Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Some people ingest comfrey roots or leaves or use them in teas. It should never be taken by mouth. Comfreycontains PAs, substances that can cause significant damage, including: Therefore, it should never be taken by mouth. Additionally, use on a deep cut may encourage healing of the outer skin the preparation comes in direct contact with faster than the deeper tissue, leading to abscess. Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Newer Post Older . 2021;83:e249209. (10), 707-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.001. After the consistency begins to thicken, turn the mixer up a little bit. Some drugs increase how quickly the liver changes and breaks down comfrey. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Soaked foot in warm water with a few leaves of comfry. Sowa I, Paduch R, Strzemski M, et al. (2013). 2758955. 2012;101(4):211-216. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-007-0474-y. As an additional measure of efficacy, groups instructed to use the comfrey preparation for the longest period of time experienced the most improvement. A later study of 133 peoplefound some evidence that a topical combination of comfrey extract and tannic acid led to reduced knee pain. Quis autem velum iure reprehe nderit. The study involved 43 patients with knee osteoarthritis and a six-week treatment period. The cream was applied to the local lumbar area 4x during the day of the exercise, with the first application being pre-exercise (Jurcau & Jurcau, 2013). View abstract. . Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). 2013;21(6):724-45. Grube, B., Grunwald, J., Krug, L., and Staiger, C. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. Comfrey is considered likely unsafe to use if you are nursing a baby. Other uses not proven with research have included skin wounds, skin ulcers, cough, sore throat, gum disease, joint pain, diarrhea, and other conditions. Double boiler 1 It's found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Ther Drug Monit 2001;23:698-708. Many have said that it has helped them with a variety of aches and pains! The ointment has a very mild herbal fragrance and is soothing on application. It's found in Europe, Asia, and North America. In Western Europe, comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. Symphytum officinale L., dermal use (Flexagile cream)]. Additionally, there is scientific research demonstrating comfreys effectiveness at soothing muscle and joint pain, some of which are highlighted in this post. If you choose to use comfrey, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about . Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know. Although not all side effects are known, comfrey is thought to be possibly safe when applied to unbroken skin for less than 10 days. Arzneimittelforschung. All rights reserved. A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 161 patients having acute lower back pain. Predel, H. G., Giannetti, B., Koll, R., Bulitta, M., and Staiger, C. Efficacy of a comfrey root extract ointment in comparison to a diclofenac gel in the treatment of ankle distortions: results of an observer-blind, randomized, multicenter study. Giannetti, B. M., Staiger, C., Bulitta, M., & Predel, H. G. (2010). 12 drops black pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil Please simply create an account before buying/booking any courses. Facebook; Twitter; Pinterest; Related Posts. View abstract. Make sure to always buy comfrey (Symphytum officianale) root and leaf from a trusted source. The plant leaves have a lower concentration of PAs than the roots. Kucera, A., Barna, M., Holcova, S., Horacek, O., Hladikov, M., & Ottillinger, B. Learn more in The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? Arzneimittelforschung. This was compared to 37.8% in the placebo group. Resuscitation 2008;76(3):323-324. Complement Ther Clin Pract. Three clinical studies have provided evidence that ointments containing comfrey root have helped reduce back pain. Frost R, O'meara S, Macpherson H. The external use of comfrey: a practitioner survey. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. As the consistency thickens some more, turn the mixer up a little bit more. Barthomeuf, C. M., Debiton, E., Barbakadze, V. V., and Kemertelidze, E. P. Evaluation of the dietetic and therapeutic potential of a high molecular weight hydroxycinnamate-derived polymer from Symphytum asperum Lepech. A review of 26 clinical trials concluded that mild skin reactions were the most common side effects of comfrey creams used in the studies. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements. It is called knitbone or boneset, referring to the bone-like growth of its roots. Choose organically grown comfrey when possible. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. Other herbal supplements that may have benefits for back pain include: Some other supplements that may be useful for osteoarthritis are: Back pain is often treated with medication such as over-the-counter pain relievers. Skin patch test before use, especially if you have sensitive skin, and never use on a deep wound. The recipe makes about 6 small jars. When harvesting comfrey or buying from a non-commercial supplier, note that there is variety within the species. A systematic review and quality assessment of case reports of adverse events for borage (Borago officinalis), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Mei N, Guo L, Fu PP, Fuscoe JC, Luan Y, Chen T. Metabolism, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity of comfrey. Written by Cerner Multum. comfrey: [noun] any of a genus (Symphytum) of perennial herbs of the borage family with coarse hairy entire leaves and flowers in one-sided racemes. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. (2001). They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. View abstract. Natural Standard. 2018;19(5):455-474. doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2017.11.005, Gagnier JJ, Oltean H, van Tulder MW, Berman BM, Bombardier C, Robbins CB. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. The leaves and stems of comfrey contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause toxic damage if ingested in excess (Ulbricht, 2010). Undergoingmassage or taking up yoga may help alleviate pain and help people with back or joint problems function more easily. Label with the ingredients and date made. To make this recipe, first, you must prepare the comfrey root tincture. British journal of sports medicine, 44(9), 637-641. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2009.058677, Grube, B., Grnwald, J., Krug, L., & Staiger, C. (2007). Comfrey has been claimed to heal gastric ulcers and hemorrhoids, and to suppress bronchial congestion and inflammation. Electric bowl mixer (like a KitchenAid) or a blender No comments. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Select a condition to view a list of vitamins. Safety Alerts & Advisories: FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. Version: 5.01. The herbal topical cream was prepared at two different strengths, as an additional measure of efficacy. Comfrey contains toxic substances that cause liver damage, cancer, and death. Set on a sunny windowsill and shake once a day for 2-4 weeks. As we are constantly reviewing and developing our products to meet our consumer needs, consumers, particularly those that suffer from allergies and intolerances, should always check product labelling, warnings, and directions provided with the product that is delivered, prior to use or consumption. Shop buy 1 get 1 half price on all gut health products, Buy 1 get 1 Half Price | Plus an extra 20% off 25, App Exclusive | Get an extra 22% off 25 when you spend on the H&B App, Royal Mail strikes may cause a delay to our click and collect service, Looking for fitness advice & inspiration this New Year? Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. Complement Ther Med. Would you like to win our brilliant Botanical Business Package with nearly $1,000 in prizes? The Herbal Academy makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. View abstract. While there can be a variety of causes for back pain, these small studies offer hopeful results that comfrey root may offer potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits. They help us to understand how people use the website and give us the ability to provide targeted marketing to you. Comfrey root extracts have been used by herbalists and in folk traditions for centuries to soothe aches and pains. Huxtable RJ, Awang DV. Symphyti) bei Sprunggelenks-distorsionen. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Rad. Need some help with an order or want to speak to a member of our Customer Services team? Make sure to always buy comfrey. Br.J Sports Med. Can comfrey be used for cracked nipples during breastfeeding? Comfrey [Online article]. Company number 02758955 Registered VAT number 211727395. Comfrey has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating back pain, osteoarthritis, or tenderness and swelling caused by a sprain injury. Effect of a blend of comfrey root extract (Symphytum officinale L.) and tannic acid creams in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multiclinical trials. Eucalyptus oil is used externally to stimulate blood flow. Heard about essential oils but not quite sure about what they can do for you? When buying commercial brands, seek those that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed, if possible. Barna, M., Kucera, A., Hladikova, M., & Kucera, M. (2012). Fortschr Med Orig 2002;120:1-9. Copyright Holland & Barrett Limited 2023. Do not use this product if you have a sensitivity to any of the ingredients. 1 Since at least the 4 th century, people have used comfrey medicinally. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). how to become a school board member in florida ocean deck band schedule After the tincture is made, then you can whip up the fabulous joint and muscle cream! Most comfrey oils keep for around 2 years after production. Comfrey is a perennial herb found in moist grasslands in western Asia as well as in North America. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. 