Therapeutic Uses
- Inflammation – Comfrey has been studied for use in musculoskeletal disorders. In one study, people with rheumatism were treated with a pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free ointment for four weeks. Not all subjects experienced improvements and it seemed to depend on the specific diagnosis. Comfrey seemed to work best on muscle pain (myalgia) and not as well on osteoarthritis-associated pain. Pain and functional complaints improved for all, but again the muscle pain group saw more improvement. The benefits were noted within four hours, so comfrey should be applied three times a day.
- Pain – Comfrey is used as a pain reliever. In one study, an extract of comfrey root was applied to the knees of patients with osteoarthritis for three weeks and their pain was significantly reduced during rest and movement. In another study, an ointment was applied to unilateral ankle sprains. The treated group had less swelling and pain, and improved mobility compared to a placebo group.
- Skin Problems and Injuries – Comfrey relieves pain and speeds healing of pus-filled wounds, and accelerates tissue healing in cases of insect bite. It treats skin tags and common, flat, and filiform warts. In addition, comfrey stops reddening and irritation of the skin around wrinkles. Comfrey’s astringent tannins form a protective surface over wounds that promotes healing. This herb contains allantoin, a compound that helps stimulate the growth of new cells. It aids healing through cell proliferation.
Medicinal Uses: * Arthritis * Bruises/sprains * Cuts & Wounds * Eczema * Gastritis/ulcer * Rheumatoid Arthritis * Skin Care * Sore Throat * Sunburns
Comfrey Side Effects: Internal use has become controversial due to the herb’s high content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids; however, the herb has been used by both humans and animals safely for centuries. (Use your own judgement and common sense.) Symphytum asperum, or prickly comfrey, contains more pyrrolizidine alkaloids than common comfrey(Symphytum officinale) and should not be used. The most damaging studies are of the isolated extract symphytine. However, holistic use of the whole herb results in preparations containing much lower levels, if any pyrrolizidine alkaloids. You should not use comfrey internally if you have liver disease or cancer, or if you regularly consume alcohol. Comfrey should not be used on babies or during pregnancy.
Comfrey Leaf Drug Interactions: Do not use comfrey if you are taking antibiotics, prescription medications for yeast infections, fluoxetine (Prozac), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, SangCya), cholesterol-lowering medications, calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure, or steroids in any form. These medications compete for a liver enzyme that is necessary to neutralize any toxic compounds that may be ingested with comfrey.
