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Common Name
Comfrey, Knitbone
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Botanical Name
Symphytum officinale
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Part Used
Root
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Clinical Summary
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Alcohol
40%
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Dose
External use
Also known as knitbone, comfrey is mainly used externally for the treatment of inflammation, bruises, sprains, dislocations, pulled ligaments and muscles (sprains), fractures, arthritis, psoriasis, eczema, glandular swellings, slow healing wounds and boils. Topically comfrey has been shown to be effective for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.
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Traditional Use
Before the potential for toxicity was known comfrey was taken internally for ulceration, and erosion, of the gut wall, internal bleeding, haemorrhoids and for dry, irritated lungs and coughs.
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Actions
Anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, demulcent, astringent, haemostatic, emollient
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Indications
• Externally for the treatment of inflammation, bruises, sprains, dislocations, pulled ligaments and muscles (sprains), fractures, arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, eczema, glandular swellings, slow healing wounds and boils, varicose veins, burns and hernias
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Energetics
Sweet, moistening, cooling
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Use in Pregnancy
Professional supervision recommended for external use. Contraindicated internally.
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Contraindications & Cautions
External use only. May be safe to apply to skin or closed wounds for short periods. Care should be taken with deep wounds. Comfrey has been shown to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids some of which, when taken internally, are potentially toxic to humans by causing liver damage. There is a rare, but real, risk when using comfrey leaves internally. Avoid in people with a history of liver disease.
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Drug Interactions
None known for external use.
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Dietary Information
Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free
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Substitutes
Chickweed, Marshmallow, Arnica, Gotu Kola, Calendula, Ribwort, Yarrow