211727395. Molecules. Which part of the comfrey plant has the lowest level of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)? Jurcu, R., & Jurcu, I. Wang YP, Yan J, Fu PP, Chou MW. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Comfrey is likley unsafe to take by mouth. The comfrey plant, Symphytum officinale, gets its name from the Latin confervere, meaning to grow together. Stop using comfrey and call your healthcare provider at once if you have: liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). An ankle sprain can come out of nowhere and cause a lot of pain, limitations, and regret until it is healed. At least three human studies found that the topical use of a cream containing comfrey root extract may safely help with pain, swelling, and mobility symptoms associated with an ankle sprain. Supplements marketed for body-building (ex.. Wound-healing effects of a symphytum herb extract cream (. Other alternative therapies may help to ease the pain. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. Commercial comfrey sale and distribution is restricted in Germany and Canada because of its substantial toxicity. J Pharmacopuncture 2021;24(4):196-205. J Pharm.Belg. By Megan Nunn, PharmD Our associates are qualified to advise, visit us online or in store for unparalleled advice. Topically applied comfrey oil is associated with a wide range of health benefits and can help with certainissues including: Comfrey oil is good at helping with superficial cuts, scratches, and scrapes. Preclinical studies suggest that oral comfrey has antiproliferative effects , and a topical formulation showed wound healing properties . Mosby Elsevier. If your healthcare provider recommends it, make sure to use it on intact skin for a small amount of time, and be careful that infants do not ingest it. When harvesting comfrey or buying from a non-commercial supplier, note that there is variety within the species. Kucera, M., Barna, M., Horacek, O., Kovarikova, J., and Kucera, A. Efficacy and safety of topically applied Symphytum herb extract cream in the treatment of ankle distortion: results of a randomized controlled clinical double blind study. Discard after a year or according to labeling. 2010;44(9):637-41. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2009.058677, Cameron M, Chrubasik S. Topical herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions before use. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This site uses cookies to improve your experience. Although it has historically been used on open wounds, it is now not advised related to the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can absorb more readily into the body through an open wound. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. Topical comfrey is for use only on the skin. hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited. Stewart MJ, Steenkamp V. Pyrrolizidine poisoning: a neglected area in human toxicology. 2013;21(6):724-745. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2013.09.009. Aust.Fam.Physician 2008;37(4):235-236. Buy 1 get 1 Half Price on Vitamins & Supplements, Popular Vitamins & Supplements Subscriptions, Buy 1 get 1 Half Price gut health supplements, Guide to sleeping better natural sleeping remedies, Living in the now, gut health & mental wellbeing, The thing that makes you different makes you special, Bhupesh Panchal, Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5908267/, http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229913001672, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22887778, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6363250/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6631335/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22887778/, https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-symphytum-officinale-l-radix_en.pdf, http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productid=107&pid=33&gid=000234. Koll R, Klingenburg S. [Therapeutic characteristance and tolerance of topical comfrey preparations. Mazzocchi, A. and Montanaro, F. Observational study of the use of Symphytum 5CH in the management of pain and swelling after dental implant surgery. J Chin Med.Assoc. NCCIH. (2001). Registered VAT no. Close LOGIN FOR DONATION. Hepatology. Jedlinszki, N., Balzs, B., Csnyi, E., & Csupor, D. (2017). Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Finally, well warn of any side effects associated with comfrey oil. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 120 patients with acute back pain, symptoms were quickly reduced in the group using 4 grams of an ointment containing 35% comfrey root extract 3x/day for 5 days (Giannetti et al., 2010). The combination of Vitamin E, Wheat Germ oil and Rice Bran oil makes this cream perfect for your daily hydration needs. Follow all directions on the product label and package. Adv Ther 2005;22(6):681-692. Modern science suggests that the ancients were correct in believing comfrey helps to heal woundsand relieve pain.3,4 In this article, well explain where comfrey comes from, comfrey oils remarkable health benefits and how to use it at home. (2004). The roots and leaves of the comfrey plant have medicinal properties. In a small study with 30 subjects, lower back pain from exercise was reduced with an ointment containing comfrey. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. My family has used comfy for ingrown toenails. When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. Essential oils are a whole new world in themselves & the benefits of using them are widespread. However, further well-designed studies are needed. One study in 120 patients with acute upper or lower back pain used either four grams (g) of comfrey root ointment or a placebo (sham treatment) three times daily for five days. In a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 142 ankle sprain participants, a comfrey root extract applied 4x/day for 8 days improved pain, swelling, and mobility without any adverse reactions (Koll et al., 2004). What Happens If I Use Too Much Comfrey Cream? WMW Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 154(21), 498-507. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10354-004-0114-8, Natural Medicines (2020). Consult your healthcare provider before using comfrey cream. A symptomatic treatment of minor sprains and bruises. Nyman) in children: A randomized double-blind study. View abstract. Predel, H. G., Giannetti, B., Koll, R., Bulitta, M., & Staiger, C. (2005). Comfrey is avoided on cuts or puncture wounds for this reason. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020. Store comfrey cream according to package instructions, typically at room temperature and out of reach of children and pets. Read our. randomized double-blind study of 278 patients with fresh abrasions, a. topical preparation containing a 10% comfrey leaf extraction applied for 2-3 days reduced wound healing time of adults and children without side effects (Barna et al., 2012). Comfrey has been used medicinally for at least 2000 years for various conditions, including bone fractures, ulcers, and gout. This is memorable if you have worked with it, and some use this quality to remember comfreys centuries-long useapplying comfrey over bones, bruises, sprains, and minor wounds with the intention to support mending! This could change the effects and side effects of comfrey. Comfrey is not recommended for internal use because of the liver damage caused by its pyrrolizidine alkaloids. View abstract. Rad. Although topical comfrey has been used for this indication, there's little evidence that it helps and can pose a big risk for nursing babies. Stickel F, Seitz HK. Researchers have investigated the effects of comfrey cream on several health conditions. Can a comfrey (Symphytum officianale) root extraction help ease aching joints and muscles? Cbd Oil In Holland And Barrett. Comfrey may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. Understand comfreys contraindications before using it. (2004). Comfrey contains chemicals called. Many of those following the folk use of comfrey up to present-day think so. 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (225) $19.95 $ 19. It also came as a reference to the belief that comfrey can mend broken bones. Information offered on Herbal Academy websites is for educational purposes only. 2012;26(10):14411448. Comfrey is often sold as an herbal supplement. J Agric.Food Chem 2001;49(8):3942-3946. Cap, then label the jars with the date made and ingredients. It should only be used in small amounts for short periods as a cream. Ingesting cooking oil has been banned by the European Union, due to a high risk of liver toxicity.9, Adults with liver disease, cancer, or a history of alcoholism are also advised to avoid comfrey because the skin can also absorb the liver-damaging compounds. Results of an observational study of patients]. Of course, more research is needed to validate efficacy and safety. Comfrey is changed and broken down by the liver. For topical comfrey cream, look for products labeled as free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. Avoid using comfrey together with other herbal/health supplements that can also harm the liver. A limited number of clinical trials show short-term efficacy of topically applied, alkaloid-free comfrey preparations in skin abrasions and inflammatory conditions. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 83, 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.11.015. View abstract. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. reduce lower back pain (Stam et al., 2001). Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. Comfrey may be used topically as a cream, ointment, salve, or paste. The plant has a long history in folk and ancient herbal treatments before comfrey is . Kucera, M., Kalal, J., and Polesna, Z. Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., & Staiger, C. (2004). After the tincture is made, then you can whip up the fabulous joint and muscle cream! We cover all you need to know in this article. Phytother.Res 2012;26(10):1441-1448. Healthy adults: massage about 1 teaspoon of cream into a local area up to 4x/day for up to 2 weeks. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. It can grow up to 5 feet tall. Be sure to choose organic carrier oils and essential oils when possible. 