Apply this thickly and liberally to the desired area. The leaf and root of the comfrey (Symphytum officinale) plant have been used in supplements.Supplement use has been orally for ulcers, diarrhea, … How can I be so sure that cultivated comfrey is safe to consume internally? I prefer to use a sprayer and spray the soil around the plants and all of the leaves. Comfrey has a high carbon to nitrogen ratio - ideal for most plants. For Ankle Distortions. Comfrey is not recommended for internal use because of the liver damage caused by its pyrrolizidine alkaloids. All cases involve comfrey; in at least three, there are suggestions of overdose or abuse of the plant. Quantity is the key, a little every now and again is not likely to cause any harm. Is Comfrey Safe? Before making this salve, you will need to make a comfrey infused oil. It should be avoided during pregnancy, lactation, when cancer or tumors are present, or when there is a history of liver problems. David Hoffmann B.Sc., FNIMH (thanks to David for sharing this says jim) Recent years have seen profound cultural changes that are transforming the sociopolitical environment within which the practice of herbalism is flowering. Safety. Healing Comfrey Salve Recipe. It badly affects the undeveloped liver of fetus and causes venous-occlusive disease. Because comfrey plants grow so rapidly, feel free to harvest the leaves several times a season. Infected Wounds It will not produce seeds. Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids some of which can harm the liver so some foragers no longer consider this a safe plant to eat but we still eat comfrey fritters from time to time as have many people with no obvious ill effects. Research on the Topical Use of Comfrey. The dominant culture hs moved to embrace herbal ism, and it is no longer seen as fringe. (3) It’s even been shown to ease tight muscles and support a healthy inflammatory process. • One: An herbal group that I belong to sent three samples of comfrey leaf (one from the west coast, one from the east coast, and one from the Rocky Mountains) to a lab to be tested for the problematic alkaloids; they found none. Three things have convinced me. Comfrey leaf skin preparations have not been shown to damage the liver. Comfrey is LIKELY UNSAFE for anyone when taken by mouth. Can I take Comfrey while breastfeeding? I would never ingest comfrey root of any kind, considering the high amounts of poison in it. Comfrey is not advised for pregnant or lactating mothers. The FDA classifies plants containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids, including comfrey, as a serious health hazard to consumers due to potential carcinogenicity. The root (whether dried or fresh) is not normally taken internally - see 'dosage and cautions' page for more info. The clinical safety is very high in these new products and comfrey ointments would certainly not be allowed by the FDA or MHRA if there were any safety concerns. Jenelle Espen. Definitely do not use during pregnancy or nursing, with infants, and if you have liver or kidney disease. To be on the safe side, go for a higher dilution of 1 part tea to 15 parts water. There are those who insist it’s a safe herbal treatment in all ways and those who feel it’s an unsafe herbal treatment. Topically, comfrey root and leaf extracts have been traditionally used for bruises, sore muscles and joints, sprains, mild wounds, and gout (Natural Medicines, 2020). Comfrey Leaf, also known as Healing Herb, is a sacred herb to the goddess Hecate and is used in magick to keep one safe during travels.A guardian of the traveler, Comfrey Leaf is an herb that also protects from theft. This is fine if you're constipated, or a surgeon wants to operate on your digestive system and doesn't feel like working around last night's dinner. I would like to briefly summarize the debate about comfrey amongst herbalists. Senna leaf is known to irritate the lining of the bowels, which has a laxative effect. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are believed to cause liver problems when taken internally. The second way is to spread the leaves as a mulch beneath, say, your tomatoes. Patients with hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to the plant should also avoid external use. Posts: 1. posted 7 years ago. Other helpful ingredients and compounds found include hydroxy cinnamon acid derivatives, as well as mucopolysaccharides. Though it does not affect the mother, it can turn toxic for the unborn. Different strains of comfrey have different medicinal potencies. Completely safe for topical use. So far I have done my best to report what we know about comfrey from scientific tests and case studies. The leaves of this plant have been in use for thousands of years, both in Chinese traditional medicine and dating as far back as the ancient Greeks. Comfrey Leaf safe to eat? Although ingesting comfrey is not recommended, using comfrey externally is considered safe and can be very helpful for supporting the healing process with breaks, sprains, and strains, as well as minor shallow-cut skin injuries and burns. Comfrey also contains rosmarinic acid and tannins that help skin grow. Comfrey preparations have been used topically for pain following episiotomy and cracked, painful nipples, either as aqueous preparations or in creams and ointments. My dad lived to be 85 and never had arthritis and neither do I and I'm 63. HAND GOO- calendula officials, stellaria media, st. johns wort, rosemary oil, plantago major, commiphora myrrha, comfrey leaf, salvia officinalis, sunflower oil salve If this SPL contains inactivated NDCs listed by the FDA initiated compliance action, they will be specified as such. On one side, we see herbalists claiming there is potential for harm when taking comfrey internally, and therefore it must be avoided. This oil is considered toxic for liver due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids. harvesting and preparation The leaves and root are the parts used and both can be used in their fresh or dried state. Using comfrey orally and on open wounds are strictly restricted by the FDA. The healing agents in comfrey are concentrated in the petiole, or leaf stalk, and the flower stalk. Wrap it with cloth or a bandage to hold it in place. Many people have used comfrey internally with no reported ill effects, and it is probably safe to use internally for short periods. WHICH plant, I don't know. There are also disagreements about the efficacy & safety of leaves vs. root. Some recent human studies have demonstrated that extracts may help with ankle sprains, knee pain and stiffness, backaches, and mild skin abrasions. You can make a comfrey poultice with the leaf or the root. This herb has been utilized in folk medicine throughout Europe and North America and has been widely cultivated. FDA Safety Alerts and Advisories. You can water the plants with a watering can as per normal. Absorption of these chemicals increases if the skin is broken or if large amounts are applied. Often added with Mugwort, Comfrey Leaf can aid one to induce prophetic dreams and visions. That said, the downside is that the dosage can be variable. I would highly recommend trying out this product if you’re interested in finding a natural immune-boosting substance that doesn’t cost too much. The products of comfrey cream are easy to find on the internet and at most organic grocers and health food stores. Fill a pint jar about ½ to ⅔rds full of dried comfrey leaf, then cover the plant material with your carrier oil of choice. However, if you consume it regularly in teas, it will not be fine. Is that true? Much controversy surrounds the actual safety of taking comfrey internally as food, mind you comfrey was consumed internally for centuries in Greek medicine and by European doctors for respiratory and digestive problems. Herbalist Lesley Bremness suggests soaking comfrey leaves in water to use as compost “tea,” which adds needed potassium to mineral-poor soil, as well as potato and tomato plants. FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. The particulars of his case are blurred. Personally, we have and continue to use comfrey for ourselves and our pets. FDA 2001. Is Comfrey Safe for Dogs? Some studies show the leaf to be almost alkaloid free -- thus safe. 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