Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a leafy perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. It is also known by the names blackwort, bruisewort, common comfrey, gum plant, knitbone, and slippery root. Roots, rhizomes and leaves of comfrey are of medicinal uses. The comfrey root contains Mucilage (frutans), Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, Triterpenes, Allantoin, Rosmarinic acid, Tannins. It is vulnerary, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, astringent, and expectorant.
Comfrey is never taken orally as the herb contains dangerous called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are highly toxic to the liver and can cause death. In July 2001, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned all products that have oral administration of comfrey. Comfrey is used only in external application medicine.
Here are Few Medicinal Benefits of Comfrey:
- Traditionally, comfrey has been used to treat wounds and reduce inflammation associated with sprains and broken bones. The phytochemical allantoin is known for its stimulation of cell proliferation and promotes wound healing and tissue regeneration. The tannins and rosmarinic acid are responsible for the anti-inflammatory action of comfrey.
- It was used in treating fractures and hence the name ‘Kitbone’. The pounded root forms a mucilaginous mass, which can be bound around a fracture and which, when dry, holds the bone in place.
- For wounds, bruising, ulceration and dermatological complaints, the leaves or macerated root of comfrey may be applied as a poultice, lotion or decoction.
- Comfrey is considered of benefit in neuralgia and rheumatism, applied externally.
- The root of comfrey is also used internally against coughs and other respiratory problems such as bronchitis and pleurisy. Because of the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the comfrey roots, the internal use of root is not recommended. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are potential carcinogens and hepatotoxins.
- Comfrey should always be used together with an anti-septic, for example Echinacea purpurea, Calendula, or other anti-septic herb.
- A new study, funded by the drug company Merck and published in the ‘British Journal of Sports Medicine’, showed that people with acute back pain who used an ointment containing comfrey root extract had significant reductions in pain, compared to their peers who used a placebo ointment. The researchers note that in previous studies comfrey root extract has been effective in the treatment of ankle sprains and arthritic Knee pain.
Precautions:
- Comfrey contains toxic substances that can cause severe liver damage and possibly even death. For this reason, comfrey and comfrey-containing products should never be taken orally.
- Comfrey contains toxic substances that can be absorbed by the skin, so even topical preparations should be used for only a short time under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.
- Comfrey should never be applied to open wounds or broken skin.
- Do not use comfrey if you have liver disease, alcoholism, or cancer.
- Children, the elderly, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use comfrey products, either orally or topically, under any circumstances.
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