2013;163(3-4):58-64. Limited trials have evaluated the effectiveness of alkaloid-free preparations for external use; however, these studies did not examine how much liver damage occurred in patients. Definitely do not use during pregnancy or nursing, with infants, and if you have liver or kidney disease. Learn more in. Jurcu, R., & Jurcu, I. Comfrey cream combines ingredients like oils or water and glyceryl stearate with Symphytum officinale (comfrey) extracts. To use on established plants, dilute 1 part comfrey fertilizer in 15 parts water. It contains chemicals that are poisonous. View abstract. While larger and more studies are needed to fully determine safety and effectiveness, short term topical application of comfrey may give you peace of mind, relief, and support while you rest and heal, following any additional advice from your physician. root extraction help ease aching joints and muscles? Comfrey is not recommended for children under three years old, as it's not been studied in that population. Comfrey also is known as Russian comfrey, knitbone, radix consolidate, bruisewort, blackwort, and slippery root. Complementary Health Approaches for Chronic Pain: What the Science Says. Fitoterapia. Thus, it is not advised to ingest herbal preparations of comfrey unless guided by an expert pharmacologist and physician. Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., & Staiger, C. (2004). Comfrey. After eight days, the group that used the cream had significantly less pain than those who had the placebo. The Effect of Comfrey on Enoxaparin-Induced Bruise in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Randomised Clinical Trial. Tanret, I. and Duh, D. [Pharmaceutical sheet. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. An Evidence-Based Reference. Smith DB, Jacobson BH. These third-party organizations test products to ensure they were manufactured safely and contain the ingredients indicated on the labeling without contaminants. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. Swiss.Med.Wkly. We go to great efforts to ensure that the information on this page is accurate at the time that the page was last edited. 2012;62(6):285-289. Registered in England: company no. This leads to cirrhosis and eventually liver failure. Comfrey is an herb in the Boraginaceae family and has small purple flowers. Bleakley, C. M., McDonough, S. M., and MacAuley, D. C. Some conservative strategies are effective when added to controlled mobilisation with external support after acute ankle sprain: a systematic review. Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. Please read the Topical Use Safety section of this article (above) before using. 2012;20(11):1209-1216. View abstract. 2020;142:104519. Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Safety Alerts & Advisories: FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. 2016 Jan;41(2):116-33. doi:10.1097/01.brs.0000249525.70011.fe. We are building the future of Health and Wellness Tech. Pabst H, Schaefer A, Staiger C, Junker-samek M, Predel HG. Symphytum officinale), store bought or via recipe, above. Human liver microsomal reduction of pyrrolizidine alkaloid N-oxides to form the corresponding carcinogenic parent alkaloid. Drug-induced liver injury. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Try A Cooling Herbal Compress for Hot Summer Days, Handmade Floral Paper: A Family-Friendly Project, Making Herbal Preparations 101 Mini Course, Emulsifiers and Preservatives in Botanical Skin Care Products. 2014;20(4):347-55. Healthy adults: massage about 1 teaspoon of cream into a local area up to 4x/day for up to 2 weeks. Comfrey has also been used for the following conditions: There is currently not enough evidence to recommend comfrey cream for any of these uses. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. Potters Comfrey Oil | Holland & Barrett Shop our range of Potter's Herbals products at Holland & Barrett, including Potters Comfrey Oil. Complementary Health Approaches for Chronic Pain: What the Science Says. Join Rewards for Life today and we'll give you 300 points worth 3, Save 5% on your favourite products, plus get the lowest price from the last 90 days and free delivery on orders over 10. To Use. It is not certain whether comfrey is effective in treating any medical condition. This is done by soaking the root in at least 50% alcohol for a minimum of two weeks. Yield: Approximately 5 cups of whipped lotion. View abstract. Comfrey should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Many of those following the folk use of comfrey up to present-day think so. Affiliate links are shared throughout the website and the Herbal Academy may receive compensation if you make a purchase with these links. Turley, A. J. and Muir, D. F. ECG for physicians: a potentially fatal case of mistaken identity. The Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally? Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements. D'Anchise, R., Bulitta, M., and Giannetti, B. Comfrey extract ointment in comparison to diclofenac gel in the treatment of acute unilateral ankle sprains (distortions).