4 Benefits Of Comfrey, How It Works, & Possible Side Effects

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is also called boneset or knitbone (as it is used in folk medicine for setting fractured bones). Comfrey benefits can be attributed to its phytochemicalsⁱ  XThese bioactive chemical compounds are antioxidants found in plants and are thought to be good for human health. . It is a flowering herb, whose roots and leaves possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Comfrey may help treat various health and skin issues, osteoarthritis symptoms, sprains, and fractures. In this article, we further understand the benefits of comfrey, and its side effects. Read on.

Know Your Ingredient: Comfrey

What Is It?
A flowering plant with wound-healing properties, bearing purplish bell-shaped flowers.

What Are Its Benefits?
Soothes and heals inflammation and broken skin, promotes skin rejuvenation and may help treat symptoms of osteoarthritis and sprains.

Who Can Use It?
All except those who are breastfeeding.

How Often?
Topically, not more than 6 weeks in small quantities.

Caution
May cause liver damage and liver cancer as it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are toxic to humans. Consult a doctor before taking it.

What Is Comfrey?

Comfrey is a flowering plant belonging to the Boraginaceae family. It has medicinal uses and has been a part of many herbal remedies for centuries. The ancient Greeks and Romans used comfrey extracts to heal wounds, set broken bones, and stop heavy bleeding. There are several medicines made of comfrey like expectorants ,demulcents, and even vulnerary. Keep reading to understand how and why it may benefit your health.

How Does Comfrey Work?

Comfrey leaf and root extracts contain allantoin and rosmarinic acid, making them excellent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and wound-healing agents (1). The chemical constituents of comfrey extract reduce redness and stimulate cell proliferationⁱ  XIt is the procedure by which the number of cells increases as a result of cell growth and cell division. and collagen production to heal wounds when applied topically.

Fun Fact

Comfrey is nicknamed slippery root in folklore due to the presence of a white slimy substance inside its roots.

The next section explores other skin and health benefits of comfrey. Keep scrolling.

Skin And Health Benefits Of Comfrey

1. Improves Skin Health

Creams and ointment containing comfrey are often used to soothe and heal cracked or painful nipples. Its roots contain allantoin (0.6-4.7%) and rosmarinic acid (up to 0.2%) (1), (2).

Allantoin protects the skin and keeps it smooth. It promotes wound healing by stimulating the fibroblastsⁱ  XLarge, flat, elongated cells that contribute to the formation of connective tissue, and secrete collagen. to produce collagen (3). Aerial parts of comfrey (flowers and leaves) also have wound-healing properties (4). They promote skin cell regeneration and may help treat blunt traumas and injuries (5), (6). Allantoin has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce skin inflammation and calm irritated skin (7). It maintains the skin hydration levels and reduces the signs of aging, making it a perfect ingredient for your skincare routine (8).

The anti-inflammatory effects of rosmarinic acid reduce UVB-induced erythema (redness), inflammation, and leg ulcers (8). Topical application of aqueous extracts of comfrey root can minimize skin irritation (9), (10). A study involving 161 patients found that topical application of comfrey root cream could treat pressure ulcers (11).

2. Lowers Back Pain

One of the most studied comfrey benefits is its usage for relieving back pain. Massaging comfrey root extract can help relieve upper and lower back pain. A study conducted on 120 patients with acute back pain found applying comfrey cream three times a day beneficial in pain management (12). Comfrey root ointment provides faster pain relief and can also reduce myalgia (soreness and muscle ache) (13).

A study conducted by the Charles University in Prague on 215 patients with pain states that topical comfrey root cream has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects that can treat myalgia (14). It also works well in combination with methyl nicotinate for back pain management (15).

3. Improves Ankle Sprain

The therapeutic properties of comfrey root ointment can reduce short-term symptoms related to an ankle sprain and speed up the healing process(16). A study conducted on 203 patients with acute ankle sprain found that a high concentration of comfrey could decrease swelling and pain (17).

Comfrey cream is more effective than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for treating ankle sprains (18). Moreover, a clinical trial suggested that plant-based ointments (including comfrey ointment) are safer and effective than Diclofenac gel (19).

4. Reduces Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Osteoarthritis (a type of degenerative joint disease) affects about 27 million adults in the US (20). Topical application of comfrey extract was found effective in regulating pain and improving knee mobility (21).

A study conducted by the University of the SunshineCoast, Australia, involving 220 people with knee osteoarthritis, found that topical comfrey extract gel improved pain without any side effects (22).

