrey rub?
1:165:04COMFREY SALVE - STEP BY STEP [HOW TO MAKE IT] (OAG) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst we gotta go pick some countries. And then we have to dehydrate it the nice dark color of greenMoreFirst we gotta go pick some countries. And then we have to dehydrate it the nice dark color of green that you see that these leaves indicates.
How long do you leave a comfrey poultice on?
Snugly wrap the cloth around the injured limb. Wrap second cloth (or ace bandage or twine) around and tie to secure. Leave the compress on affected area anywhere from four to six hours. Refresh with fresh comfrey as needed.
What do you add to comfrey Salve?
You can use a single carrier oil or a combination of oils. My favorite combination for making salves is equal parts of olive, coconut, and sweet almond oils. Let the oil infuse in a cool and dark place for 4-6 weeks (or longer) before making this salve. Strain out the comfrey leaf before using in this recipe.
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.
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.
What other drugs will affect comfrey?
Do not take comfrey without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why is comfrey limited?
Therapeutic use of comfrey is limited because of its toxicity. A limited number of clinical trials show short-term efficacy of topically applied, alkaloid-free comfrey preparations in skin abrasions and inflammatory conditions. Although not examined in clinical trials, comfrey may possess antifungal and anticancer activity.
Why is Comfrey not recommended for internal use?
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.
Why was Comfrey 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. Comfrey is generally considered unsafe, with numerous toxicological effects in animals and humans.
Does comfrey help with gastric ulcers?
Comfrey has been claimed to heal gastric ulcers and hemorrhoids, and to suppress bronchial congestion and inflammation. Commercial comfrey sale and distribution is restricted in Germany and Canada because of its substantial toxicity.
When was Comfrey used?
It’s been used since the time of the ancient Greeks, and possibly as far back as 400 BC. During the Middle Ages, comfrey enjoyed great popularity as a medicinal herb. During the 1700s and 1800s, it was a common plant in herb gardens.
How long does comfrey oil last?
For the faster method, place your comfrey and oil in a pan and heat them on low until the oil takes on the color of the herbs, around 30 minutes to an hour. Strain out the herbs and bottle the oil. Comfrey oil can be store at room temperature, but will last much longer in refrigeration.
What is the plant that is used to heal wounds?
But long before comfrey was a scary plant, it was a healing plant of high esteem, used to treat a variety of ills. Most famously, it is used to speed up and ensure proper healing of wounds. Its name is a corruption of “con firma,” which means “made firm” or “to boil together.”.
How to make comfrey oil?
Dry leaves work best with this method. They have less moisture, which lowers the chance of spoilage. Screw a lid on the jar, place it in a paper bag to protect it from direct sun exposure, and place it on a warm windowsill. After two weeks, strain out the herbs and rebottle the oil.
Where is Comfrey native to?
Comfrey is native to Europe and Asia, but has been cultivated in (and subsequently escaped from) much of the temperate world. It isn’t picky about sunlight, growing in full sun to full shade. It enjoys frequent access to water, though you will sometimes find individuals in drier areas. Comfrey also enjoys nitrogen-rich soil, which fuels its rapid growth, but it will succeed in most soils.
Is comfrey bad for your liver?
Toxicities/Warnings: Ingestion of comfrey is controversial and may be harmful to the liver. If you do ingest comfrey, supplement with liver-supporting herbs. Young children, and pregnant or nursing mothers, should not take comfrey internally.
Does comfrey oil help with sprains?
[note]“The Safe Ways To Use Comfrey Oil.” Mercola.com. Accessed September 21, 2019. https://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/comfrey-oil.aspx. note] [note]Staiger, Christiane. “Comfrey: A Clinical Overview.” Phytotherapy Research, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.4612. [/note] [note]Barna, M., A. Kucera, M. Hladíkova, and M. Kucera. “Randomized Double-Blind Study: Wound-Healing Effects of a Symphytum Herb Extract Cream (Symphytum×Uplandicum Nyman) in Children.” Arzneimittelforschung 62, no. 06 (2012): 285–89. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0032-1308981. [/note] [note]Forêt, Rosalee de la. “Comfrey.” HerbMentor. Accessed September 21, 2019. https://herbmentor.learningherbs.com/herb/comfrey/#marker-1080-14. [/note] Not only does comfrey significantly speed up healing, but it also helps to facilitate proper healing. Comfrey can help minimize scaring, and may even be useful for fading established scars. [note]Hoffmann, David. Medical Herbalism the Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2003. [/note] [note]Pedersen, Mark. Nutritional Herbology: a Reference Guide to Herbs. Warsaw, IN: Whitman Publications, 2010. [/note]
What are the benefits of Comfrey?
6 Healing Benefits of Comfrey. 1. Can quickly relieve muscle and joint pain. 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, ...
Why is Comfrey used as a herbal remedy?
Comfrey products such as poultices, ointments and salves have been used as herbal remedies because of the plant’s ability to reduce inflammation and urge healing. The root has also been used in the past as a decoction to help gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea.
How tall does a comfrey plant get?
