The herbal topical cream was prepared at two different strengths, as an additional measure of efficacy. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Herbal medicine for low back pain: A Cochrane review. 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. British Homeopathic Journal, 90(01), 21-28. https://doi.org/10.1054/homp.1999.0460. Comfrey is likley unsafe to take by mouth. This soothing blend of herbal oils contains Comfrey (also known as Knitbone) and Eucalyptus Oil. Comfrey is traditionally used for the symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises and is also known for its healing properties Customer Reviews Ingredients Full ingredients Brassica Campest is Seed Oil (Rapeseed Oil), Symphytum Officinale Herb (Comfrey Herb), BHA, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil (Eucalyptus Oil). You should never ingest comfrey by mouth. Retrieved from, https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=295. Because of the risk of liver toxicity, comfrey cream shouldn't be used with other medicines that may also cause liver damage. #HBTechCareers. Available at: https://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/dspltr06.html. With extract of Comfrey. 6 Healing Benefits of Comfrey. Comfrey is generally considered unsafe, with numerous toxicological effects in animals and humans. Comfrey is considered likely unsafe to use if you are nursing a baby. 12 drops black pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil (2004). And topical capsaicin cream may help to relieve pain temporarily. WMW Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 154(21), 498-507. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10354-004-0114-8, Natural Medicines (2020). It can grow up to 5 feet tall. BMJ Case Rep. 2016. Giannetti, B. M., Staiger, C., Bulitta, M., and Predel, H. G. 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. How do you use it and are there any side effects? 2004;154(21-22):498-507. 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? No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. 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. Ther Drug Monit 2001;23:698-708. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. It should only be used in small amounts for short periods as a cream. Please read the Topical Use Safety section of this article (above) before using. This perennial can grow up to 4-feet tall. Heard about essential oils but not quite sure about what they can do for you? Wichtl, M. (2004). This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Safety Alerts & Advisories: FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. To Use. comfrey cream holland and barrettfeathered friend questions and answers. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. We currently have no information for COMFREY overview. Transfer the cooled oil and butter mixture to a standing electric mixer or blender. CLICK HERE TO ENTER! Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with over twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. Mackinnon, M. In general practice, 'always expect the unexpected'. All rights reserved. You can purchase the Comfrey Ointment at Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury's or Holland & Barrett. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Kuera, M., Barna, M., Horek, O., Kovrikov, J., & Kuera, A. Documented adverse effects (the pyrrolizidine alkaloids, have substantial risk of causing fatal liver damage and can cause abortion). Comfrey is not recommended for children under three years old, as it's not been studied in that population. Some of these components are thought to speed up wound healing by stimulating new cell growth. 2017;65(1):363-373. doi:10.1002/hep.28813. Centurian, South Africa: Medpharm Scientific Publishers. Many of those following the folk use of comfrey up to present-day think so. The ointment has a very mild herbal fragrance and is soothing on application. (3), 147-156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003. Close LOGIN FOR DONATION. 4-4-2009;139(13-14):210-211. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Phytomedicine 2005;12(10):707-714. 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 Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. Drug class: Herbal products. 2012;26(10):14411448. However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesn't mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. Avoid use. Need some help with an order or want to speak to a member of our Customer Services team? Phytother Res. The most common over-the-counter medication that can be toxic to the liver is acetaminophen (Tylenol). about an hour two nites. Herb & Supplement Guide. View abstract. Choose organically grown comfrey when possible. CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. (2013). The Herbal Academy makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Hepatology. Other alternative therapies may help to ease the pain. The recipe makes about 6 small jars. For External Use only Do not use if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients. Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. (21), 498-507. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10354-004-0114-8, Natural Medicines (2020). Comfrey is a shrub that grows in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. Using a supplement like comfrey may have potential side effects. Recent studies have suggested topical benefits, but more research is needed. Learn more in. View abstract. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. The participants were assigned three weeks of treatment with two grams of either comfrey ointment or a placebo three times a day. Although not examined in clinical trials, comfrey may possess antifungal and anticancer activity. View abstract. . Commercial comfrey sale and distribution is restricted in Germany and Canada because of its substantial toxicity. If you're considering using the cream, consult your healthcare provider first. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. View abstract. The Comfrey Ointment that I have been using is to be used only for sprains and bruises. In some cases, ointments with comfrey have caused redness, itching, and a rash (Smith, 2011). D'Anchise, R., Bulitta, M., and Giannetti, B. Comfrey extract ointment in comparison to diclofenac gel in the treatment of acute unilateral ankle sprains (distortions). When the root is boiled in water, it forms a sticky, glue-like paste. 98% Naturally derived. 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. Comfrey has also been used for the following conditions: There is currently not enough evidence to recommend comfrey cream for any of these uses. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. Eucalyptus oil is used externally to stimulate blood flow. The Effect of Comfrey on Enoxaparin-Induced Bruise in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Randomised Clinical Trial. Spine(Phila Pa 1976). root extraction help ease aching joints and muscles? 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. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements. (2001). Many of those following the folk use of comfrey up to present-day think so. Registered in England: company no. 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. J Chiropr Med. Comfrey is often sold as an herbal supplement. Experts suggest not using comfrey cream for longer than ten days in a row. Comfrey. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-007-0474-y. These have a lower risk of serious side effects like liver damage. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Amendments to the poison list. comfrey cream holland and barrett. Be sure to use comfrey root from a reputable source that has properly identified the species. In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. Affiliate links are shared throughout the website and the Herbal Academy may receive compensation if you make a purchase with these links. Aust.Fam.Physician 2008;37(4):235-236. Understand comfreys contraindications before using it. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are very toxic to the liver and are also carcinogenic (cause cancer). Cap, then label the jars with the date made and ingredients. View abstract. Yield: Approximately 5 cups of whipped lotion. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46. Medicine makers would bind comfrey leaves and roots in poultices, then apply those poultices to the skin to treat injuries. Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements. View abstract. It produces clusters of purple, blue, and white flowers, and it's famous for its long . , 43 volunteers with osteoarthritis used either a topical cream containing comfrey, tannic acid, and eucalyptus or a placebo cream 3x/ day for 6 weeks. 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). J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. This was compared to 37.8% in the placebo group. Mix for about 10 minutes, until nice and whipped. View abstract. Fortschr Med Orig 2002;120:1-9. hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited. 2010;73(2):97-100. By Megan Nunn, PharmD Huxtable RJ, Awang DV. Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. Predel, H. G., Giannetti, B., Koll, R., Bulitta, M., & Staiger, C. (2005). Rad. For that reason, Ive also included my go-to comfrey cream recipe for achy joints and muscles! For topical comfrey cream, look for products labeled as free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Some medications can also harm the liver. Be sure to choose organic carrier oils and essential oils when possible. 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. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Electric bowl mixer (like a KitchenAid) or a blender 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. Koll R, Klingenburg S. [Therapeutic characteristance and tolerance of topical comfrey preparations. This recipe is contraindicated for small children and those with certain medical conditions. Phytother Res. Comfrey's original name, knitbone, derives from the external use of poultices of its leaves and roots to heal burns, sprains, swelling, and bruises. DOI:10.1211/PJ.2021.1.69803. Do not use extra comfrey to make up the missed dose. Comfrey is avoided on cuts or puncture wounds for this reason. After the tincture is made, then you can whip up the fabulous joint and muscle cream! Latest: Senior Software Engineer - Front End Senior Software Engineer Senior Product Manager - Basket, Checkout and Payments UX Designer - Instore Tech. 2013;5(5):CD010538. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. 2013;21(6):724-745. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2013.09.009. 2021;83:e249209. Frost R, O'meara S, Macpherson H. The external use of comfrey: a practitioner survey. Mosby Elsevier. When the root is boiled in water, it forms a sticky, glue-like paste. Squish and squeeze as many leaves into as you can into the container. We go to great efforts to ensure that the information on this page is accurate at the time that the page was last edited. For one of these studies, the average time participants had experienced knee pain and stiffness leading up to the study was six and a half years! Yield: Approximately 5 cups of whipped lotion. Comfrey contains toxic substances that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. Our associates are qualified to advise, visit us online or in store for unparalleled advice. Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis. View abstract. Definitely do not use during pregnancy or nursing, with infants, and if you have liver or kidney disease. (2018). View abstract. 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. Effects of Symphytum ointment on muscular symptoms and functional locomotor disturbances. Those who used the comfrey ointment experienced improvements in pain, mobility, and quality of life. Sowa I, Paduch R, Strzemski M, et al. View abstract. 