Comfrey
The information contained within this website is for educational purposes only. This site merely recounts the traditional uses of specific plants as recorded through history. Always seek advice from a medical practitioner. Apple Tree Initiatives and its representatives will not be held responsible for the improper use of any plants or documentation provided.
For over 2,000 years, comfrey root and other parts of the herb have been used to treat a variety of ailments. The plant (Symphytum officinale L) belongs to the family Boraginacea and has been valued in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and astringent properties.
- Back pain. Applying a specific comfrey extract to the affected area for 5 days seems to decrease lower or upper back pain.
- Osteoarthritis. Applying a specific comfrey extract to the affected area for 3 weeks or applying a specific cream containing comfrey extract, tannic acid, Aloe vera gel, eucalyptus oil, and frankincense oil (4Jointz) to the affected are for 12 weeks seems to decrease pain in people with knee osteoarthritis.
- Sprains. Early research suggests that applying comfrey ointment to the affected area for up to 2 weeks improves mobility, decreases pain, and reduces tenderness and swelling of sprains. The effect of comfrey ointment in relieving pain and reducing swelling seems to be comparable to the effects of diclofenac gel. Most of the studies have used a specific comfrey ointment that is low in pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
- Bruises. Early research suggests that applying comfrey directly to the skin for 2 weeks might decrease pain and tenderness of bruises.
- Skin ulcers.
- Wounds.
- Broken bones.
- Heavy menstrual
- periods.
- Diarrhea.
- Cough.
- Sore throat.
- Gum disease.
- Joint pain.
- Chest pain.
- Cancer.
- Inflammation (pain and swelling).