Valued for its potential healing properties, the comfrey plant, or Symphytum officinale, produces components thought to be beneficial for treating many disorders, including minor skin conditions. Also called boneset, knitbone, black work and bruise wort, this perennial herb is native to Asia and Europe and cultivated in North America. Herbalists harvest the leaves and the root of the plant to make poultices and ointments. Side effects may occur with the use of comfrey. The FDA does not oversee the herb's production, so there is no guarantee of its effectiveness or safety.
Psoriasis
Symptoms of psoriasis include redness, scaly patches, itching or burning, thickened skin, cracked skin, and painful open sores in severe instances. Because comfrey products should not be used on broken skin, only cases of psoriasis that do not feature cracking, blistering or pustules are suitable for treatment with the herb. The use of comfrey is controversial, so visit with your doctor before using it to treat any type of psoriasis.
Comfrey Components
The comfrey plant grows to an average height of 4 feet and develops a deep root, both of which contain allantoin, which is thought to give the herb its healing ability. Additional components include mucilage, tannins and pyrrolizidine alkaloids, the last of which are toxic and potentially carcinogenic, according to the "PDR for Herbal Medicines." Comfrey's allantoin content may sooth irritated skin, reduce inflammation and tighten skin tissues, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicines."
Poultices and Ointments
A poultice is prepared from fresh comfrey leaves by crushing the leaves to release their juices, placing the leaves over the affected area and then binding the leaves in place. Powdered dry leaves and dried comfrey root are found in holistic skin ointments.
Considerations
Although topical use of the herb is safer than internal use, pyrrolizidine alkaloids may get absorbed through the skin. Avoid using products containing comfrey on open wounds, which increases the risk of absorbing the alkaloids. Alkaloids may damage the liver, even in small amounts, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia." In addition, pregnant women and nursing mothers should not use comfrey poultices or ointments to treat psoriasis.
References
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 1"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- Mayo Clinic: Psoriasis
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition"; Joerg Gruenwald, PhD, 2000
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