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. 2020;142:104519. Barna, M., Kucera, A., Hladikova, M., & Kucera, M. (2012). Join rewards for life today and we'll give you 300 points worth 3.00. Regarding its antioxidant, antilipoperoxidant, antiinflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. Copyright Holland & Barrett Limited 2023. The first European settlers of America considered comfrey so indispensable, they carried it on their journey across the Atlantic in the 1600s.2. Lorem ipsum dolor sit nulla or narjusto laoreet onse ctetur adipisci. 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. As an additional measure of efficacy, groups instructed to use the comfrey preparation for the longest period of time experienced the most improvement. Copyright Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2022. Comfrey has been cultivated as a green vegetable and has been used as an herbal medicine for more than 2,000 years. Stewart MJ, Steenkamp V. Pyrrolizidine poisoning: a neglected area in human toxicology. Comfrey contains chemicals that cause serious liver damage when taken by mouth. Arzneimittelforschung. Arzneimittelforschung. View abstract. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. We are building the future of Health and Wellness Tech. In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. It is called knitbone or boneset, referring to the bone-like growth of its roots. Generic name: comfrey [COM-free] Osteoarthritis.Cartilage. The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? After eight days, the group that used the cream had significantly less pain than those who had the placebo. Potters Comfrey Oil | Holland & Barrett Shop our range of Potter's Herbals products at Holland & Barrett, including Potters Comfrey Oil. A review of 26 clinical trials concluded that mild skin reactions were the most common side effects of comfrey creams used in the studies. All rights reserved. The Herbal Academy neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. Comfrey is an herb in the Boraginaceae family and has small purple flowers. 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. Learn more in The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? (2001). In a small study with 30 subjects, lower back pain from exercise was reduced with an ointment containing comfrey. Its ready when the mixture has solidified somewhat and has a cloudy, creamy, and slightly runny consistency. If your healthcare provider recommends it, make sure to use it on intact skin for a small amount of time, and be careful that infants do not ingest it. 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. Instructions. Frost R, Macpherson H, O'meara S. A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.). Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not use comfrey with very young children or during pregnancy or lactation. Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs. 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. Jurcu, R., & Jurcu, I. Therapeutic use of comfrey is limited because of its toxicity. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials, 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, Topical herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis, 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, Treatment with 4Jointz reduces knee pain over 12 weeks of treatment in patients with clinical knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial. Wien Med Wochenschr. Available for Android and iOS devices. Stam, C., Bonnet, M. S., & van Haselen, R. A. Comfrey can also contain echimidine, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), and symphytine, which can damage the liver, are carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and may harm a fetus. Study results revealed that pain intensity during active movement decreased an average of 95.2% in the group given comfrey ointment. When harvesting comfrey or buying from a non-commercial supplier, note that there is variety within the species. (10), 707-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.001. The way that they work is by blocking small blood vessels in the liver. This could change the effects and side effects of comfrey. My family has used comfy for ingrown toenails. Comfrey might harm the liver. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Eliot Park, Nuneaton, CV10 7RH, UK. Thus, it is not advised to ingest herbal preparations of comfrey unless guided by an expert pharmacologist and physician. Beth Thomas, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist and founder of BMT Consulting Services, LLC. Comfrey can kill. Using a combination product makes it challenging to know how much of the beneficial effect came from comfrey alone. Which part of the comfrey plant has the lowest level of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)? Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 83, 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.11.015. This comfrey cream recipe works great for local areas that have mild bruising or soft tissue pain. 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. Drug-induced liver injury. You and your healthcare provider should weigh the pros and cons and use it only under their supervision. 2007;57(11):712-716. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. View abstract. 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? 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. J Pharmacopuncture 2021;24(4):196-205. 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. Staiger C. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials. 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. Comfrey shouldn't be used in any form during pregnancy or nursing due to the risk of liver damage to infants.