What Is Comfrey?
Comfrey is a flowering plant belonging to the Boraginaceae family. It has been used for centuries for its medicinal values. The ancient Greeks and Romans used comfrey extracts to heal wounds, set broken bones, and stop heavy bleeding. 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. The chemical constituents of comfrey extract reduce redness and stimulate cell proliferation and collagen production to heal wounds when applied topically. 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%). Allantoin protects the skin and keeps it smooth. It promotes wound healing by stimulating the fibroblasts to produce collagen. Aerial parts of comfrey (flowers and leaves) also have wound-healing properties. They promote skin cell regeneration and may help treat blunt traumas and injuries. Allantoin has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce skin inflammation and calm irritated skin. It maintains the skin hydration levels and reduces the signs of aging to keep your skin youthful. The anti-inflammatory effects of rosmarinic acid reduce UVB-induced erythema (redness), inflammation, and leg ulcers. Topical application of aqueous extracts of comfrey root can minimize skin irritation. A study involving 161 patients found that topical application of comfrey root cream could treat pressure ulcers.
2. Lowers 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. Comfrey root ointment provides faster relief and can also reduce myalgia (soreness and muscle ache). 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. It also works well in combination with methyl nicotinate for back pain management.
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. A study conducted on 203 patients with acute ankle sprain found that a high concentration of comfrey could decrease swelling and pain. Comfrey cream is more effective than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for treating ankle sprains. Moreover, a clinical trial suggested that plant-based ointments (including comfrey ointment) are safer and effective than Diclofenac gel.
4. Reduces Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Osteoarthritis (a type of degenerative joint disease) affects about 27 million adults in the US. Topical application of comfrey extract was found effective in regulating pain and improving knee mobility. 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. You can also try a blend of comfrey root extract and tannic acid creams. Using this blend three times a day for six weeks can relieve stiffness and knee pain associated with osteoarthritis.
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, and death. 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 the toxic compounds. Hence, always use comfrey creams and ointments under a doctor’s supervision and never self-medicate. 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 veins 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? No. While both belong to the same plant family, comfrey is a perennial plant that looks like small bells while borage is an annual, star-shaped plant. 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.
