4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (225) $19.95 $ 19. Wound-healing effects of a symphytum herb extract cream (Symphytum uplandicum Nyman) in children: A randomized double-blind study. View abstract. Comfrey cream, an topical herbal product, is thought to reduce inflammation and pain when applied to the skin. 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]. In 2001, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned oral comfrey products. 2017;83:1-4. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport. View abstract. Topical preparations of comfrey are generally safe provided they are not applied excessively or to an open wound. Comfrey Cream Recipe for Achy Joints and Muscles - Herbal Academy International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, (4), 135-141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpam.2018.11.002. of India and by a State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority constituted by Government of India on the recommendations made . Comfrey has been used medicinally for at least 2000 years for various conditions, including bone fractures, ulcers, and gout. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. 2004;11(6):470-477. Knit bone, Eucalyptus, Rapeseed Oil, BHA. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. As the consistency thickens some more, turn the mixer up a little bit more. (2013). What are the benefits of using it? Comfrey has long been used in folk traditions for bruising and abrasions. Discard after a year or according to labeling. Comfrey shouldn't be used in any form during pregnancy or nursing due to the risk of liver damage to infants. Arzneimittelforschung. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. Supplements marketed for body-building (ex.. 2012;20(11):1209-1216. Those who used the comfrey ointment experienced improvements in pain, mobility, and quality of life. 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. 2013;163(3-4):58-64. What Are the Side Effects of Comfrey Cream? Comfrey is a shrub that grows in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. Comfrey might harm the liver. 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. Apply a small amount (not to exceed a teaspoon) topically 2-3x/day for up to 2 weeks. Bagheri Z, Azizi A, Oshvandi K, Mohammadi Y, Larki-Harchegani A. Lewis, C. J. FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. In a small study with 30 subjects, lower back pain from exercise was reduced with an ointment containing comfrey. What Happens If I Use Too Much Comfrey Cream? Comfrey: Soothes Muscles & Joints + Helps Relieve Pain - Dr. Axe Phytother.Res 2012;26(10):1441-1448. Wang YP, Yan J, Fu PP, Chou MW. Be sure to choose organic carrier oils and essential oils when possible. Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. The efficacy and safety of comfrey. Phytomedicine. A member of the borage family, comfrey root, leaves, and stems have an obvious coat of bristly hair. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. comfrey cream holland and barrett - omnigrace.org.tw This is memorable if you have worked with it, and some use this quality to remember comfreys centuries-long useapplying comfrey over bones, bruises, sprains, and minor wounds with the intention to support mending! View abstract. Comfrey may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide. 211727395. Braz J Biol. Phytomedicine, 12(10), 707-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.001, Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). Registered in England: company no. Staiger C. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials. 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. And topical capsaicin cream may help to relieve pain temporarily. 12 drops peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Comfrey is avoided on cuts or puncture wounds for this reason. Heat oil in double boiler gently then add beeswax until it melts. View abstract. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Many of those following the folk use of comfrey up to present-day think so. comfrey cream holland and barrett - daxasys.com Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. Phytother Res. COMFREY Reviews and User Ratings: Effectiveness, Ease of Use - WebMD 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. You should never ingest comfrey by mouth. We go to great efforts to ensure that the information on this page is accurate at the time that the page was last edited. Safety Alerts & Advisories: FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. (2004). Comfrey also is known as Russian comfrey, knitbone, radix consolidate, bruisewort, blackwort, and slippery root. 2013;5(5):CD010538. Combination of comfrey root extract plus methyl nicotinate in patients with conditions of acute upper or low back pain: a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Z Phytotherapie 2000;21:127-134. Barna, M., Kucera, A., Hladikova, M., & Kucera, M. (2012). This is not recommended due to the presence of chemicals that can cause organ damage and cancer. J Pharm.Belg. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose. (2018). Adv Ther 2005;22(6):681-692. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. The use of babosa (Aloe vera) in treating burns: a literature review. Metabolism, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity of comfrey. Jurcu, R., & Jurcu, I. It should never be taken by mouth. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Do not use comfrey with very young children or during pregnancy or lactation. Lorem ipsum dolor sit nulla or narjusto laoreet onse ctetur adipisci. Available for Android and iOS devices. These side effects may be common or severe. Wien Med Wochenschr. Scoop the finished comfrey cream into sanitized glass jars. It produces clusters of purple, blue, and white flowers, and it's famous for its long . Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Additionally, there is scientific research demonstrating comfreys effectiveness at soothing muscle and joint pain, some of which are highlighted in this post. Complement Ther Med. Pyrrolizidine poisoning. Of course, more research is needed to validate efficacy and safety. Stam, C., Bonnet, M. S., & van Haselen, R. A. Latest: Senior Software Engineer - Front End Senior Software Engineer Senior Product Manager - Basket, Checkout and Payments UX Designer - Instore Tech. Three clinical studies have provided evidence that ointments containing comfrey root have helped reduce back pain. Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. J Chiropr Med. CLICK HERE TO ENTER! This includes androstenedione, bishop's weed, borage, chaparral, comfrey, DHEA, echinacea, garlic, germander, golden ragwort, hound's tongue, kava, licorice, niacin (vitamin B3), pennyroyal oil, red yeast, St. John's wort, and others. (2001). Comfrey is not recommended for children under three years old, as it's not been studied in that population. Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. (2013). Am J Med 1990;89:547-8. 2012;62(6):285-289. Taking comfrey along with a medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-007-0474-y. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. 2012;26(10):14411448. Healthy adults: massage about 1 teaspoon of cream into a local area up to 4x/day for up to 2 weeks. Other alternative therapies may help to ease the pain. Comfrey. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Do not use this product if you have a sensitivity to any of the ingredients. Comfrey is a flowering shrub that grows in Europe, Asia and, now, North America. 2019;24(12):2272. doi:10.3390/molecules24122272, Staiger, Christine. Phytomedicine, 14(1), 2-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2006.11.006, Jedlinszki, N., Balzs, B., Csnyi, E., & Csupor, D. (2017). Ask your doctor if you have any questions. View abstract. Herb & Supplement Guide. Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. Smith DB, Jacobson BH. Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements. Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with over twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. 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. View abstract. J Agric.Food Chem 2001;49(8):3942-3946. 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. This perennial can grow up to 4-feet tall. Cap, then label the jars with the date made and ingredients. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. View abstract. View abstract. Find out how to use it here along with its benefits. cbd cream holland and barrett for pain relief In another study, participants with ankle sprains received either comfrey root extract cream or diclofenac gel, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Copyright Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2022. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. What is niacinamide? 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. Healthy adults: massage about 1 teaspoon of cream into a local area up to 4x/day for up to 2 weeks. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46. In a randomized multicenter study with 164 ankle sprain patients, swelling and pain were improved more successfully using a comfrey root extract compared to a diclofenac gel (Predel et al., 2005). View abstract. Here's 10 things essential oils are great for. It contains chemicals that are poisonous. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a plant with yellow or purple flowers found in Europe, Asia, and North America. cup organic sunflower oil 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. Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. Arzneimittelforschung. These include allantoin, rosmarinic acid, and others. Comfrey is a perennial herb found in moist grasslands in western Asia as well as in North America. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a plant with yellow or purple flowers found in Europe, Asia, and North America. 2017;65(1):363-373. doi:10.1002/hep.28813. To make this recipe, first, you must prepare the comfrey root tincture. Some drugs increase how quickly the liver changes and breaks down comfrey. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide. Herbal medicine for low back pain: A Cochrane review, Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know, Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (blockage of veins in the liver). , 43 volunteers with osteoarthritis used either a topical cream containing comfrey, tannic acid, and eucalyptus or a placebo cream 3x/ day for 6 weeks. Huxtable RJ, Awang DV. Comfrey cream may help treat knee osteoarthritis, according to a Cochrane review of topical herbal therapies. 2016 Jan;41(2):116-33. doi:10.1097/01.brs.0000249525.70011.fe. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., & Staiger, C. (2004). The ankle swelling decreased by 79.5% in the comfrey root group and 69.4% in the diclofenac group. (Grube et al., 2007). It also covers side effects, interactions, and what to look for. It's typically only used in small amounts for a very short period. Fortschr Med Orig 2002;120:1-9. Comfrey ( Symphytum officinale) is an attractive ornamental plant used in gardening and medicine. Using a supplement like comfrey may have potential side effects. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. 2007;14(1):2-10. Symphytum species: A comprehensive review on chemical composition, food applications and phytopharmacology. The FDA has recommended that all comfrey products that are taken by mouth be removed from the market. Rad. View abstract. Avoid with medications that induce CYP3A4 or are hepatotoxic (Natural Medicines, 2020). 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. Retrieved from, https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=295. Soaked foot in warm water with a few leaves of comfry. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Recent studies have suggested topical benefits, but more research is needed. Food and Drug Administration. Choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLabs, or NSF when possible. Yield: Approximately 5 cups of whipped lotion. The herbal topical cream was prepared at two different strengths, as an additional measure of efficacy. Information offered on Herbal Academy websites is for educational purposes only. *PR sample. 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 . Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: Results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98. However, not a rate considered harmful for those with healthy livers.10,11, Masters Degree in Toxicology and BSc Hons in Medical Biochemistry. In some cases, ointments with comfrey have caused redness, itching, and a rash (Smith, 2011). 2013;21(6):724-45. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. More research is needed. #HBTechCareers. Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. We currently have no information for COMFREY overview. To make the cream, combine sunflower oil, safflower oil, coconut oil, and cocoa butter in a double-boiler over low heat until completely melted. The Herbal Academy makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. HTB; 2021 2; Youtube; Twitter; Facebook; ; Navarro VJ, Khan I, Bjrnsson E, Seeff LB, Serrano J, Hoofnagle JH. 2011;10(3):147-56. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003, Laslett LL, Quinn SJ, Darian-Smith E, et al. Generic name: comfrey [COM-free] Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs. Phytother Res. Symphyti) bei Sprunggelenks-distorsionen. Bergamot oil is one of the most popular essential oils, but what is it & what are the benefits of using it? Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Comfrey contains toxic substances that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. The leaves and stems of comfrey contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause toxic damage if ingested in excess (Ulbricht, 2010). 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! Copyright Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2022. Complementary Health Approaches for Chronic Pain: What the Science Says. J Chiropr Med. Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with comfrey does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product. (2004). July 6, 2001. byBhupesh Panchal, Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate, Comfrey oil is a herbal oil that moisturises skin, and thats been used as a healing herb for a long time.1, Since at least the 4th century, people have used comfrey medicinally. Label with the ingredients and date made. Pour into bowl /jug big enough for all ingredients and safe for the mixer. Some recent human studies have demonstrated that extracts may help with ankle sprains, knee pain and stiffness, backaches, and mild skin abrasions. Discontinue use if a rash appears. When the root is boiled in water, it forms a sticky, glue-like paste. In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 161 patients having acute lower back pain. Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and to check in about any potential interactions with other supplements or medications. 2012;20(11):1209-16. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2012.07.019, Zago LR, Prado K, Benedito VL, Pereira MM. For this reason, some topical products are advertised as made from comfrey leaves, but it's safest to choose a PA-free product. Browse our Sports Hub, Get 20% student discount with Student Beans, Discover the latest natural beauty products. Grube, B., Grunwald, J., Krug, L., and Staiger, C. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. Using a combination product makes it challenging to know how much of the beneficial effect came from comfrey alone. Electric bowl mixer (like a KitchenAid) or a blender, Small glass jars with lids for sharing (optional). (10), 707-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.001. 2014;20(4):347-55. Make sure to always buy comfrey (Symphytum officianale) root and leaf from a trusted source. Please read the Topical Use Safety section of this article (above) before using. Comfrey Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. It should only be used in small amounts for short periods as a cream. Commercial comfrey sale and distribution is restricted in Germany and Canada because of its substantial toxicity. Natural Standard. Mix for about 10 minutes, until nice and whipped. ). The chemicals contained in comfrey may cause birth defects. This could change the effects and side effects of comfrey. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. This site uses cookies to improve your experience. Comfrey has been cultivated as a green vegetable and has been used as an herbal medicine for more than 2,000 years. BMJ Case Rep. 2016. An Evidence-Based Reference. This is because only a small amount of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids are absorbed through the skin (Jedlinszki et al., 2017). (2018). It contains chemicals that are poisonous. In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. 2013;21(6):724-745. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2013.09.009. She is passionate about providing evidence-based recommendations that make health decisions easier and improve lives. Comfrey Cream: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage - Verywell Health Heard about essential oils but not quite sure about what they can do for you? Affiliate links are shared throughout the website and the Herbal Academy may receive compensation if you make a purchase with these links. Add cup of the comfrey tincture and all essential oils to the cooled oil/butter mixture. Wichtl, M. (2004). It may contain small amounts of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. My family has used comfy for ingrown toenails. Vithayathil MK, Edwards M. Comfrey herbal remedy causing second-degree heart block: do not be outfoxed by digitalis. 