Comfrey is a herb that has been used for centuries to help manage joint pain, inflammation, and bruising. It is a purple flower found in North America, Asia, and Europe. The leaves of comfrey have been used in Japan for over 2000 years. Other countries have eaten comfrey leaves and have used them orally to treat colitis, stomach, ulcers, and diarrhea. They have also used dried leaves to make drinks or tea. Other places use comfrey to help manage arthritis and gout.
How does comfrey work?
Comfrey contains an ingredient called allantoin and rosemarinic acid which is excellent for wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and analgesia. Historically, it has been used to ensure proper wound healing, and also decreased time to recovery of injured muscles. Some reports have suggested that comfrey is approximately four times more effective in treating osteoarthritis, specifically of the knees, when compared with a placebo. It lives up to its name in its ability to heal broken bones and reconnect wounded tissue.
What are some potential benefits of using comfrey?
Comfrey may be useful for topical, short-term use. However, there is a warning against the oral ingestion of comfrey due to the FDA reporting of liver toxicity. The topical use of comfrey, specifically creams has many of the benefits of comfrey without the risk of liver damage.
Relief of back pain. Comfrey may also offer alternative methods for treating chronic low back pain. Several studies have suggested that topical use of comfrey root extract offers a significant reduction in back pain symptoms. This may be applied three times daily.
Reducing arthritis pain. Some research suggests that comfrey can help to treat rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Patients who used topical comfrey cream experienced reduction in joint pain with increased mobility. People using comfrey also reported relief in joint pain and stiffness, associated with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
Joint sprains. Numerous studies comparing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) show a reduction of joint swelling that is comparable to, or better than some NSAIDs including diclofenac. Comfrey creams also had significant reduction of joint pain over a placebo. Comfrey topical could be applied three times daily. In this manner, comfrey helps to relax tight, sore muscles and some would argue, that it works better than prescription medication.
Sitz Bath. Comfrey tea has been utilized to reduce symptoms of hemorrhoidal inflammation and postpartum tears.
Scars. Topical comfrey helps reduce or eliminate the appearance of scars.
Self-Care tip
Despite the use of comfrey for more than 2000 years in European countries and Asia, the FDA, and other governing bodies have banned the use of comfrey, since it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids; which may be associated with liver toxicity. That being said, it is suggested that when using topical comfrey, you should discontinue its use after about 10 days. Additionally, never apply comfrey to open wounds. Be certain to discuss this with your provider before use. Young children and pregnant/nursing mothers should not use/take comfrey.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
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