comfrey cream holland and barrett comfrey cream holland and barrett

In some cases, ointments with comfrey have caused redness, itching, and a rash (Smith, 2011). Efficacy of a comfrey root extract ointment in comparison to a Diclo-fenac gel in the treatment of ankle distortions: Results of an observer-blind, randomized, multicenter study. Giannetti, B. M., Staiger, C., Bulitta, M., & Predel, H. G. (2010). Using a combination product makes it challenging to know how much of the beneficial effect came from comfrey alone. 2021;83:e249209. The Herbal Academy supports trusted organizations with the use of affiliate links. Comfrey cream, an topical herbal product, is thought to reduce inflammation and pain when applied to the skin. Hepatology. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 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. Comfrey cream combines ingredients like oils or water and glyceryl stearate with Symphytum officinale (comfrey) extracts. Kucera, M., Kalal, J., and Polesna, Z. View abstract. 1/8 cup comfrey tincture (Symphytum officinale), store bought or via recipe, above. 2010;73(2):97-100. All rights reserved. Jurcu, R., & Jurcu, I. Food and Drug Administration. Centurian, South Africa: Medpharm Scientific Publishers. (2004). BMJ Case Rep. 2016. Choose organically grown comfrey when possible. Although not all side effects are known, comfrey is thought to be possibly safe when applied to unbroken skin for less than 10 days. View abstract. This site uses cookies to improve your experience. Preclinical studies suggest that oral comfrey has antiproliferative effects , and a topical formulation showed wound healing properties . This comfrey cream recipe works great for local areas that have mild bruising or soft tissue pain. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments. Sometimes, massaging on topical ointments can help reduce pain and inflammation. It's typically only used in small amounts for a very short period. The comfrey plant, Symphytum officinale, gets its name from the Latin confervere, meaning to grow together. Bergamot oil is one of the most popular essential oils, but what is it & what are the benefits of using it? A few studies show that comfrey cream may be helpful in the treatment of ankle sprains. Most comfrey oils keep for around 2 years after production. When the root is boiled in water, it forms a sticky, glue-like paste. Whether youre familiar with it or not, this unusual herbal remedy is definitely worth knowing more about. The FDA has recommended that all comfrey products that are taken by mouth be removed from the market. Molecules. 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! *PR sample. Knee pain and stiffness can be a stubborn concern that keeps many from doing activities they enjoy. Healthy adults: massage about 1 teaspoon of cream into a local area up to 4x/day for up to 2 weeks. In 2001, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned oral comfrey products. Toe was infected and painful. 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. View abstract. Comfrey may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide. Other uses not proven with research have included skin wounds, skin ulcers, cough, sore throat, gum disease, joint pain, diarrhea, and other conditions. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a plant with yellow or purple flowers found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. J Chin Med.Assoc. Staiger C. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials. (2013). This could change the effects and side effects of comfrey. View abstract. cup organic safflower oil In a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 142 ankle sprain participants, a comfrey root extract applied 4x/day for 8 days improved pain, swelling, and mobility without any adverse reactions (Koll et al., 2004). Fitoterapia. Simply massage into the skin as required. Cap, then label the jars with the date made and ingredients. This site uses cookies to improve your experience. 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. 12 drops juniper berry (Juniperus communis) essential oil Br.J Sports Med. In another study, participants with ankle sprains received either comfrey root extract cream or diclofenac gel, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Homeopathy. randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multi-clinical trial. (21), 498-507. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10354-004-0114-8, Natural Medicines (2020). Make sure to always buy comfrey (Symphytum officianale) root and leaf from a trusted source. This leads to cirrhosis and eventually liver failure. Join rewards for life today and we'll give you 300 points worth 3.00. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.). 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. 2004;11(6):470-477. 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. Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis. Would you like to win our brilliant Botanical Business Package with nearly $1,000 in prizes? The first European settlers of America considered comfrey so indispensable, they carried it on their journey across the Atlantic in the 1600s.2. Public Health Nutr 2000;3:501-8. cup organic, unrefined cocoa butter Other prescription medicines that may harm the liver include: Some supplements may also harm the liver, including: It is essential to carefully read a supplement's ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Version: 5.01. Experts suggest not using comfrey cream for longer than ten days in a row. Comfrey is a flowering shrub that grows in Europe, Asia and, now, North America. 