Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |  Production; comfrey herb consists of the fresh or dried above-ground parts of Symphytum officinale, as well as their preparations in effective dosage. comfrey leaf consists of the fresh or dried leaf of Symphytum officinale. comfrey root consists of the fresh or dried root section of Symphytum officinale.
Other Names: Ass Ear, Black Root, Blackwort, Boneset, Bruisewort, Consound, Gum Plant, Healing Herb, Knitback, Knitbone, Salsify, Slippery Root, Wallwort
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS: SYMPHYTI HERBA
Allantoin (0.45-1. | | SYMPHYTI RADIX
¦ Blunt injuries
Externally, comfrey is used for bruises and sprains, to promote bone growth, and as a mouthwash and gargle for gum disease, pharyngitis, and angina. Internally, it is used for gastritis and gastrointestinal ulcers. In folk medicine, it is used for rheumatism, bronchitis, pleuritis and as an antidiar-rheal agent.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
SYMPHYTI HERBA, FOLLIUM AND RADIX
Comfrey is contraindicated in pregnancy and in nursing mothers. |
Tori Hudson, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |  Herbal sources are alfalfa, comfrey, miso, seaweed, and catnip.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Recommended dietary intake (RDA):
Pregnant: 2.6 meg per day
Nursing: 2.8 meg per day
Food sources: cauliflower, broccoli
Herbal sources: alfalfa, catnip, comfrey, miso, seaweed
Vitamin A. It is important to avoid oversup-plementation of vitamin A during pregnancy. Daily doses of 40,000 units or more of vitamin A during pregnancy may be toxic,47 while doses lower than 10,000 units appear to be safe. |
Brigitte Mars, A.H.G.
See book keywords and concepts |  Today, comfrey tea is used to treat acne, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, burns, cough, diarrhea, dysentery, eczema, fractures, gallstones, heartburn, hemorrhage, laryngitis, pneumonia, pleurisy, tonsillitis, tuberculosis, ulcers, underweight conditions, and whooping cough.
Allantoin, a biogenic stimulator that is one of comfrey's important ingredients, is used in lotions to treat dry, rough, or wrinkled skin. |
Andreas Moritz
See book keywords and concepts |  Contrary to the opinion of some natural health practitioners, I have never seen any evidence of comfrey's having harmful side effects, only benefits, especially for the liver.
See additional herbs in the Botanical Names section of the Appendix.
For maximum effectiveness, it is best to use all these herbs, in combination, if possible. To do this, mix them together in equal parts (except for comfrey root at half the amount), and add 2 tablespoons of this mixture to 24 ounces of water. |
Michael Castleman
See book keywords and concepts |  Comfrey
The ancient Greeks used powdered comfrey root poultices on wounds. Modern science has discovered that the plant contains a chemical—allantoin—that promotes the growth of new cells. comfrey also has mild anti-inflammatory action, adding to its value in wound and burn treatment. Traditional herbalists revered comfrey for digestive problems, but recent studies have shown that it contains liver-damaging chemicals, so internal use is no longer recommended. But for wounds, comfrey is still a great healer.
How-to: Mix the powdered root with water to make a paste. |
Brigitte Mars, A.H.G.
See book keywords and concepts | | Russian comfrey)
Family
Boraginaceae (Borage Family) Etymology
The name comfrey is derived from the Latin con ferva, "with strength." The genus name, Symphytum, derives from the Greek symphytis, "grown together," and phyton, "plant."
Also Known As
English: blackwort, gum plant, bruisewort, knitbone, nipbone, slippery root, walwort, woundwort
The pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been shown to have hepatotoxicity, with the potenial for causing obstructive liver damage, when fed to rats. | | Constituents
Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, sulfur, zinc, flavonoids (hyperoside, isoquercetin, rutin), mucilage (polysaccharide, inulin), pyrrolizidine alkaloids, sitosterol, gallic acid, tannins, triterpenoid saponins
Energetic Correspondences
• Flavor: pungent, slightly sweet, bitter
• Temperature: warm
• Moisture: moist
• Polarity: yin
• Planet: Sun/Mercury/Venus/Jupiter
• Element: water
COMFREY
Botanical Name
Symphytum caucasicum (Causcasian comfrey), S. officinale, S. peregrinum, S. |
Marshall Editions
See book keywords and concepts |  Apply undiluted tea tree oil to the affected area twice a day. comfrey also makes an excellent topical salve and can be applied twice a day. Calendula ointment is healing and soothing to the skin. Add some goldenseal tincture, or purchase the calendula ointment mixed with goldenseal, for its antimicrobial properties.
