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What is Comfrey Cream?

Cassie L. Damewood
Cassie L. Damewood

Comfrey cream is a topical herbal remedy used by herbalists and others who practice alternative medicine. It is commonly available for external use as an ointment, liniment or poultice. The ingredients normally contain the root or leaf of the comfrey plant in fresh or dried form. The remedy may have a wide variety of health benefits, such as speeding the healing of broken bones, easing arthritis and treating ulcers. It can, however, be toxic to the liver.

It is commonly applied to the skin’s surface to reduce the pain of strains, sprains and osteoarthritis. Pulled ligaments and muscles are also frequently treated by comfrey cream. Lesions, burns and wounds reportedly heal faster when this cream is applied to them as well. A significant number of professional medical doctors advise not to use the substance on open wounds based on its toxic properties. Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are hepatotoxic, meaning they can damage the liver.

Comfrey cream is often applied for relief from sprains, osteoarthritis, or wounds.
Comfrey cream is often applied for relief from sprains, osteoarthritis, or wounds.

Fractures were once thought to have been repaired by comfrey creams and ointments. This notion is commonly believed to have evolved from the nickname knitbone that was often applied to comfrey. The herb is now widely thought to only relieve the tenderness and swelling often associated with broken bones.

Allantoin is the predominant active element in comfrey cream as well as in all comfrey-based products, both external and internal forms. Allantoin is frequently believed to encourage new cell growth. The presence of mucilage in the products is also thought to act as a binding agent.

Comfrey cream is purported to help broken bones heal more quickly.
Comfrey cream is purported to help broken bones heal more quickly.

Based on its toxicity, it is generally recommended to only use comfrey cream or related topical comfrey-based ointments for periods of ten days or less, or for no more than six total weeks in a year. Since its toxicity is easily absorbed through the skin, it can cause severe liver damage or even result in death. Most directives advise that it never be used on children or by people with cancer, liver disease or those who suffer from alcoholism.

Comfrey cream can be toxic to the liver.
Comfrey cream can be toxic to the liver.

Even though oral comfrey products have been officially banned for decades in most countries, it is still widely available through dispensers of traditional herbal medicine. These dispensers typically believe ingesting the herb, traditionally in the form of a tea-like drink, will cure a variety of illnesses and ailments. These maladies frequently include ulcers in the liver, gallbladder, stomach and intestines. The comfrey drink has also been prescribed by alternative healers to treat lung and bronchial disorders, and it sometimes is used as a blood purifier as well.

Comfrey creams and extracts are sometimes used to reduce arthritic swelling and inflammation.
Comfrey creams and extracts are sometimes used to reduce arthritic swelling and inflammation.

When buying comfrey cream or other products containing the herb, it is frequently advised to purchase it from a reputable company that clearly lists the ingredients on the packaging. Along with children, it is generally recommended that the products not be used by elderly people or females who are breastfeeding or pregnant. The interaction of comfrey with other medicines is not known, so caution is generally advised if other medications are being used at the same time.

Discussion Comments

candyquilt

Comfrey cream doesn't do anything for me. I've tried it for bug bites, burns and muscle aches and pains. I didn't experience any relief with any of them. I don't know if the cream I have is potent enough or not. So it could just be the product I'm using.

stoneMason

@serenesurface-- I've not experienced side effects from comfrey cream, but I only use it when I really need to. I have back issues and suffer from back pain frequently. When the pain is very bad, I use comfrey ointment which really helps. It seems to relax the muscles and relieve pain. Since I only use it once a month or so at most, I've not experienced side effects. My liver is also healthy, so I don't think that moderate use of comfrey cream is going to harm it.

I wouldn't recommend using it excessively, such as everyday for many weeks. But when nothing else avails the pain, comfrey cream is a good option. You should also probably avoid it if you already have liver issues such as fatty liver syndrome. My mom has a fatty liver and she doesn't use comfrey cream or any other remedy that affects the liver.

serenesurface

I want to use comfrey cream but I'm scared that it will harm my liver. Does anyone here use comfrey cream? Do you think it's dangerous? Have you experienced any side effects?

I broke my arm a few months ago. It took a long time to heal and now I'm experiencing arthritis like symptoms in that arm. I'm looking for a natural remedy that can relieve the inflammation and pain, and encourage healing. Comfrey cream sounds great but I don't want to use it if it's harmful.

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    • Comfrey cream is often applied for relief from sprains, osteoarthritis, or wounds.
      By: Africa Studio
      Comfrey cream is often applied for relief from sprains, osteoarthritis, or wounds.
    • Comfrey cream is purported to help broken bones heal more quickly.
      By: leschnyhan
      Comfrey cream is purported to help broken bones heal more quickly.
    • Comfrey cream can be toxic to the liver.
      By: peterjunaidy
      Comfrey cream can be toxic to the liver.
    • Comfrey creams and extracts are sometimes used to reduce arthritic swelling and inflammation.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Comfrey creams and extracts are sometimes used to reduce arthritic swelling and inflammation.
    • Burns on a person's skin may heal faster if comfrey cream is applied to the affected areas.
      By: Wissmann Design
      Burns on a person's skin may heal faster if comfrey cream is applied to the affected areas.
    • Comfrey cream used in conjunction with physical therapy can help some people manage osteoarthritis symptoms, including pain, swelling and stiffness.
      By: CandyBox Images
      Comfrey cream used in conjunction with physical therapy can help some people manage osteoarthritis symptoms, including pain, swelling and stiffness.
    • Someone who abuses alcohol should not use comfrey in any form.
      By: KoMa
      Someone who abuses alcohol should not use comfrey in any form.
    • Comfrey cream should not be used by children or the elderly.
      By: Jaren Wicklund
      Comfrey cream should not be used by children or the elderly.
    • Breastfeeding women should not use comfrey cream.
      By: Claudio Divizia
      Breastfeeding women should not use comfrey cream.