Comfrey
Uses
Parts Used & Where Grown
The leaf and root of comfrey have been employed medicinally for centuries. Originally from Europe and western Asia, it is now also grown in North America.
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3 StarsReliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 StarsContradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Why |
|---|---|
2 Stars Sprains and Strains Apply an ointment containing 35% herbal extract | Comfrey is widely used in traditional medicine as a topical application to help heal wounds. is also widely used in traditional medicine as a topical application to help heal wounds. In a study of people with acute ankle sprains, topical application of an ointment four times a day containing a comfrey extract was at least as effective as, and possibly more effective than, a topically applied anti-inflammatory drug (diclofenac). The comfrey ointment was a proprietary product that contained 35% comfrey extract. |
1 Star Breast-Feeding Support Refer to label instructions | Comfrey is a soothing herb that can relieve sore nipples. Experts recommend moistening the herb with boiling water, wrapping it in gauze, and applying to the breasts. For sore nipples, some healthcare practitioners may recommend a warm, moist poultice of herbs with demulcent (soothing) properties. Demulcents are traditionally used to aid healing and soothe any irritated tissue. Examples of herbs traditionally used as demulcents to relieve sore nipples are marigold (Calendula officinalis), (Symphytum officinalis), and chickweed(Stellaria media). To prepare a poultice, the dried herbs are moistened with boiling water and wrapped within two layers of gauze. The poultice is then applied to the breasts. Application of a hot water bottle over the poultice will keep the poultice warm longer. Any residue should be washed from the breast before the baby breast-feeds. Individuals wishing to use herbs during breast-feeding should do so only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner. |
1 Star Broken Bones Refer to label instructions | Comfrey has a long history of use as a topical agent for treating wounds, and was used by herbalists to promote more rapid repair of broken bones. Comfrey has a long history of use as a topical agent for treating wounds, skin ulcers, thrombophlebitis, bruises, and sprains and strains. Comfrey was used by herbalists to promote more rapid repair of broken bones, hence the common names boneset and knitbone. |
1 Star Bruising Refer to label instructions | Comfrey is widely used in traditional medicine as a topical application to help heal wounds and may be beneficial for bruises. is also widely used in traditional medicine as a topical application to help heal wounds. |
1 Star Conjunctivitis and Blepharitis Refer to label instructions | Comfrey has been traditionally used to treat eye inflammation. Several herbs have been traditionally used to treat eye inflammation. Examples include calendula, eyebright, chamomile, and . None of these herbs has been studied for use in conjunctivitis or blepharitis. As any preparation placed on the eye must be kept sterile, topical use of these herbs in the eyes should only be done under the supervision of an experienced healthcare professional. |
1 Star Cough Refer to label instructions | Comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the roots) has a long history of use for relieving coughs. The mucilage of slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include bloodroot, catnip, (the above-ground parts, not the root), horehound, elecampane, mullein, lobelia, hyssop, licorice, mallow, (Malvia sylvestris),red clover, ivy leaf, pennyroyal(Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium),onion, (Allium cepa), and plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown. |
1 Star Peptic Ulcer Refer to label instructions | Comfrey has history of traditional use for treating gastrointestinal problems, including stomach ulcers. has a long tradition of use as a topical agent for improving healing of wounds and skin ulcers. It is also used for people with gastrointestinal problems, including stomach ulcers, though these traditional uses have yet to be tested in scientific studies. People should only use comfrey preparations made from the leaves and avoid those made from the root. |
1 Star Skin Ulcers Refer to label instructions | Comfrey has a long history of use as a topical agent for treating wounds, skin ulcers, thrombophlebitis, bruises, and sprains and strains. Comfrey has a long history of use as a topical agent for treating wounds, skin ulcers, thrombophlebitis, bruises, and sprains and strains. |
1 Star Wound Healing Refer to label instructions | Comfrey has anti-inflammatory properties that may decrease bruising and help heal wounds when the herb is applied topically. has anti-inflammatory properties that may decrease bruising when the herb is applied topically. Comfrey is also widely used in traditional medicine as a topical application to help heal wounds.Witch hazel can also be used topically to decrease inflammation and to stop bleeding. Native Americans used poultices of witch hazel leaves and bark to treat wounds, insect bites, and ulcers.Horsetail can be used both internally and topically to decrease inflammation and promote wound healing. |
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
Comfrey has a long history of use as a topical agent for treating wounds, skin ulcers, thrombophlebitis, bruises, and sprains and strains.1, 2 Comfrey was used by herbalists to promote more rapid repair of broken bones, hence the common names boneset and knitbone. Topically, comfrey was also used to treat minor skin irritations and inflammation. It has also been used as a wash or topical application for eye irritations and for treating conjunctivitis. Internally, it was used to treat gastrointestinal problems, such as stomach ulcers, and lung problems.
Active constituents: Mucilage and allantoin are considered the major constituents in comfrey responsible for the herbs soothing and anti-inflammatory actions.3
How It Works
How to Use It
Fresh, peeled root or dried root, approximately 3.5 ounces (100 grams), is simmered in 1 pint (500 ml) of water for ten to fifteen minutes to prepare comfrey for topical use.4 Cloth or gauze is soaked in this liquid, then applied to the skin for at least 15 minutes. Fresh leaves can be ground up lightly and applied directly to the skin. Alternatively, creams or ointments made from root or leaf can be applied. All topical preparations should be applied several times per day.
Due to variations in pyrrolizidine alkaloid content, root preparations are unsafe for internal use unless they are guaranteed pyrrolizidine-free. Although comfrey root tea has been used traditionally, the danger of its pyrrolizidine alkaloids is significant. Therefore, comfrey root and young leaf preparations should not be taken internally.
Interactions
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
Interactions with Medicines
Side Effects
Side Effects
Comfrey contains potentially dangerous compounds known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids. The roots contain higher levels of these compounds and mature leaves contain very little, if any, of these alkaloids.5, 6 Fresh young leaves contain higher amounts (up to 16 times more than mature leaves) and should be avoided.7 Other related forms, such as Russian comfrey (Symphytumuplandicum) and prickly comfrey (S. asperum), are sometimes available or mistakenly sold as regular comfrey but contain higher levels of these alkaloids.8 Several cases of people who developed liver disease or other serious problems from taking capsules or tea of comfrey have been reported over the years.9
Most comfrey products do not list their pyrrolizidine alkaloid content on the label. Therefore, it is best to avoid internal use of products made from comfrey root or young leaves altogether.
References
1. Mills SY. Out of the Earth: The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. New York: Viking Arkana, 1991, 544-7.
2. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum and Beaconsfield, UK: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd., 1988, 334-5.
3. Duke, JA. Handbook of Phytochemical Constituents of GRAS Herbs and Other Economic Plants. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1992.
4. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum and Beaconsfield, UK: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd., 1988, 334-5.
5. Mills SY. Out of the Earth: The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. New York: Viking Arkana, 1991, 544-7.
6. Winship KA. Toxicity of comfrey. Adverse Drug React Toxicol Rev 1991;10:47-59 [review].
7. Foster S. Herbal Renaissance. Salt Lake City: Gibbs-Smith Publisher, 1993, 74-8.
8. Foster S. Herbal Renaissance. Salt Lake City: Gibbs-Smith Publisher, 1993, 74-8.
9. Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal. New York: Haworth Herbal Press, 1999, 121-6.
Last Review: 05-23-2015
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