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. Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: Results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Patients with hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to the plant should also avoid external use. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The Effect of Comfrey on Enoxaparin-Induced Bruise in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Randomised Clinical Trial. The way that they work is by blocking small blood vessels in the liver. Can quickly relieve muscle and joint pain. Do not use extra comfrey to make up the missed dose. Spine(Phila Pa 1976). Be sure to use comfrey root from a reputable source that has properly identified the species. 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. Our Two Pennies Worth. 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. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Beth Thomas, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist and founder of BMT Consulting Services, LLC. Learn more in. 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. Knee pain and stiffness can be a stubborn concern that keeps many from doing activities they enjoy. With extract of Comfrey. Osteoarthritis.Cartilage. It is easily absorbed to leave your skin feeling fresh, soft and radiant. The study involved 43 patients with knee osteoarthritis and a six-week treatment period. (2001). 2020;142:104519. Topically, comfrey root and leaf extracts have been traditionally used for bruises, sore muscles and joints, sprains, mild wounds, and gout (Natural Medicines, 2020). View abstract. Therapeutic use of comfrey is limited because of its toxicity. Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. Its ready when the mixture has solidified somewhat and has a cloudy, creamy, and slightly runny consistency. View abstract. 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). 2010;13(7-8):509-526. doi:10.1080/10937404.2010.509013, Staiger C. Comfrey: A clinical overview. 2004;154(21-22):498-507. Laslett, L. L., Quinn, S. J., Darian-Smith, E., Kwok, M., Fedorova, T., Korner, H., Steels, E., March, L., and Jones, G. Treatment with 4Jointz reduces knee pain over 12 weeks of treatment in patients with clinical knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial. A few studies show that comfrey cream may be helpful in the treatment of ankle sprains. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. A handbook for practice on a scientific basis. International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 5(4), 135-141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpam.2018.11.002, Kuera, M., Barna, M., Horek, O., Kovrikov, J., & Kuera, A. 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. What alternatives to comfrey cream are there for back pain? Potters Comfrey Oil | Holland & Barrett Shop our range of Potter's Herbals products at Holland & Barrett, including Potters Comfrey Oil. Comfrey oil is a herbal oil that moisturises skin, and that's been used as a healing herb for a long time. about an hour two nites. Comfrey [Online article]. Select a condition to view a list of vitamins. Comfrey is traditionally used for the symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises and is also known for its healing properties. Comfrey is a fast-growing plant whose leaves and roots have been used historically for wound healing and other conditions. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 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). 2010;73(2):97-100. Predel, H. G., Giannetti, B., Koll, R., Bulitta, M., & Staiger, C. (2005). 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). It can grow up to 5 feet tall. Researchers have investigated the effects of comfrey cream on several health conditions. View abstract. Public Health Nutr 2000;3:501-8. Since these toxic substances can be absorbed through the skin, there's concern about the safety of comfrey cream applied topically. CBD oils being bought in high street stores such as Boots and Holland & Barrett are weak, low quality and don't provide the actual therapeutic advantages. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 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). However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesn't mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. 2010;44(9):637-641. Store comfrey cream according to package instructions, typically at room temperature and out of reach of children and pets. Available at: https://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/dspltr06.html. Comfrey cream contains several active components (substances). Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., & Staiger, C. (2004). 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. Learn more in The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. View abstract. Brassica Campest is Seed Oil (Rapeseed Oil), Symphytum Officinale Herb (Comfrey Herb), BHA, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil (Eucalyptus Oil). Skin patch test before use, especially if you have sensitive skin, and never use on a deep wound. Pabst H, Schaefer A, Staiger C, Junker-samek M, Predel HG. Registered VAT no. Comfrey is an herb in the Boraginaceae family and has small purple flowers. 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. However, comfrey can also contain toxic substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. The following applications have been used in research: Using large amounts of comfrey cream or using it for extended periods of time increases the risk of side effects like liver toxicity.