Comfrey is an herb native to Europe and the temperate regions of Asia, and now also grows in North America. Comfrey preparations are made mostly from the leaves or other above-ground parts of the plant, but the roots are also used at times. Other common names of comfrey include slippery root, blackwort, knitbone, bruisewort and common comfrey. Always consult your doctor before using comfrey to ensure your safety.
Topical Applications
Topical preparations are used to speed the healing of wounds, sprains, bruises, bone fractures, and pulled muscles and ligaments, and to reduce the swelling and inflammation of these injuries. These topical preparations are found in the form of creams, salves, ointments, compresses and poultices. The University of Maryland Medical Center warns to only use topical preparations made from the leaves of the comfrey plant.
Safety Concerns
In July 2001, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration called for all dietary supplements containing comfrey to be removed from the market. Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids -- a substance that is known to cause severe liver damage in animals and that has also been implicated in cases of severe liver damage in humans. Topical preparations are still available in the U.S., as are the whole leaves and roots as well as the extracts of both. Comfrey plants are also available for home cultivation.
Dosing Recommendations
Children should not be given comfrey orally, and comfrey should not be applied topically to children's skin. Adults also should never consume comfrey orally. The toxins in comfrey can be absorbed through your skin, so topical preparations of comfrey should be used in small amounts and for no longer than 10 days at a time. Adults should also not use topical preparations of comfrey for more than four to six weeks during a one-year period.
Usage Warnings
Comfrey should never be taken orally, as the toxins in comfrey can cause severe liver damage. Comfrey should never be applied on broken skin or open wounds, as the toxins in comfrey can be absorbed through the skin. If you have liver disease or cancer or suffer from alcoholism, do not use comfrey preparations. In addition, children, the elderly and women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should never use any type of comfrey preparation under any circumstances.
Member Comments