Comfrey

Comfrey is an herbal supplement used for conditions such as bronchitis, bruises (topical use), cancer, cough (persistent), fractures (topical use), peptic ulcer, rheumatism, skin ulcers (topical use), sprains (topical use), wound healing (topical use), gastritis, ulcers, excessive menstrual flow, and to gargle for gum disease.

• Preliminary research suggests that when applied topically comfrey may improve pain and tenderness of bruises, as well as muscle and joint pain. The Federal and Drug Administration (FDA) released an advisory in 2001 recommending that all comfrey products be removed from market because of cases of hepatic veno-occlusive disease.
• Comfrey is available under the following different brand names: Black Root, Blackwort, Bruisewort, Common Comfrey, Gum Plant, Healing herb, Knitbone, Prickley Comfrey, Salsify, Slippery Root, Symphytum officinale, and Wallwort.

• Historically daily doses of leaf ranged from 5 to 30 g

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

• Not recommended for internal or limited topical use because of the content of hepatoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids

Common side effects of comfrey include:

• abdominal distension
• abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• lack of energy
• liver enlargement
• decreased urine output
• obstruction of small veins in the liver (veno-occlusive disease)

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Comfrey has no known severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Comfrey has no known serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Moderate interactions of comfrey include:
  • carbamazepine
  • phenobarbital
  • phenytoin
  • rifampin
  • rifabutin
• Comfrey has no known mild interactions with any other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns, or for more information about this medicine.

Warnings

• This medication contains comfrey. Do not take Black Root, Blackwort, Bruisewort, Common Comfrey, Gum Plant, Healing herb, Knitbone, Prickley Comfrey, Salsify, Slippery Root, Symphytum officinale, or Wallwort If you are allergic to comfrey or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Broken or damaged skin (potentially contains toxic unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids)

Effects of Drug Abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Comfrey?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Comfrey?"

Cautions

• No information is available.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Avoid the use of comfrey during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
• Consult your physician.