It grows as a root stick with branches coming from the stalk and only gets to about 2–3 feet tall. Some varieties produce yellow or purplish flowers alongside the broad, fuzzy leaves.
How long can you use comfrey topically?
Please note: comfrey should only be used topically up to 10 consecutive days, in order to avoid bioaccumulation. There are no studies showing a danger of this, but we take this precaution to stay on the safe side.
What is the ingredient in Comfrey?
Comfrey contains an ingredient called allantoin, which aids the regrowth of skin, along with rosmarinic acid and tannins. (13) Allantoin has been developed as an approved medication for over-the-counter skin treatment for a variety of skin issues.
Why is Comfrey used in folk medicine?
Probably also due, in part, to the presence of allantoin in comfrey, another use in folk medicine for it is the soothing of inflamed, irritated skin.
How to help fibromyalgia pain?
If you suffer from fibromyalgia pain, remember that your best option is to seek a multi-targeted approach to address whatever the root cause of this pain may be. Adjusting lifestyle to lose extra weight, eliminating problematic food ingredients like excitotoxins and eating anti-inflammatory foods may offer some additional relief. (12)
What are the benefits of comfrey?
The most interesting health benefits of comfrey include its ability to reduce pain, eliminate inflammation, boost the immune system, promote growth, and strengthen bones. It also helps heal skin , reduce the risk of cancer, and improve respiratory health.
Is comfrey safe to use?
Interestingly enough, there is a decent amount of debate regarding the safety of using comfrey, as some of the volatile chemical components can be potentially dangerous to human beings when consumed improperly. Most people only recommend topical use of comfrey, as there have been some traditional suggestions for internal use when done properly.
Does comfrey paste help with rashes?
When you apply comfrey to your skin, it can have some benefits on rashes and irritations. The high content of antioxidants, as well as vitamin C, makes comfrey pastes and salves the ideal solution for speeding up the healing of wounds. Antioxidants also help eliminate foreign substances in the body and preventing cell death, while vitamin C’s importance in producing collagen means that it is necessary to produce new skin cells for healing. [2]
Can you use comfrey salves for arthritis?
If you suffer from arthritis, gout, or other inflammatory disorders, use comfrey salves as often as necessary. The lotion is so potent, however, that you can afford to be quite frugal with the oils and creams.
Does Comfrey help with arthritis?
If you suffer from arthritis, go ut, or other inflammatory disorders, use comfrey salves as often as necessary.
Does Comfrey help with eczema?
If you are suffering from anything from a spider bite to a bad case of eczema , comfrey can help alleviate the symptoms and reduce irritation. A combination of vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds makes this the perfect solution for skin irritations of all kinds, from psoriasis to acne. [8]
Is comfrey a symphytum?
Comfrey is actually a broader genus scientifically known as Symphytum, which is used extensively in herbal medicine. The flowers can range in color from white to purple and the plant is mainly found in northern Europe. Interestingly enough, there is a decent amount of debate regarding the safety of using comfrey, as some of the volatile chemical components can be potentially dangerous to human beings when consumed improperly. Most people only recommend topical use of comfrey, as there have been some traditional suggestions for internal use when done properly. The United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not allow for internal use to be recommended or suggested on labels. [1]
How to use comfrey root?
You can use either dried or fresh or dried comfrey root. If you’re using the dried root, rehydrate it first by lightly boiling it for ten minutes. Blend in about a square inch of the rehydrated root with two or three tablespoons of water to make a liquid and swirl this around in your mouth for about 20 minutes daily. Ensure to rinse your mouth with this liquid in such a way that it reaches your gums and your teeth properly. Once you’re finished, spit it out.
What is comfrey rich in?
As mentioned before, comfrey is rich in allantoin, a compound which comes packed with chemicals that aid in cell regeneration and growth and helps protect your skin from damage. Because of this property, comfrey offers a number of skincare benefits such as: 1. Moisturization.
What is the best oil for sensitive skin?
1. Moisturization. Poultices and ointments made from comfrey leaf oil help nourish and moisturize your skin leaving it soft and supple. Being herbal in nature, this is perfect for those whose skin is sensitive to chemicals. 2.
Does Comfrey root help with burns?
Cures Skin Diseases And Conditions. The allantoin content in comfrey leaves and roots with their ability to repair damaged cells and produce new ones may help speed the healing of skin burns, insect bites and rashes, skin ulcers, and bed sores.
Does comfrey oil help with dark spots?
The allantoin contained in comfrey herb helps fight unwanted dark spots and blemishes on your skin. The moisturizing properties of this plant will also help smooth out rough and damaged skin and remove dead skin cells. Applying comfrey oil or ointments regularly will leave you with flawless, blemish-free skin.
Does Comfrey help with skin regeneration?
Research suggests that allantoin helps the body grow new skin cells and also has the ability to help in regeneration of connective tissues. `. Comfrey also possesses high amounts of tannins and rosmarinic acid and tannins that help in skin cell growth.
Is Comfrey a medicinal plant?
