comfrey cream holland and barrett
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. It has bell-shaped red-violet or yellowish flowers. Using it no more than four to six weeks a year as a general guideline would be best. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. 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. To use on established plants, dilute 1 part comfrey fertilizer in 15 parts water. J Chiropr Med. 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. Learn more in. 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 . We go to great efforts to ensure that the information on this page is accurate at the time that the page was last edited. It is easily absorbed to leave your skin feeling fresh, soft and radiant. British journal of sports medicine, 44(9), 637-641. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2009.058677, Grube, B., Grnwald, J., Krug, L., & Staiger, C. (2007). A member of the borage family, comfrey root, leaves, and stems have an obvious coat of bristly hair. Add comfy to Vaseline . Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. Comfrey is a flowering shrub that grows in Europe, Asia and, now, North America. A later study of 133 peoplefound some evidence that a topical combination of comfrey extract and tannic acid led to reduced knee pain. Scoop the finished comfrey cream into sanitized glass jars. Phytomedicine, 14(1), 2-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2006.11.006, Jedlinszki, N., Balzs, B., Csnyi, E., & Csupor, D. (2017). Be sure to choose organic carrier oils and essential oils when possible. J Chiropr Med. 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. Comfrey shouldn't be used in any form during pregnancy or nursing due to the risk of liver damage to infants. Comfrey is generally considered unsafe, with numerous toxicological effects in animals and humans. Facebook; Twitter; Pinterest; Related Posts. Symphyti) bei Sprunggelenks-distorsionen. Combination of comfrey root extract plus methyl nicotinate in patients with conditions of acute upper or low back pain: a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Comfrey is a plant also known as Ass Ear, Black Root, Blackwort, Bruisewort, Consolidae Radix, Consound, Consoude, Consuelda, Gum Plant, Healing Herb, Herbe aux Charpentiers, Herbe la Coupure, Knitback, Knitbone, Langue-de-Vache, Oreille d'ne, Salsify, Slippery Root, Symphytum officinale, or Wallwort. 2 cups organic, unrefined coconut oil 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. Complement Ther Med. Herb & Supplement Guide. Cbd Oil In Holland And Barrett. Comfrey contains chemicals called. . Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. Retrieved from https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=295, Predel, H. G., Giannetti, B., Koll, R., Bulitta, M., & Staiger, C. (2005). Those who used the comfrey ointment experienced improvements in pain, mobility, and quality of life. Follow all directions on the product label and package. HOLLAND & BARRETT PRO VITAMIN E DAY CREAM 50ML This Vitamin E day cream works with your skin daily to hydrate and protect your skin. Mazzocchi, A. and Montanaro, F. Observational study of the use of Symphytum 5CH in the management of pain and swelling after dental implant surgery. Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know. 2013;21(6):724-45. 2007;57(11):712-716. Researchers have found it does seem to reduce pain in some conditions, including back pain, osteoarthritis, and ankle sprains. Two interesting studies found that a topical application of a product containing comfrey root extract helped with knee pain and stiffness. Mosby Elsevier. Comfrey cream contains several active components (substances). The review included one study of 220 people with knee osteoarthritis, a degenerative "wear-and-tear" joint condition. Comfrey is traditionally used for the symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises and is also known for its healing properties. 2 Comfrey cream contains several active components (substances). J Agric.Food Chem 2001;49(8):3942-3946. Set aside cup for the cream recipe and store the rest in a glass jar. What alternatives to comfrey cream are there for back pain? 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. 2012;(1):41-42. Comfrey can also contain echimidine, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), and symphytine, which can damage the liver, are carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and may harm a fetus. Osteoarthritis.Cartilage. One study in 120 patients with acute upper or lower back pain used either four grams (g) of comfrey root ointment or a placebo (sham treatment) three times daily for five days. All rights reserved. The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? Proliferative and antioxidant activity of Symphytum officinale root extract. Without overexposure to air or heatand without cross-contaminationthe recipe should last as long as the expiration date of the carrier oils used. When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. In 2001, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned oral comfrey products. The participants were assigned three weeks of treatment with two grams of either comfrey ointment or a placebo three times a day. Tunon, H., Olavsdotter, C., and Bohlin, L. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of some Swedish medicinal plants. If you're considering using the cream, consult your healthcare provider first. It is called knitbone or boneset, referring to the bone-like growth of its roots. Discontinue use if a rash appears. Comfrey also is known as Russian comfrey, knitbone, radix consolidate, bruisewort, blackwort, and slippery root. Dosage: How Much Comfrey Cream Should I Use? View abstract. Phytother Res. More research is needed. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements. Need some help with an order or want to speak to a member of our Customer Services team? Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Am J Med 1990;89:547-8. Adv.Ther 2000;17(4):204-210. Comfrey has also been used for the following conditions: There is currently not enough evidence to recommend comfrey cream for any of these uses. After the tincture is made, then you can whip up the fabulous joint and muscle cream! Do not use this product if you have a sensitivity to any of the ingredients. Whenselecting a brand of supplements, look for products certified by Consumer Labs, the U.S.Pharmacopeia, or NSF. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. 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. The leaves and stems of comfrey contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause toxic damage if ingested in excess (Ulbricht, 2010). 