It combines ingredients like oils or water and glyceryl stearate withSymphytum officinale(comfrey) extracts.
Comfrey is an herb in theBoraginaceaefamily and has small purple flowers.
It’s found in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Comfrey cream contains several active components (substances), includingallantoinand rosmarinic acid.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Researchers have investigated the effects of comfrey cream on several health conditions.
However, further, well-designed studies are needed.
Here’s a look at research on comfrey cream for back pain, osteoarthritis, and ankle sprains.
The dosage was a 12 cm layer of cream three times daily for five days.
Further study is needed to confirm these results.
Those who used the comfrey ointment experienced improvements in pain, mobility, and quality of life.
Ankle Sprains
Research has shown that comfrey cream may be helpful in the treatment ofankle sprains.
One study followed 142 patients with ankle sprains.
One group used a cream with comfrey root fluid extract on the ankle while the others received a placebo.
The ankle swelling decreased by 79.5% in the comfrey root group and 69.4% in the diclofenac group.
What Are the Side Effects of Comfrey Cream?
Using a supplement like comfrey may have potential side effects.
These side effects may be common or severe.
In 2001, theFDAbanned oral comfrey products.
It’s typically only used in small amounts for a very short period.
Expertssuggest not using comfrey cream for longer than 10 days in a row.
Using it no more than four to six weeks a year as a general guideline would be best.
If you’re considering using the cream, consult your healthcare provider first.
You and your healthcare provider should weigh the pros and cons and use it only under their supervision.
Recap
Comfrey contains toxic substances that cause liver damage, cancer, and death.
It should never be taken by mouth.
It should only be used in small amounts for short periods as a cream.
Consult your healthcare provider before using.
Dosage: How Much Comfrey Cream Should I Use?
There is no daily recommended allowance for comfrey, sold in creams, ointments, gels, and salves.
The most common over-the-counter medication that can be toxic to the liver is Tylenol (acetaminophen).
Discard after a year or according to labeling.
Other alternative therapies may help to ease the pain.
Undergoingmassageor taking up yoga may help alleviate pain and help people with back or joint problems function more easily.
Acupuncturehas also shown solid evidence of benefit for back pain.
And topical capsaicin cream may help to relieve pain temporarily.
The plant leaves have a lower concentration of PAs than the roots.
Avoid taking comfrey orally (by mouth).
Food Sources of Comfrey
Some people ingest comfrey roots or leaves or use them in teas.
This is not recommended due to the presence of chemicals that can cause organ damage and cancer.
You should never ingest comfrey by mouth.
Consult your healthcare provider before using comfrey cream.
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