Comfrey is recognized as medicinal plants for its several health benefits. They are:
Why is Comfrey used?
Comfrey has long been used a natural remedy for speeding up the healing process. While our medieval ancestors may not have known the exact mechanisms by which comfrey achieved this, we now know that this healing effect is due to comfrey’s high concentrations of vitamin C and calcium.
How often should I use Comfrey cream?
Patients were asked to apply the cream three times per day for six weeks. The researchers concluded that “topical comfrey formulations were effective in relieving pain and stiffness and in improving physical functioning and were superior to placebo in those with primary osteoarthritis of the knee without serious adverse effects.”
What is comfrey leaf extract?
Comfrey is often prescribed by herbalists and functional practitioners to treat bad cases of eczema, psoriasis and even acne. Not only that, rubbing an ointment containing comfrey leaf extract on your mosquito, spider or tick bites can soothe the itching and prevent infection from developing.
What is a plant based cream?
Plant-based creams and balms that can soothe the skin but also poison the internal organs if used in excess quantities . Comfrey is without a doubt a prime example of the healing paradox, and has been the subject of considerable debate in recent years. Comfrey, a perennial herb native to the ditches and riverbanks of Europe, ...
Where does Comfrey come from?
Comfrey, a perennial herb native to the ditches and riverbanks of Europe, has long been used in traditional medicine. Medical records dating back to the Middle Ages commonly make reference to herbalists prescribing comfrey for a wide range of ailments, and up until the 20th century, it was considered to be “one of nature’s greatest medicinal herbs.” Undoubtedly, comfrey has healed hundreds of thousands of ailments across the globe, and in the right hands it continues to do so today.
Does comfrey have vitamin C?
As discussed earlier, comfrey contains high concentrations of bioavailable vitamin C. Because a healthy immune system relies, at least in part, on external sources of vitamin C, comfrey is a great way to boost your immunity.
Does comfrey help with insect bites?
Soothing skin issues. The vitamin C in comfrey can help heal insect bites. The bucketloads of antioxidants in comfrey, in particular vitamin C, make it an excellent go-to for skin problems and insect bites. Comfrey is often prescribed by herbalists and functional practitioners to treat bad cases of eczema, psoriasis and even acne.
Does Comfrey Cream Have Any Benefits?
- Researchers have studied the effects of comfrey cream on a number of health conditions. Here's a look at some key research on the potential health benefits of comfrey cream for back pain, osteoarthritis, and ankle sprains.
Possible Side Effects
- Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, substances that can cause liver damage, cancer, and even death. Therefore, it should be never be taken by mouth. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned oral comfrey products.1 Since these toxic substances can be absorbed through the skin, there's concern about the safety of comfrey cream applied to the skin. It's typically only …
Dosage and Preparation
- There is no daily recommended allowance for comfrey, which is sold in creams, ointments, gels, and salves. The following applications have been used in research:7 1. Back pain: An ointment containing 35% comfrey root extract, with or without 1.2% methyl nicotinate. Applied three times a day for five days. 2. Osteoarthritis: A specific ointment containing 35% comfrey root extract, wit…
What to Look For
- For topical comfrey cream, look for products labeled as free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids.1 When selecting a brand of supplements, look for products that have been certified by Consumer Labs, the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, or NSF International.
Summary
- 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. However, comfrey can also contain toxic substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. You should never ingest comf…
A Word from Verywell
- While studies suggest that comfrey cream may offer some pain-relieving benefits, large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects. Given the safety concerns, it should only be used under the supervision of your healthcare provider.
What Is Comfrey?
- Comfrey is a perennial herb found in moist grasslands in western Asia as well as in North America. It has bell-shaped red-violet or yellowish flowers. It may contain small amounts of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
What Is It Used for?
- Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses
Comfrey has been cultivated as a green vegetable and has been used as an herbal medicine for more than 2,000 years. Comfrey's original name, knitbone, derives from the external use of poultices of its leaves and roots to heal burns, sprains, swelling, and bruises. In Western Europe, … - General uses
Therapeutic use of comfrey is limited because of its toxicity. A limited number of clinical trials show short-term efficacy of topically applied, alkaloid-free comfrey preparations in skin abrasions and inflammatory conditions. Although not examined in clinical trials, comfrey may possess anti…
What Is The Recommended Dosage?
- Oral use of comfrey is not recommended because of potential liver damage. Additionally, because its alkaloids are absorbed through the skin, use of comfrey as a poultice should not exceed an exposure of 100 mcg/day of the alkaloids. Limited trials have evaluated the effectiveness of alkaloid-free preparations for external use; however, these studies did not examine how much liv…
Contraindications
- 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.
Pregnancy/Lactation
- Documented adverse effects (the pyrrolizidine alkaloids, have substantial risk of causing fatal liver damage and can cause abortion). Avoid use.
Side Effects
- The internal or extensive topical use of comfrey cannot be recommended because of numerous reports of liver damage.
Toxicology
- 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. Comfrey is generally considered unsafe, with numerous toxicological effects in animals and humans.
Further Information
- Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Medical Disclaimer