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. The comfrey plant, Symphytum officinale, gets its name from the Latin confervere, meaning to grow together. Although not examined in clinical trials, comfrey may possess antifungal and anticancer activity. 211727395. View abstract. Heard about essential oils but not quite sure about what they can do for you? Three clinical studies have provided evidence that ointments containing comfrey root have helped reduce back pain. , meaning to grow together. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Comfrey oil is made by infusing the leaves and roots of a comfrey plant with a neutral oil. 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. Comfrey cream may help treat knee osteoarthritis, according to a Cochrane review of topical herbal therapies. After 7 years in this role and a further year working as a drug safety officer in the pharmaceutical industry, Bhupesh joined Holland &Barrett as a Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate in 2019. Mei N, Guo L, Fu PP, Fuscoe JC, Luan Y, Chen T. Metabolism, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity of comfrey. 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. View abstract. All rights reserved. OTHER NAME(S): Ass Ear, Black Root, Blackwort, Bruisewort, Common. The efficacy and safety of comfrey. 2012;62(6):285-289. Its long, lance-shaped leaves can be up to 1 foot in length closer to the bottom of the stem and are shorter higher up the stem. Tanret, I. and Duh, D. [Pharmaceutical sheet. She is passionate about providing evidence-based recommendations that make health decisions easier and improve lives. Comfrey: ancient and modern uses. After eight days, the group that used the cream had significantly less pain than those who had the placebo. (2004). Aust.J Physiother. Make sure to always buy comfrey (Symphytum officianale) root and leaf from a trusted source. After the tincture is made, then you can whip up the fabulous joint and muscle cream! Complement Ther Clin Pract. Studies in humans are very limited. One study followed 142 patients with ankle sprains. Br J Sports Med. Also, avoid use for more than two weeks or excessive concentrations containing more than 100 mcg of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Wichtl, 2004 & Ulbricht, 2010). Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications. Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. Glass bowl with a lid The Comfrey Ointment that I have been using is to be used only for sprains and bruises. Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., Giannetti, B., Klingenburg, S., and Staiger, C. Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. Stewart MJ, Steenkamp V. Pyrrolizidine poisoning: a neglected area in human toxicology. Lorem ipsum dolor sit nulla or narjusto laoreet onse ctetur adipisci. 2017;83:1-4. Comfrey can kill. Our associates are qualified to advise, visit us online or in store for unparalleled advice. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. Complementary Health Approaches for Chronic Pain: What the Science Says. 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. Kucera, A., Barna, M., Holcova, S., Horacek, O., Hladikov, M., & Ottillinger, B. This comfrey cream recipe works great for local areas that have mild bruising or soft tissue pain. Browse our Sports Hub, Get 20% student discount with Student Beans, Discover the latest natural beauty products. 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. Comfrey is often sold as an herbal supplement. Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., & Staiger, C. (2004). Comfrey contains toxic substances that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. Do not use comfrey with very young children or during pregnancy or lactation. Squish and squeeze as many leaves into as you can into the container. 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). This article discusses the uses and benefits of comfrey cream. Mackinnon, M. In general practice, 'always expect the unexpected'. FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. DOI:10.1211/PJ.2021.1.69803. When harvesting comfrey or buying from a non-commercial supplier, note that there is variety within the species. Knee pain and stiffness can be a stubborn concern that keeps many from doing activities they enjoy. 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). Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Comfrey flowers are bell-shaped and purple, pink, or pale yellow in color, and it has a dark taproot. View abstract. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport. 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. 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. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. 1.35 Fl Oz. Phytomedicine. Koll R, Klingenburg S. [Therapeutic characteristance and tolerance of topical comfrey preparations. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 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). The FDA has recommended that all comfrey products that are taken by mouth be removed from the market. 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. 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. Healthy adults: massage about 1 teaspoon of cream into a local area up to 4x/day for up to 2 weeks. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. Whether youre familiar with it or not, this unusual herbal remedy is definitely worth knowing more about. Complementary Health Approaches for Chronic Pain: What the Science Says. (2013). Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements. Other drugs may interact with comfrey, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Phytomedicine, 11(6), 470-477. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2004.02.001, Kucera, A., Barna, M., Holcova, S., Horacek, O., Hladikov, M., & Ottillinger, B. The most common over-the-counter medication that can be toxic to the liver is acetaminophen (Tylenol). How do you use it and are there any side effects? Comfrey. 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. Comfrey is considered likely unsafe to use if you are nursing a baby. *PR sample. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. This recipe is contraindicated for small children and those with certain medical conditions. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. 12 drops juniper berry (Juniperus communis) essential oil Understand comfreys contraindications before using it. View abstract. 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (225) $19.95 $ 19. The groups using the herbal preparations reported a significantly greater reduction in pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis of the knee without serious adverse reactions (Smith & Jacobson, 2011). Copyright Holland & Barrett Limited 2023. You can weight them down with a rock or brick. Navarro VJ, Khan I, Bjrnsson E, Seeff LB, Serrano J, Hoofnagle JH. 