Hydrotherapy: A cool oatmeal bath may help relieve itchiness. Put 1 cup of oatmeal into a cheese cloth and tie it with a string. Hang it under the faucet or float it in the tub. Soak in warm water, immersing in the tub for 20-30 minutes. |
Andreas Moritz
See book keywords and concepts |  Decoction or water enema: Up to half a liter (16 ounces) of Lapacho, comfrey or chaparral tea, or one liter of plain water, at room temperature. These types of enema are indicated for acute constipation and above problems, but should not be taken more often than once or twice a week. Note: Avoid if you suffer from debility, hemorrhoids, inflammation of anus, diarrhea, or if pregnant. If you are diabetic, consult your physician. The effects increase if an enema type 2 is followed by an enema type 1. Patients who are lying in bed and are constipated can take enemas type 1 and 2 alternately.
3. |
Ralph Golan, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |  Several cases of liver toxicity have been related to the use of comfrey, one involving a newborn whose mother ingested comfrey throughout the pregnancy. However, because hepatotoxicity is so rare, and successful results so common, some physicians continue to prescribe comfrey for oral use (not during pregnancy or infancy, however), but only for short periods of time. Other practitioners (myself included) are more conservative. We avoid the oral use of comfrey altogether and substitute other allantoin- and mucilage-containing herbs (ALOE VERA, MARSHMALLOW ROOT, PLANTAIN, SLIPPERY ELM). |
Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron
See book keywords and concepts |  NutriMinC RE9 RElease Deep Pore Cleansing Masque ($26for 5 ounces) is a standard clay mask that is overpriced for what you get, and the amount of comfrey extract is a cause for concern (though less so in a product such as this that would be used infrequently and only left on skin briefly). It's an OK option for normal to oily skin, but calling this "super-strength" is stretching things to the point of snapping. |
Marshall Editions
See book keywords and concepts | | When used topically there has been little evidence of adverse reactions; however, comfrey root should not be taken internally because it has been shown to cause serious liver disease.
913
T
First degree burns usually heal within a week or two, and anything more severe should be evaluated by a doctor. Patients that have serious burns should be taken to the hospital where specialized treatment can be administered to resuscitate, block pain, prevent infection, and deliver oxygen when necessary. | | Demulcents: Soothing poultices, creams, and lotions can be made from aloe vera, slippery elm bark, marshmallow root, fenugreek, chickweed, and comfrey leaves or roots. The moist properties of the plants will coat the skin, holding in the natural oils and relieving the symptoms of eczema. Each plant will behave differently in hot water, but to make a decoction begin by boiling 25-30 g of plant material in 2-4 cups of water. Experiment with different measurements to find the most effective consistency.
Burdock oil: Apply this oil to the skin to relieve itchiness. |
Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron
See book keywords and concepts | | Please refer to Chapter Seven, Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, for more information on comfrey.
© $$$ NutriMinC RE9 REversing Gelee Transforming Lift ($38 for 1.5 ounces) is made to sound like a face-lift in a bottle, and claims to promote the production of collagen, elastin, and ground substance. The latter refers to the intercellular material in which the cells and fibers of connective tissue are embedded, and is part of the lowest layer of the dermis. | | Please refer to Chapter Seven, Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, for detailed information on why comfrey is a problem for skin.
© $$$ Glycolic 5% Daily Cleansing Pads ($30for 56pads) have potential as a pH-correct, 5% AHA product in pad form, but the amount of alcohol makes them a less desirable option when compared with most others. They are an OK option for oily skin, and do contain fragrance.
© Glycolic Exfoliating Wash 7% ($32 for 8.5 ounces) contains peppermint oil, making it too irritating for all skin types. |
Marshall Editions
See book keywords and concepts | | Common demulcents include aloe vera, slippery elm bark, marshmallow root, fenugreek, chickweed, and comfrey leaves or roots. Decoctions of these plants can be used as skin washes. Each plant will behave differently in hot water. Begin with 25-30 g of plant material in 2-4 cups of water and 72 I experiment with different measurements to find the most effective consistency.
ECZEMA
DIAGNOSIS
Eczema is an inflammation of the skin that causes itching and discomfort. It is increasingly common and affects around one in 12 people. |
Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts | | Other Names: Bugula, Middle comfrey, Middle Confound, Sicklewort, Carpenter's Herb
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Iridoid glycosides and ajugols Phytoecdysone: ajugalactone Diterpene bitter principles
Cqffeic acid derivatives: including rosemary acid
EFFECTS
There is no information available.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Internally, Bugle is used as an astringent for inflammation of the mouth and larynx. It is also used for gallbladder and stomach disorders. Externally, the plant is used for the treatment of wounds.
Efficacy has not been proven. |
Brigitte Mars, A.H.G.
See book keywords and concepts | | Once planted in a garden comfrey tends to take over and can be difficult to eradicate.
COPTIS
Botanical Name
Coptis spp., including C. japonica, C. laciniata, C. occidentalis, C. sinensis, C. trifolia (American goldthread)
Family
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family) Etymology
The genus name Coptis derives from the Greek kopto, "to cut," alluding to the plant's deeply cut leaves. The plant's shallow root system looks like a mass of gold threads, hence one of its folk names, goldthread. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
See book keywords and concepts | | POTENTIAL INTERACTIONS
Hepatotoxic Agents: A theoretical interaction has been proposed, in which Eucalyptus may potentiate the toxicity of plants containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (most notably, comfrey, but also borage, coltsfoot, hound's tooth), which can cause liver damage (White et al, 1983). Clinical Management: Concomitant use should be avoided overdosage
EUCALYPTUS OIL
Overdoses can lead to life-threatening poisonings. Severe poisonings are possible for children after a few drops; poisonings have been known in adults with 4 to 5 mL. |
Tori Hudson, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts | | These include licorice, slippery elm {Ulmus fulva), marshmallow (Althea officinalis), oat seed (Avena sativa), and comfrey {Symphytum officinale).
It can be crucial to use herbs that provide pain relief while the other therapies attempt to repair the lining of the bladder. Common choices would be kava {Piper methysticum), crampbark {Viburnum opulus), wild yam {Dioscorea villosa), and valerian {Valeriana officinalis).
CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH
The most likely conventional IC expert will be the urogynecologist. Dietary modifications are standard recommendations. | | Food sources: cauliflower, broccoli
Herbal sources: alfalfa, catnip, comfrey, miso, seaweed
Vitamin A. It is important to avoid oversup-plementation of vitamin A during pregnancy. Daily doses of 40,000 units or more of vitamin A during pregnancy may be toxic,47 while doses lower than 10,000 units appear to be safe. | | Food sources: yellow and orange fruits and vegetables Herbal sources: alfalfa, cayenne, comfrey, dandelion, elderberries, lamb's quarters, seaweed min A in the blood have also been correlated with low birth weight.51
Preterm infants have been shown to be deficient in vitamin A, which may predispose them to development of chronic lung disease.52 Healthy pregnant women who developed preeclampsia were shown to be deficient in vitamin A (but not beta-carotene). | | Herbal sources are alfalfa, cayenne, comfrey, dandelion, elderberries, lamb's quarters, and seaweed.
Vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a vital role in the formation of collagen—a major protein found in connective tissue, cartilage, and bone. It is essential to the nerves, healthy gums, and teeth and prevents infection. Although one study showed that women who took 5,000 mg of vitamin C daily during pregnancy delivered healthy infants who developed scurvy,57 this "rebound scurvy" is very rare, and the infant recovers quickly without treatment. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
See book keywords and concepts | | Clinical management: comfrey is a known hepatotoxin and should be avoided.
Pregnancy: Not to be used during pregnancy. Breastfeeding: Not to be used while breastfeeding. precautions and adverse reactions
External administration should only be on areas where the skin is unbroken, and then only with industrially produced, pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free extracts. Despite a long history of oral use, ingestion is not advisable at this time due to its toxic effects (hepatotoxic and carcinogenic). |
Marshall Editions
See book keywords and concepts | | Do not take comfrey internally as it can damage the liver.
CO LU
Q
TIP: USE CASTOR OIL
Apply a castor oil pack directly to the skin of the stomach, covered with a clean cloth and plastic wrap. Place a hot water bottle over the pack for 30-60 minutes to bring relief. Use it as often as needed.
HOMEOPATHY
Patients who suffer from this condition are likely to find themselves subject to recurrent episodes. As a chronic condition, colitis is best treated and managed by a professional homeopathic practitioner. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
See book keywords and concepts | | MAJOR RISK
Hepatotoxic Agents: Concurrent use of Valerian and hepatotoxic drugs or other herbs with the potential to cause hepatotoxicity (including but not limited to chaparral, Russian comfrey, coltsfoot, germander, jin bu huan, kava, pennyroyal, petasites and skullcap) may result in increased risk of hepatotoxicity. Clinical Management: Caution is advised if patients take Valerian with other drugs or herbs with potential for hepatotoxicity. Monitor for signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity. moderate risk
Alcohol: Concurrent use of Valerian and alcohol may result in increased sedation. |
Marshall Editions
See book keywords and concepts | | HERBALISM
Herbs: Aloe vera, slippery elm bark, marshmallow root, fenugreek, chickweed, and comfrey leaves or roots can be used as poultices, creams, and lotions to soothe inflamed red, itchy skin. In addition, chamomile and calendula can calm a skin allergy when applied topically. Both chamomile and calendula can be incorporated into creams and lotions.
Oats or oatmeal: These can effectively soothe the redness of a skin allergy and calm the itchiness. Mix about 1 cup of oats with enough cool water to create a mash, which should be left to macerate for 5-10 minutes. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |  Comfrey—If the bruise is still a problem after a few days, an ointment made with comfrey-root extract can be applied locally. comfrey contains allatoin, a substance that is absorbed through the skin and helps stimulate the growth of new cells. (Comfrey should not be used internally.)
Bromelain—This enzyme, which is found in pineapple, has been shown to facilitate repair of damaged tissues and lessen inflammation. Bromelain breaks down quickly when it is exposed to fresh air so, for best results, get a fresh pineapple and eat it right away. |
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