2013;163(3-4):58-64. An ankle sprain can come out of nowhere and cause a lot of pain, limitations, and regret until it is healed. Save the remaining liquid alcohol portion. Newer Post Older . 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. Add comfy to Vaseline . You can purchase the Comfrey Ointment at Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury's or Holland & Barrett. Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98. With extract of Comfrey. Kucera, A., Barna, M., Holcova, S., Horacek, O., Hladikov, M., & Ottillinger, B. After eight days, the group that used the cream had significantly less pain than those who had the placebo. Gyorik, S. and Stricker, H. Severe pulmonary hypertension possibly due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids in polyphytotherapy. At least three human studies found that the topical use of a cream containing comfrey root extract may safely help with pain, swelling, and mobility symptoms associated with an ankle sprain. Eucalyptus oil is used externally to stimulate blood flow. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. 2017;65(1):363-373. doi:10.1002/hep.28813. Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know. Thus, it is not advised to ingest herbal preparations of comfrey unless guided by an expert pharmacologist and physician. (2018). 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. Topically, comfrey root and leaf extracts have been traditionally used for bruises, sore muscles and joints, sprains, mild wounds, and gout (Natural Medicines, 2020). However, further well-designed studies are needed. Barna, M., Kucera, A., Hladikova, M., and Kucera, M. Randomized double-blind study: wound-healing effects of a Symphytum herb extract cream (Symphytumxuplandicum Nyman) in children. (2018). Call your doctor for medical advice about . For topical comfrey cream, look for products labeled as free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Please simply create an account before buying/booking any courses. Barthomeuf, C. M., Debiton, E., Barbakadze, V. V., and Kemertelidze, E. P. Evaluation of the dietetic and therapeutic potential of a high molecular weight hydroxycinnamate-derived polymer from Symphytum asperum Lepech. Supplements marketed for body-building (ex.. Taking comfrey along with a medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., & Staiger, C. (2004). Satisfaction. Heard about essential oils but not quite sure about what they can do for you? Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. Symphytum officinale L, S. asperum Lepechin, S. tuberosum L, Symphytum x uplandicum Nyman. Label with the ingredients and date made. Here's 10 things essential oils are great for. Stickel F, Seitz HK. Vithayathil MK, Edwards M. Comfrey herbal remedy causing second-degree heart block: do not be outfoxed by digitalis. Koll R, Klingenburg S. [Therapeutic characteristance and tolerance of topical comfrey preparations. Comfrey has also been used for the following conditions: There is currently not enough evidence to recommend comfrey cream for any of these uses. Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements. Comfrey root extracts have been used by herbalists and in folk traditions for centuries to soothe aches and pains. Definitely do not use during pregnancy or nursing, with infants, and if you have liver or kidney disease. Turley, A. J. and Muir, D. F. ECG for physicians: a potentially fatal case of mistaken identity. Regarding its antioxidant, antilipoperoxidant, antiinflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. 2017;83:1-4. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use. Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. Avila C, Breakspear I, Hawrelak J, Salmond S, Evans S. A systematic review and quality assessment of case reports of adverse events for borage (Borago officinalis), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Influence of moderate physical exertion on subacute low back pain, after Symphytum officinale ointment treatment. More research is needed. 2012;101(4):211-216. Available at: https://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/dspltr06.html. Select a condition to view a list of vitamins. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010538, Smith DB, Jacobson BH. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. Like any new treatment, discontinue use if any irritation occurs. 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! FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46. Scientific studies have shown comfrey oil can help reduce the likelihood leg ulcers will become infected.7, Topical application of comfrey oil has been shown to support the lower and upper back more than methyl nicotinate, the main ingredient in many muscle creams.8. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. . 2007;14(1):2-10. Join Rewards for Life today and we'll give you 300 points worth 3, Save 5% on your favourite products, plus get the lowest price from the last 90 days and free delivery on orders over 10. These side effects may be common or severe. Aust.Fam.Physician 2008;37(4):235-236. 4-4-2009;139(13-14):210-211. The Herbal Academy neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. Symphyti) bei Sprunggelenks-distorsionen. 