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. A symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises. Wien Med Wochenschr. Avoid use. View abstract. Hybrids and other species may have a similar appearance but could have significantly different amounts of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Kucera et al., 2018). Comfrey may be used topically as a cream, ointment, salve, or paste. Documented adverse effects (the pyrrolizidine alkaloids, have substantial risk of causing fatal liver damage and can cause abortion). If you choose to use comfrey, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. View abstract. You and your healthcare provider should weigh the pros and cons and use it only under their supervision. Palestrica of the Third Millennium Civilization & Sport, 14(3). 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. Copyright Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2022. Wien Med Wochenschr. Grube, B., Grnwald, J., Krug, L., & Staiger, C. (2007). However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesn't mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. No comments. Researchers have investigated the effects of comfrey cream on several health conditions. Some recent human studies have demonstrated that extracts may help with ankle sprains, knee pain and stiffness, backaches, and mild skin abrasions. July 6, 2001. Public Health Nutr 2000;3:501-8. Although not all side effects are known, comfrey is thought to be possibly safe when applied to unbroken skin for less than 10 days. Call your doctor for medical advice about . To Use. #HBTechCareers. , 43 volunteers with osteoarthritis used either a topical cream containing comfrey, tannic acid, and eucalyptus or a placebo cream 3x/ day for 6 weeks. 2013;27(6):811-7. An ankle sprain can come out of nowhere and cause a lot of pain, limitations, and regret until it is healed. 2014;20(4):347-55. Small glass jars with lids for sharing (optional). Limited trials have evaluated the effectiveness of alkaloid-free preparations for external use; however, these studies did not examine how much liver damage occurred in patients. A handbook for practice on a scientific basis. Kucera, M., Barna, M., Horacek, O., Kalal, J., Kucera, A., and Hladikova, M. Topical symphytum herb concentrate cream against myalgia: a randomized controlled double-blind clinical study. cup organic safflower oil 2007;14(1):2-10. We go to great efforts to ensure that the information on this page is accurate at the time that the page was last edited. Kucera, M., Barna, M., Horacek, O., Kovarikova, J., and Kucera, A. 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. It contains chemicals that are poisonous. Phytomedicine 2005;12(10):707-714. Comfrey should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Comfrey [Online article]. Bergamot oil is one of the most popular essential oils, but what is it & what are the benefits of using it? It's typically only used in small amounts for a very short period. Complement Ther Med. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label. If your healthcare provider recommends it, make sure to use it on intact skin for a small amount of time, and be careful that infants do not ingest it. Comfrey is avoided on cuts or puncture wounds for this reason. Tolerability and effectiveness of an antitrauma cream with comfrey herb extract in pediatric use with application on intact and on broken skin. We're proud to make a difference, and you can to. 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! Our Two Pennies Worth. Shop buy 1 get 1 half price on all gut health products, Buy 1 get 1 Half Price | Plus an extra 20% off 25, App Exclusive | Get an extra 22% off 25 when you spend on the H&B App, Royal Mail strikes may cause a delay to our click and collect service, Looking for fitness advice & inspiration this New Year? 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. To make the cream, combine sunflower oil, safflower oil, coconut oil, and cocoa butter in a double-boiler over low heat until completely melted. Apply a small amount (not to exceed a teaspoon) topically 2-3x/day for up to 2 weeks. Comfrey's original name, knitbone, derives from the external use of poultices of its leaves and roots to heal burns, sprains, swelling, and bruises. Comfrey has been used medicinally for at least 2000 years for various conditions, including bone fractures, ulcers, and gout. 12 drops peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil There is no daily recommended allowance for comfrey, sold in creams, ointments, gels, and salves. (2004). 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. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 8, 2023. Potters Herbal Comfrey Oil is a soothing aromatic herbal massage oil. Yield: Approximately 5 cups of whipped lotion. The ankle swelling decreased by 79.5% in the comfrey root group and 69.4% in the diclofenac group. Comfrey root extracts have been used by herbalists and in folk traditions for centuries to soothe aches and pains. View abstract. Z Phytotherapie 2000;21:127-134. A systematic review and quality assessment of case reports of adverse events for borage (Borago officinalis), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Although it has historically been used on open wounds, it is now not advised related to the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can absorb more readily into the body through an open wound. In some cases, ointments with comfrey have caused redness, itching, and a rash (Smith, 2011). Join rewards for life today and we'll give you 300 points worth 3.00. 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. Here's a look at research on comfrey cream for back pain, osteoarthritis, and ankle sprains. For this reason, some topical products are advertised as made from comfrey leaves, but it's safest to choose a PA-free product. Fortschr Med Orig 2002;120:1-9. Most comfrey oils keep for around 2 years after production. Comfrey is a shrub that grows in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. View abstract. Some of these components are thought to speed up wound healing by stimulating new cell growth. Symphytum species: A comprehensive review on chemical composition, food applications and phytopharmacology. What Happens If I Use Too Much Comfrey Cream? Staiger C. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials. As a Licensed Massage Therapist, I have personally made this comfrey cream recipe multiple times and given jars to my clients. View abstract. Phytomedicine, 12(10), 707-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.001, Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011).