You can also try a blend of comfrey root extract and tannic acid creams(23). Using this blend three times a day for six weeks can relieve stiffness and knee pain associated with osteoarthritis and improve your bone health.

Trivia

The scientific name of comfrey, Symphytum, originates from the Greek word “sympho”, which means “to join together”. It refers to the ability of the plant to facilitate the healing of broken bones.

Herrick Kimball, a YouTuber, shared how he used comfrey leaves to treat scratched eyes. He created a comfrey poultice using fresh comfrey leaves and applied it on his eyes for half an hour. In one his vlogs, he recounts its immediate effects: “I lay there for one-half hour, and then I took that comfrey off my eye. I opened my eyes, and it was like I had never had anything wrong with it. It was 100 percent cured (i).”

Oral consumption of comfrey is not recommended. When using topical comfrey, be extremely cautious so that it does not get into your mouth. Otherwise, it may cause serious side effects.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Comfrey?

Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (toxic compounds) and may cause liver damage, liver cancer, respiratory issues, disrupt digestive health, and in some cases even cause death (24), (25), (26). This is why the Food and Drug Administration has banned oral comfrey products.

Avoid using topical comfrey products for a longer time as there are chances that it may get absorbed through the skin. Also, never apply comfrey cream on open wounds.

Avoid using topical comfrey if you are breastfeeding as it may expose the infant to toxic compounds (25). Hence, always use comfrey creams and ointments under a doctor’s supervision and never self-medicate. So it is recommended to consult your doctor before using it.

Since comfrey may cause hepatotoxicity (liver damage), ensure you are using it in the right dosage and in limited amounts. Check out the section below to learn more.

Comfrey Dosage

Oral: Oral consumption of comfrey is highly unsafe because of its hepatotoxic properties.

Topical: Although the dosage for topical application varies slightly and is product-specific, the recommended amount is 10-100 mg/g for 4-6 weeks/year for preparations with comfrey (12).

However, it is highly advised to consult your healthcare provider before using any topical preparations containing comfrey, as a few individuals might experience skin irritation or discomfort post-application of these preparations.

Infographic: 4 Benefits Of Comfrey You Should Know

Comfrey is known for its wound-healing properties and is rich in phytochemicals. It is often found in many pain relieving creams and also works well in treating sprains. While there are many benefits of comfrey, we have listed the most effective ones in the infographic below. Check it out for more information.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can comfrey heal tendons?

Yes. Comfrey has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects that help heal inflamed tendons.

Is comfrey oil good for hair?

Yes. Anecdotal evidence suggests that comfrey oil may help boost hair growth and due to the presence of beneficial gamma linoleic acid and omega-6 fatty acids.

How long does comfrey take to work?

It may take about a couple of weeks to show results. There is anecdotal evidence that comfrey ointment can reduce swelling, tenderness, and pain in sprains when applied for as long as 2 weeks.

Is comfrey good for varicose veins?

Possibly. Applying comfrey-based oil or creams may help relieve pain related to varicose veinsⁱ  XGnarled, swollen veins, most frequently observed in the legs and feet, and usually triggered by weakened vein walls and valves. due to its analgesic properties.

Does comfrey tighten skin?

Possibly. Comfrey extracts contain allantoin, a beneficial compound that helps boost collagen production and may tighten skin.

Is comfrey the same as borage?

Possibly. Applying comfrey-based oil or creams may help relieve pain related to varicose veins due to its analgesic properties.

What does comfrey taste like?

It is not recommended to taste or consume comfrey as it contains toxic compounds (pyrrolizidine alkaloids) that may harm your health.

Is comfrey poisonous to dogs?

Yes, if consumed in excessive amounts. The toxic alkaloids present may lead to liver damage in dogs.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Dr. Benita PerchND

Dr. Benita Perch is IMI’s Managing Director and Senior Partner and a highly sought-after naturopathic physician. For over 10 years, she has helped thousands of clients from all over the world achieve optimal health and wellbeing. She offers consultations in-clinic in Hong Kong, as well as online appointments for HK, Singapore, and globally. Benita takes a truly integrated approach to...more

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Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy. After her graduation, she decided to combine her knowledge of science and love for writing to...more

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Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a senior editor and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over eight years. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University. He has written over 300 articles about ingredients and their benefits for the skin, hair, and health. He...more

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Payal Karnik is a senior health and wellness writer and a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach. She is a biotechnology graduate from the University of Mumbai with a keen interest in writing and a natural curiosity for science. This formidable combination equips her with the knowledge to write research-backed health and wellness articles. She has also published a research...more