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! Glass bowl with a lid Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. View abstract. Potters Herbal Comfrey Oil is a soothing aromatic herbal massage oil. Available for Android and iOS devices. After the consistency begins to thicken, turn the mixer up a little bit. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 220 patients with knee osteoarthritis used either a commercial topical comfrey root extract or a placebo. Ulbricht, C. (2010). In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. 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. Set aside cup for the cream recipe and store the rest in a glass jar. 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. View abstract. 1 Since at least the 4 th century, people have used comfrey medicinally. 2004;154(21-22):498-507. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. It should never be taken by mouth. Acupuncture has also shown solid evidence of benefit for back pain. Please read the Topical Use Safety section of this article (above) before using. When the root is boiled in water, it forms a sticky, glue-like paste. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. A later study of 133 peoplefound some evidence that a topical combination of comfrey extract and tannic acid led to reduced knee pain. The Effect of Comfrey on Enoxaparin-Induced Bruise in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Randomised Clinical Trial. Double boiler All rights reserved. Comfrey oil is a herbal oil that moisturises skin, and that's been used as a healing herb for a long time. Comfrey has been claimed to heal gastric ulcers and hemorrhoids, and to suppress bronchial congestion and inflammation. Efficacy of a comfrey root extract ointment in comparison to a Diclo-fenac gel in the treatment of ankle distortions: Results of an observer-blind, randomized, multicenter study. Browse our Sports Hub, Get 20% student discount with Student Beans, Discover the latest natural beauty products. What Are the Side Effects of Comfrey Cream? 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. These include allantoin, rosmarinic acid, and others. Wien.Med Wochenschr. Make sure to always buy comfrey. (Grube et al., 2007). We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. This article discusses the uses and benefits of comfrey cream. 2014;20(4):347-55. The ointment has a very mild herbal fragrance and is soothing on application. Combination of comfrey root extract plus methyl nicotinate in patients with conditions of acute upper or low back pain: a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Safety Alerts & Advisories: FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. Company number 02758955 Registered VAT number 211727395. Comfrey is avoided on cuts or puncture wounds for this reason. Comfrey contains chemicals that cause serious liver damage when taken by mouth. Centurian, South Africa: Medpharm Scientific Publishers. 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. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. View abstract. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Therapeutic use of comfrey is limited because of its toxicity. Topical preparations of comfrey are generally safe provided they are not applied excessively or to an open wound. The cream was applied to the local lumbar area 4x during the day of the exercise, with the first application being pre-exercise (Jurcau & Jurcau, 2013). Two interesting studies found that a topical application of a product containing comfrey root extract helped with knee pain and stiffness. J Ethnopharmacol 1995;48(2):61-76. , 43 volunteers with osteoarthritis used either a topical cream containing comfrey, tannic acid, and eucalyptus or a placebo cream 3x/ day for 6 weeks. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions before use. Phytomedicine, 12(10), 707-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.001, Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). Discard after a year or according to labeling. 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. Copyright Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2022. Phytother Res. View abstract. In a small study with 30 subjects, lower back pain from exercise was reduced with an ointment containing comfrey. Registered VAT no. Recent studies have suggested topical benefits, but more research is needed. Consult your healthcare provider before using. Efficacy and safety of topically applied Symphytum herb extract cream in the treatment of ankle distortion: Results of a randomized controlled clinical double-blind study. Yield: Approximately 5 cups of whipped lotion. Comfrey cream may help treat knee osteoarthritis, according to a Cochrane review of topical herbal therapies. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 8, 2023. A handbook for practice on a scientific basis. , meaning to grow together. View abstract. The way that they work is by blocking small blood vessels in the liver. 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. Tunon, H., Olavsdotter, C., and Bohlin, L. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of some Swedish medicinal plants. Hybrids and other species may have a similar appearance but could have significantly different amounts of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Kucera et al., 2018). (2013). These third-party organizations test products to ensure they were manufactured safely and contain the ingredients indicated on the labeling without contaminants. Poisons Legislation Circular 3-22-1993;60. 