Comfrey is native to Europe and western Asia. It is often called boneset or knitbone because of its traditional use, of helping to mend broken bones. The root and leaves are used in herbal medicine.
Medicinal Properties of Comfrey
Comfrey contains many compounds including allantoin, mucilage and pyrrolizidine alkaloids. It has anti-inflammatory, soothing and potent healing properties.
Comfrey Herbal Remedies
Our herbalists recommend topical Comfrey for the following disorders
Bruising
Charcot’s joints
Eczema and Dermatitis
Osteochondritis
Osteoarthritis
Other Comfrey Information
Herbalists have used Comfrey for a variety of disorders including: ulcers, sprains, cuts, broken bones and rheumatic conditions. It is available in topical preparations as ointment, cream or as an oil for massaging into larger areas.
Side Effects of Comfrey
Traditionally Comfrey was used for internal use, but this is no longer recommended.
Recent research advises that Comfrey should be used for external use only.
It has been discovered that the pyrrolizidine alkaloids may have a negative effect on the liver.
Comfrey is still available as a loose tea in the United Kingdom, but there is no way of knowing how much of these alkaloids are present, hence it is not recommended for long term use.
There is a homoeopathic version of Comfrey called Symphytum for internal use, which is a much safer alternative.
There are no other side effects or contra-indications of Comfrey for topical use.
When this article was written there were no well-known negative drug interactions with the herb Comfrey.
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