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. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. This is because only a small amount of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids are absorbed through the skin (Jedlinszki et al., 2017). Whenselecting a brand of supplements, look for products certified by Consumer Labs, the U.S.Pharmacopeia, or NSF. The review included one study of 220 people with knee osteoarthritis, a degenerative "wear-and-tear" joint condition. Don't use comfrey products if you have or are at risk of having liver disease, cancer, or are taking any medication that affects the liver since it may increase the risk of liver toxicity. Safety Alerts & Advisories: FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. The warm weather has a way of encouraging us to get outside and move our bodies more. Additionally, there is scientific research demonstrating comfreys effectiveness at soothing muscle and joint pain, some of which are highlighted in this post. The ankle swelling decreased by 79.5% in the comfrey root group and 69.4% in the diclofenac group. Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). 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. The Pharmaceutical Journal, PJ, December 2007. 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. Comfrey contains chemicals called. Adv.Ther 2000;17(4):204-210. Browse our Sports Hub, Get 20% student discount with Student Beans, Discover the latest natural beauty products, Buy 1 get 1 Half Price on Vitamins & Supplements, Popular Vitamins & Supplements Subscriptions, Buy 1 get 1 Half Price gut health supplements, Guide to sleeping better natural sleeping remedies, Living in the now, gut health & mental wellbeing, The thing that makes you different makes you special, For the symptomatic relief of minor sprains and bruises, Contains Comfrey which is known for its healing properties. Comfrey flowers are bell-shaped and purple, pink, or pale yellow in color, and it has a dark taproot. Swiss.Med.Wkly. And topical capsaicin cream may help to relieve pain temporarily. comfrey cream holland and barrett. Comfrey contains toxic substances that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. Lewis, C. J. FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. Herbal medicine for low back pain: A Cochrane review. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 161 patients having acute lower back pain. Those who used the comfrey ointment experienced improvements in pain, mobility, and quality of life. Comfrey oil shouldnt be used for cooking, like other types of cooking oil. Cover, but leave a small air opening. Documented adverse effects (the pyrrolizidine alkaloids, have substantial risk of causing fatal liver damage and can cause abortion). To use on established plants, dilute 1 part comfrey fertilizer in 15 parts water. 2011;10(3):147-56. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003, Laslett LL, Quinn SJ, Darian-Smith E, et al. 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. Symphytum officinale), store bought or via recipe, above. It also came as a reference to the belief that comfrey can mend broken bones. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-007-0474-y. Mazzocchi, A. and Montanaro, F. Observational study of the use of Symphytum 5CH in the management of pain and swelling after dental implant surgery. Comfrey is not recommended for internal use because of the liver damage caused by its pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Further study is needed to confirm these results. Tanret, I. and Duh, D. [Pharmaceutical sheet. The plant has a long history in folk and ancient herbal treatments before comfrey is . Phytomedicine 2005;12(10):707-714. Researchers have found it does seem to reduce pain in some conditions, including back pain, osteoarthritis, and ankle sprains. No comments. If you're considering using the cream, consult your healthcare provider first. In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. Comfrey [Online article]. Avoid comfrey with certain medical conditions, such as liver disease. Comfrey is an herb in the Boraginaceae family and has small purple flowers. Healthy adults: massage about 1 teaspoon of cream into a local area up to 4x/day for up to 2 weeks. The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? 2013;27(6):811-7. Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with comfrey does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product. One group used a cream with comfrey root fluid extract on the ankle while the others received a placebo. Efficacy and safety of topically applied Symphytum herb extract cream in the treatment of ankle distortion: Results of a randomized controlled clinical double-blind study. The study involved 43 patients with knee osteoarthritis and a six-week treatment period. Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. Some people ingest comfrey roots or leaves or use them in teas. Ingesting cooking oil has been banned by the European Union, due to a high risk of liver toxicity.9, Adults with liver disease, cancer, or a history of alcoholism are also advised to avoid comfrey because the skin can also absorb the liver-damaging compounds. Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH.