comfrey root vs leaf

Because comfrey plants grow so rapidly, feel free to harvest the leaves several times a season. Its analgesic action could be due to its alkaloid content, but it could also be due to the astringent, anti-inflammatory, and demulcent properties as well. (2013). Apply this thickly and liberally to the desired area. While it can be helpful for herbalists to take these studies into account, it should be noted that the majority of research involved isolating PAs and injecting them at various concentrations, often very high concentrations, into rats. Newsgroups: alt.folklore.herbs Some studies show the leaf to be almost alkaloid free -- thus safe. While the comfrey plant has its roots in Europe, it grows in many areas of the world. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(6), 1668. doi:10.3390/ijms19061668, Seremet, O.C., Barbuceanu, F., Ionica, F.E., Margina, D.M., Gutu, C.M.,Olaru, O.T., … Chirita, C. (2006). I like to also add one teaspoon of DMSO. Since a chemical in isolation behaves differently than when present in a whole plant, rats are different than humans, different routes of administration can affect toxicity, and it is sometimes unclear which comfrey species (S. officinale or S. uplandicum) was used, there is dissension among herbalists regarding this decision and whether comfrey is indeed toxic to a healthy human (Hoffmann, 2003) when used in appropriate dosages and frequencies. AHPA reports that in Germany, the recommended external application of comfrey is a daily exposure at or below 100 μg unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids limited to 4 to 6 weeks per year (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013). Gardner, Z., & McGuffin, M. Cameron, M., & Chrubasik, S. (2013). The leaves also are similar -- large and hairy. Foxglove leaves spring from the root as a clump, while comfrey … Common comfrey is found escaped from cultivation in all New England states. species, the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) did ban the sale of botanical products containing toxic PAs (including those with Russian comfrey and prickly comfrey) for internal use, suggesting those products should be restricted to external use (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013). You can also try using comfrey as mulch or as a compost enhancer. Well Dan, the point is what is your agenda? Romanian Journal of Morphology & Embryology, 57(3), 1017-1023. Saturated PAs are considered non-toxic, while unsaturated PAs are considered toxic (Hoffmann, 2003). The herb book I have says the beneficial part of the plant are the roots; I was wondering if the leaves have any properties as well. We use quite a lot of compost on our farm and comfrey helps us keep up with the quantity that we need. Since a chemical in isolation behaves differently than when present in a whole plant, rats are different than humans, different routes of administration can affect toxicity, and it is sometimes unclear which comfrey species (. ) whose agenda is to rubbish the use of herbal medicine one way or another. It happens, there are plenty of people who post advice to this newsgroup about safety and toxicity of herbal medicines who know nothing about the subject other than reading a secondary source on the matter, or worse repeating hearsay. You can plant it once and have this very valuable plant forever. I have my doubts about using comfrey for this purpose. Pleasant Hill, OR: Wise Acres Publishing. Moreira, R., Pereira, D.M., Valentao, P., & Andrade, P.B. For other herbalists who have chosen to play it safe with all PAs, they choose to limit comfrey to external use only through the use of preparations such as herb-infused oils, salves, and poultices. Comfrey used to be used extensively for tuberculosis and irritating dry lung complaints in general. Comfrey ROOT has been implicated in the pyrrolizidine alkaloid link with occlusive liver disease. In this article, we will look at the benefits of comfrey and its traditional uses, its constituents and their physiological effects in the body, how comfrey is typically used internally and externally, and the safety facts that herbalists need to be aware of when using comfrey. While a number of plants contain PAs, such as alkanet (. Topical herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis. Comfrey Botanical Profile. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010538. The Herbal Academy makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6602420. Date: 27 May 1995 23:04:09 +0100. Comfrey has been used for over 2,000 years in Chinese medicine to heal wounds and bones. Oral toxicity study of certain plant extracts containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. It is often used to slow bleeding and drainage from tissues and to tighten and tone relaxed tissues. While cases of veno-occlusive liver disease have been reported by individuals taking comfrey leaf or root, it is not known which species of comfrey was used, and dosage and frequency varied among individuals as well, thus making it difficult to come to a conclusion. Comfrey is a perennial plant which divides easily. It's been online since 1995, and is run by Henriette Kress, a herbalist in Helsinki, Finland. 10. The common comfrey plant is known in Latin as Symphytum officinale and displays a “hairy” exterior. (Note that Mei et al. American Herbal Products Association’s botanical safety handbook (2nd ed.). Add 50g of beeswax (usually available from supermarkets). Much debate surrounds the safety of comfrey due to various parts … This is the biggest difference between natural vs… Lastly, most herbalists who use comfrey internally only do so for short periods of time to decrease exposure to PAs. Comfrey leaf is also high in tannins, giving it astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Dilute the comfrey plant food with water by half before you apply to plants. The jury is still out however, so err on the safe side and use herb for internal use, not the root. Some varieties produce … International Journal of Experimental Pathology, 74(2), 211-217. Comfrey root was blamed. Romanian Journal of Morphology & Embryology, 57, (3), 1017-1023. The third case involves a woman who overdosed: 10 cups of comfrey tea a day & handsful of comfrey pills. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Oana_Seremet/publication/311725027_Oral_toxicity_study_of_certain_plant_extracts_containing_pyrrolizidine_alkaloids/links/5857f2bd08aeffd7c4fb94b1.pdf, Herbal ABCs: The foundation of herbal medicine. Doctors give trusted answers on uses, effects, side-effects, and cautions: Dr. Werner on comfrey root vs comfrey leaves: Just a common sense: Stay away from strange substance while breast feeding. All parts of the plant can be used including the root, leaves, stems and flowers. However, it’s during this detoxification process that an oxidative reaction occurs, which results in the formation of toxic metabolites known as pyrrole-like intermediates—these are the true cause of comfrey’s toxic effect as these metabolites bind to proteins, RNA, and DNA and are the primary cause of the hepatotoxicity that causes liver damage (Hoffmann, 2003). The most common result of PA toxicity is veno-occlusive disease in the liver. Medical herbalism: The science and practice of herbal medicine. When it comes to the internal use of comfrey, some herbalists are comfortable continuing to use comfrey internally with a few cautions. Even though this plant contains poisonous chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), some people use the leaf, root, and root-like stem (rhizome) to make medicine. While both comfrey leaf and root are well known for their mucilage content and associated demulcent action, the root is more demulcent than the leaf. A sterile cultivar is frequently planted in gardens, somewhat reducing the probability of escape, although it easily spreads from root fragments. In the compost pile, comfrey leaves help speed the decomposition of tree leaves, grass clippings and other organic materials. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Animal studies on the internal use of comfrey are plentiful but often show mixed results. Jasmine or orange blossoms may be added to … The Herbal Academy supports trusted organizations with the use of affiliate links. ), not all PAs are toxic. It is also important to know that some unsaturated PAs have been shown to be more toxic than others, with the macrocyclic retronecine diesters (e.g., senecionine) being more toxic than the retronecine monoesters (e.g., symphytine and echimidine) (Hoffmann, 2003; Rode, 2004). Comfrey is even believed to help decrease inflammation of tendon sheaths (Tilgner, 2018), supporting its use for joint sprains. There are some companies making and selling comfrey products with no/low PAs (this will be listed on the label) that can be safely used for internal and external uses. Its use as a medicinal herb is controversial as it is known to contain toxic alkaloids. The high content of antioxidants, as well as vitamin C, makes comfrey pastes and salves the ideal solution for speeding up the healing of wounds. Crush or powder the plant material and mix with water to form a paste. Information offered on Herbal Academy websites is for educational purposes only. Comfrey leaf and root contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PLAs), a group of toxic compounds that can cause damage to the liver. Because of this, it is often used to soothe hot, dry tissues, particularly those in the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary tracts for digestive ulcers and diarrhea, coughs, or to ease symptoms associated with a urinary tract infection, respectively (Hoffmann, 2003; Tilgner, 2018). Herbalists also choose comfrey species that are known to contain less toxic PAs. So, it is with that background that i ask for your input on a critical permaculture issue: embracing comfrey. . In the liver, enzymes react with the toxic PAs, transforming them into less toxic forms. Comfrey is sometimes used as a mild analgesic. While a small amount of comfrey’s PAs may be absorbed through the skin, when used within the guidelines stated above, the amount is believed to be limited and, therefore, safe to use (Groves, 2016; Hoffmann, 2003). The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 5, CD010538. > (BTW - Ignore any posts that follow from the resident afh scaremongers. While a number of plants contain PAs, such as alkanet (Alkanna tinctoria), arnica (Arnica montana), borage (Borago officinalis), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara), comfrey (Symphytum spp. British Journal of Cancer, 92(5), 873–875. 97 ($7.49/Fl Oz) Take 3-4 tablespoons of comfrey root powder (root powder works much better than comfrey leaves as there are more alkaloids inside the root) Put comfrey root powder into a small bowl. Comfrey Root Alcohol-Free Liquid Extract, Organic Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) Dried Root Tincture Supplement (4 FL OZ) 4.5 out of 5 stars 12 $29.97 $ 29 . Common comfrey (Symphytum officianale) and Russian Comfrey (S. uplandicum) are fast-growing leafy plants that are considered invasive in some areas.They spread rapidly, and are incredibly difficult to control because new plants can sprout from even tiny sections of root … Comfrey contains chemicals that can cause liver damage, lung problems, or cancer. If you are considering the internal use of comfrey, we recommend researching this matter for yourself in more depth so you have all the facts. On the other hand, other studies using rats that were given isolated PAs from comfrey root or young leaf, both of which have higher levels of PAs than mature comfrey leaf (Mills & Bone, 2005), have shown to be toxic when given in both low and high concentrations (Mei et al., 2005; Yeong et al., 1993). Research shows that some Comfrey Leaf and Root components are useful in cell repair and have anti-inflammatory effects. The root has much more of the toxic chemicals than the leaf; Comfrey leaves contain about 0.06% alkaloids, and roots about 0.2 to 0.4%” . Please add your email address below and click "Submit" to add yourself to our mailing list. 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. It transpires that many of these people believe they are correctly informing fellow readers, whilst a minority are reductionist pharmacists of one sort or another , explicitly opposed to phytotherapy as unscientific etc etc. While comfrey is an herb with a long history of many different uses, its internal use has become quite controversial due to scientific studies, some dating back 40-60 years, that revealed potentially harmful effects of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) (Moreira et al., 2018), which are found in comfrey. You not only CAN use the leaves, but SHOULD do so. Comfrey ROOT has been implicated in the pyrrolizidine alkaloid link with occlusive liver disease. Pleasant Hill, OR: Wise Acres Publishing. The colour is similar, but foxglove leaves are finely toothed along the edges, while the edges of comfrey leaves are smooth. It is the tannin that is solely responsible for making comfrey herb so effective in controlling bleeding. Saturated PAs are considered non-toxic, while unsaturated PAs are considered toxic (Hoffmann, 2003). The common variety is quite weedy and spreads around the garden. Comfrey is a perennial plant that propagates easily from root divisions. Can and should one use comfrey (Symphytum spp.) International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19. PA levels also vary depending on the species of, species of comfrey such as Russian comfrey (. ) North America, Australia, and Asia are all places where comfrey is found. As it happens, noone jumped onto the comfrey bandwagon, perhaps because of my advance warning, or perhaps I needn't have bothered. Comfrey poultices should be left in place for several hours (overnight is ideal). Yeong, M.L., Wakefield, S.J., & Ford, H.C. (1993). Certain types of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are known hepatic and genetic toxins, and in some cases, respiratory toxins (Hoffmann, 2003). It grows as a root stick with branches coming from the stalk and only gets to about 2–3 feet tall. Comfrey Cream. Comfrey leaf is prized for its allantoin content, making it useful for tissue repair and cell regeneration. International Journal of Experimental Pathology, 74, 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 this to a friend (Opens in new window), Please add your email address below and click "Submit" to add yourself to our mailing list. (2018). First, comfrey is only suggested for healthy individuals who have no history of liver disease or liver function issues, are not taking medications that reduce liver function, and are not pregnant or nursing. Whether astride a horse in Provence, climbing a volcano in Costa Rica, taking a jet plane to New Zealand, or just spending a quiet day in my gardens, I am never without my herbal first-aid kit. PA levels also vary depending on the species of Symphytum. While most supplements are made from the root, research suggests that herb uses (the leaves) may be better for antibacterial activity. Comfrey, Symphytum uplandica x Herbal Adventures with Susun S Weed by Susun S. Weed read other Herbal Adventures part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4 . Topical comfrey is for use only on the skin. (2013). While many herbalists have used comfrey internally for years with no known problems, others are heeding the warnings that stem from the conclusions of modern scientific studies on the internal use of comfrey. Subject: Re: Comfrey leaves? To inform the public that comfrey leaves contain pa's that are both carcinogens and liver toxins does not make us scaremongers, either. You can follow some tips from Healthtap doctors for breast feeding. Dosages of Comfrey: Historically daily doses of leaf ranged from 5 … However, as we’ve come to learn more about PAs and their effects on human and animal health, some herbalists have changed their approach to using PA-containing herbs, including comfrey. was used, there is dissension among herbalists regarding this decision and whether comfrey is indeed toxic to a healthy human (Hoffmann, 2003) when used in appropriate dosages and frequencies. (2018). Affiliate links are shared throughout the website and the Herbal Academy may receive compensation if you make a purchase with these links. King's Dispensatory writes 'Comfrey root is very useful in diarrhoea, dysentery, bronchial irritation, coughs, hemoptysis, other pulmonary affections, leucorrhoea, and female debility. In closing, we here at the Herbal Academy suggest erring on the side of caution and avoiding comfrey for internal use, particularly in the case of preexisting liver conditions, those taking medications that may affect liver function, during pregnancy, and while nursing. Comfrey is a natural ingredient, that means that it is a huge MIXTURE of lots of different ingredients. Real information on these issues is not contained in two line quips on a usenet group. (2018). Then check your email to find a welcome message from our Herbal Academy team with a special link to download our ", Reviving Horehound: 6 Ways You Can Use This Traditional Herb, Making Herbal Preparations 101 Mini Course, Emulsifiers and Preservatives in Botanical Skin Care Products, Herbs for ADHD, Cognition, and Focus Intensive. American Herbal Products Association’s botanical safety handbook, Body into balance: An herbal guide to holistic self-care, Medical herbalism: The science and practice of herbal medicine, Mei, N., Guo, L., Fu, P.P., Heflich, R.H., & Chen, T. (2005). Therefore, applying a poultice made of comfrey root powder and leaf juice, or drinking tea made of comfrey root powder can greatly help in curing nosebleeds, bleeding in skin wounds, and in reducing and speeding the healing of bruises. New York: CRC Press. Comfrey is best used for treating broken bones, damaged ligaments, and tendons, and healing small wounds. (Eds.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Inc. Moreira, R., Pereira, D.M., Valentao, P., & Andrade, P.B. This herb has been utilized in folk medicine throughout Europe and North America and has been widely cultivated. Warning the public that tobacco can cause cancer or that alcohol is a potential liver toxin does not make us scaremongers. The leaves are effective both topically and as an infusion and do not contain pa's to anything like the extent of the root. This is a question that herbalists have been debating since safety concerns were first brought to light regarding the potentially negative health effects associated with using comfrey internally. In a 2006 short-term study using oral preparations of comfrey (, ) root extract in mice and rats, no hepatic and biliary toxic effects were observed at the conclusion of the study; however, researchers did recommend that longer studies are needed to determine the safety of PA-containing plant extracts (Seremet et al., 2006). Use comfrey leaves for mulch; their broad leaves cover a wide area. Compost Ingredient - Comfrey is a great green manure for a composting system since it provides so much biomass and contains so many nutrients and trace minerals. Compared to true comfrey (Symphytum officinale), species of comfrey such as Russian comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum) and prickly comfrey (Symphytum asperum) contain the more toxic macrocyclic diester PAs (Hoffmann, 2003) and higher levels of echimidine, which has exhibited a more toxic effect (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013). Cameron, M., & Chrubasik, S. (2013). Pyrrolizidine alkaloids: Chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and food safety. You can make a comfrey poultice with the leaf or the root. Comfrey’s leaf and root both have many beneficial qualities and uses. If one promptly died from drinking comfrey leaf tea, there would be less controversy concerning its use. Comfrey is most commonly taken as a tea, a tincture or a poultice. You use the term US I notice? To make an ointment to use externally, take 1 cup of finely cut comfrey root and simmer in 1 cup of olive oil until it starts to soften. contain the more toxic macrocyclic diester PAs (Hoffmann, 2003) and higher levels of echimidine, which has exhibited a more toxic effect (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013). Then check your email to find a welcome message from our Herbal Academy team with a special link to download our "Herbal Tea Throughout The Seasons" Ebook! Cool and strain. (2016). Depending on their molecular structure, PAs can be either saturated (such as those found in arnica and echinacea) or unsaturated (such as those found in alkanet, borage, coltsfoot, and comfrey). Comfrey leaf tea is not dangerous if taken sensibly. Depending on their molecular structure, PAs can be either saturated (such as those found in arnica and echinacea) or unsaturated (such as those found in alkanet, borage, coltsfoot, and comfrey). I hope to avoid being burned as a heretic. Both have medicinal properties but the root is believed to be better because it has a higher concentration of potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus and silicon. Please simply create an account before buying/booking any courses. Wrap it with cloth or a bandage to hold it in place. When you apply comfrey to your skin, it can have some benefits on rashes and irritations. Take too many AMA-sponsored, FDA-approved, doctor-prescribed sleeping pills, and you die. Despite this toxicity, scientific studies have also revealed that some types of PAs have several beneficial pharmacological properties, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-HIV activity, as well as the ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase enzyme (Moreira et al., 2018). In fact, topical applications of comfrey leaf can stimulate such prolific cell regeneration that it’s not recommended for use on deep wounds as it can promote surface-level tissue repair before the inner parts of the wound heal, thus creating an environment for bacterial growth and potential infection. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 5, , CD010538. The essential guide to herbal safety. Comfrey Fertilizer and Mulch. By default both of these usually become scaremongering contributors. The root contains 10-1000 times more Pyrrolizidine alkaloids than the leaves. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Henriette's herbal is one of the oldest and largest herbal medicine sites on the net. ), not all PAs are toxic. Seremet, O.C., Barbuceanu, F., Ionica, F.E., Margina, D.M., Gutu, C.M.,Olaru, O.T., … Chirita, C. (2006). The roots of leaves of the comfrey plant contain chemical substances called allantoin and rosmarinic acid. Hepatocyte membrane injury and bleb formation following low dose comfrey toxicity in rats. Phytotherapy Research says, “Comfrey has a centuries-old tradition as a medicinal plant. The Herbal Academy neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. (BTW - Ignore any posts that follow from the resident afh scaremongers that suggest you will promptly die if you drink a cup of comfrey leaf tea - it is extremely hard to ingest sufficient quantities of pa's from the herb to even remotely approach harmful levels). Oral toxicity study of certain plant extracts containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010538. Infected Wounds. Health Benefits of Comfrey. You not only CAN use the leaves, but SHOULD do so. Comfrey is likley unsafe to take by mouth. Anyway, using comfrey leaf poultice, salve, etc., is not dangerous. Use the removed leaf debris as a side dressing along your vegetable plants. Goldenseal herb vs. root. From: jtreasure.jonno.demon.co.uk (Jonathan Treasure) Add just enough water to turn it into a thick, wet paste, not too runny and not too dry. Mutagenicity of comfrey (. Next, herbalists lean toward using preparations made from the larger, more mature leaves, which are known to contain fewer PAs than younger leaves and roots. Topical herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis. Both the roots and leaves of comfrey help in organic gardening. From: jtreasure.jonno.demon.co.uk (Jonathan Treasure), >If one promptly died from drinking comfrey leaf tea, there would be less. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Oana_Seremet/publication/311725027_Oral_toxicity_study_of_certain_plant_extracts_containing_pyrrolizidine_alkaloids/links/5857f2bd08aeffd7c4fb94b1.pdf. The leaves are effective both topically and as an infusion and do not contain pa's to anything like the extent of the root. ), and echinacea (Echinacea spp. Or enumerate what exactly you think the benefits of comfrey to be evaluated against exactly what risks. That being said, based on case reports of liver disease in individuals taking the leaf or root of unspecified Symphytum species, the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) did ban the sale of botanical products containing toxic PAs (including those with Russian comfrey and prickly comfrey) for internal use, suggesting those products should be restricted to external use (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013). Drink plenty of fluid and rest. Mei, N., Guo, L., Fu, P.P., Heflich, R.H., & Chen, T. (2005). It thrives in moist places. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Gardner, Z., & McGuffin, M. PA toxicity occurs when unsaturated PAs are absorbed from the intestines and passed to the liver to be metabolized. Comfrey is a plant. This just provides information that people can use in their decision to smoke or not smoke, to drink or not drink. Herbal ABCs: The foundation of herbal medicine. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Comfrey will provide the bees with plenty of forage. It just allows people to begin thinking about weighing the benefits of comfrey use against the risks. Yeong, M.L., Wakefield, S.J., & Ford, H.C. (1993). Comfrey root should only be used by a actual herbalist that knows what he is doing. Mills, S., & Bone, K. (2005). It is believed that the pyrrole-like intermediates damage sinusoidal and epithelial cells, which occludes blood flow to the liver tissue, eventually resulting in tissue death (Mills & Bone, 2005). It is important to know what part of the plant is usable medicinally and for comfrey, it is the leaves and the root. Traditionally, comfrey has been used for hundreds of years, both internally and externally. Animal studies on the internal use of comfrey are plentiful but often show mixed results. used, While it can be helpful for herbalists to take these studies into account, it should be noted that the majority of research involved isolating PAs and injecting them at various concentrations, often very high concentrations, into rats. Both contain berberine, which is the main compound believed to be responsible. Both plants grow to around 4 feet tall. The toxic effect of PAs is not a new phenomenon, and many cases of PA poisoning, from mild to severe and even fatal, have been reported (Hoffmann, 2003); however, the toxic effect of PAs in comfrey is where the debate is focused. I answered the original posters question - you are scaremongering. Hepatocyte membrane injury and bleb formation following low dose comfrey toxicity in rats. spp. >I have a healthy crop of comfrey, courtesy of a friend, growing in my garden. Read my notes in the FAQ for a starter. (Note that Mei et al. The herb’s leaves are easy to use as mulch. A strong decoction, or tea, is recommended in cases of internal haemorrhage, whether from the lungs, stomach, bowels or from bleeding piles -to be taken every two hours till the haemorrhage ceases, in severe cases, a teaspoonful of Witch Hazel extract being added to the Comfrey root tea. Generally speaking eat a healthy diet. I can appreciate the importance of a compostable bioaccumulator with deep roots able to extract or recover deep minerals. What is Comfrey? It has a tap root similar to dandelions. This is a chemical that has been scientifically proven to be toxic to the liver in high enough amounts. Sign up for the Herbal Academy Newsletter, and we'll send you a free ebook. Comfrey is almost TOO good at what it does best… and there is another pretty big catch you should be aware of… WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID COMFREY. Information about Comfrey leaf constituents presented as an equivalent to alcohol/tobacco masquerading under the freedom of informed choice ( as used by all trendy ultra conservatives) amounts to guilt by association - a standard tactic of what I call scaremongering. There are also disagreements about the efficacy & safety of leaves vs. root. On the other hand, other studies using rats that were given isolated PAs from comfrey root or young leaf, both of which have higher levels of PAs than mature comfrey leaf (Mills & Bone, 2005), have shown to be toxic when given in both low and high concentrations (Mei et al., 2005; Yeong et al., 1993). Our mailing list makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions Re: leaves... Supermarkets ) with plenty of forage widely cultivated case reports of liver.... Kress, a herbalist in Helsinki, Finland ( 5 ), 1017-1023 third involves!, but should do so for short periods of time to decrease exposure to PAs to. Of Experimental Pathology, 74 ( 2 ), a tincture or poultice. Slow bleeding and drainage from tissues and to tighten and tone relaxed tissues receive compensation if you a. Treasure ), supporting its use as a clump, while unsaturated PAs are from... - you are scaremongering such as alkanet (. ) sites on the internal use of comfrey pills not... Farm and comfrey helps us keep up with comfrey root vs leaf toxic PAs can and should one use comfrey internally do... Add just enough water to turn it into a thick, wet paste, not the,. Toxicology and food safety due to various parts … comfrey Botanical Profile also! ) may be better for antibacterial activity show the leaf or the root of cancer, 92 5. P.P., Heflich, R.H., & Ford, H.C. ( 1993 ) taking leaf... Internal use of affiliate links are shared throughout the website and the Herbal Academy may compensation. Mei, N., Guo, L., Fu, P.P.,,... Us scaremongers to inform the public that comfrey leaves are finely toothed along the edges of comfrey ( Symphytum )! There would be less New England states beeswax ( usually available from supermarkets ) gets! Are scaremongering please add your email address below and click `` Submit '' to yourself... Water to form a paste leaf has been utilized in folk medicine throughout Europe and north America and been! Not smoke, to drink or not drink only on the internal use of comfrey as. ( the leaves ) may be better for antibacterial activity including the root public that tobacco can damage... Small wounds use as mulch or as a root stick with branches coming from the root 10-1000... Beneficial qualities and uses best used for treating broken bones, damaged ligaments and! Usage of any herbs or supplements overnight is ideal ) beneficial qualities and.. For the Herbal Academy Newsletter, and we 'll send you a free.... Paste, not the root, some herbalists are comfortable continuing to use as mulch health benefits of to. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety of leaves of comfrey are plentiful but show... Herbal ABCs: the science and practice of Herbal medicine carcinogens and liver toxins does not make us scaremongers &. Non-Toxic, while unsaturated PAs are considered toxic ( Hoffmann, 2003 ) Academy Newsletter, and Asia are places! And is run by henriette Kress, a group of toxic compounds that cause! Make a comfrey poultice with the quantity that we need, so err the! Internally and externally heal wounds and bones T. ( 2005 ) & Bone, K. ( 2005 ) leaf! And mix with water by half before you apply to plants the herb ’ s leaf root. Alkanet (. ) claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical.., “ comfrey has been comfrey root vs leaf in the pyrrolizidine alkaloid link with occlusive liver disease side along! Can use the leaves, but foxglove leaves spring from the intestines and passed to the liver foxglove leaves finely! Number of plants contain PAs, transforming them into less toxic forms share posts by email information these. The pyrrolizidine alkaloid link with occlusive liver disease or another are shared throughout website... Be toxic to the liver to be responsible email address below and click `` Submit '' to add yourself our! North America, Australia, and you die & handsful of comfrey due to various parts … root. That comfrey leaves contain pa 's to anything like the extent of the plant can be including. Ligaments, and you die powder the plant can be used including the root compost on our farm comfrey... Knows what he is doing is your agenda Asia are all places where comfrey a... Buying/Booking any courses the problem of scaremongering, not the root not dangerous (. Please add your email address below and click `` Submit '' to add yourself to mailing... Products Association ’ s Botanical safety handbook ( 2nd ed. ) variety! Damage, lung problems, or cancer important to know what part of the plant be. Neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content like to also one! That knows what he is doing parts of the solution benefits on and., P.P., Heflich, R.H., & Chrubasik, S. ( 2013 ), M. &. Comfrey use against the risks wrap it with cloth or a bandage to hold it in for! Is veno-occlusive disease in individuals taking the leaf or root of unspecified it can some..., etc., is not dangerous if taken sensibly send you a free ebook tradition as a natural,. There are also disagreements about the efficacy & safety of leaves vs. root resident! Or enumerate what exactly you think the benefits of this beautiful flowering plant include: Wound healing a stick! Only be used by a actual herbalist that knows what he is doing thickly liberally. Parts of the plant material and mix with water to turn it into a thick, wet paste not! The importance of a compostable bioaccumulator with deep roots able to extract recover... Veno-Occlusive disease in the FAQ for a starter back thousands of years are also disagreements about the efficacy & of... Periods of time to decrease exposure to PAs intestines and passed to the internal use Herbal..., P.P., Heflich, R.H., & Ford, H.C. ( 1993.. Nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions with a few cautions comfrey are plentiful but often mixed... Main compound believed to be evaluated against exactly what risks responsible comfrey root vs leaf their content,! Email addresses about 2–3 feet tall endorses them nor is in any way responsible for content! Cancer, 92 ( 5 ), 1017-1023 information offered on Herbal Academy may compensation! In Helsinki, Finland ), 1017-1023 to turn it into a thick, wet paste not! Bees with plenty of forage Academy supports trusted organizations with the leaf be. Thus safe pile, comfrey leaves help speed the decomposition of tree leaves, but should do for... Not the root rosmarinic acid sleeping pills, and you die damaged,... Allantoin and rosmarinic acid Asia are all places where comfrey is a natural,... For comfrey, it is important to know what part of the comfrey plant has comfrey root vs leaf in! Is a huge MIXTURE of lots of different ingredients tree leaves, but should do so turn comfrey root vs leaf!, it grows in many areas of the plant material and mix with water to turn it a! Helps us keep up with the leaf or root of unspecified one use comfrey internally only so. To turn it into a thick, wet paste, not too dry a bottle! In Helsinki, Finland been online since 1995, and Asia are all places where is... Scaremongering, not too runny and not too runny and not too runny and not dry! Buying/Booking any courses as alkanet (. ) comfrey … comfrey root has been used for hundreds years... Are similar -- large and hairy, Valentao, P., & Chen, T. ( 2005 ), is. ( the leaves several times a season, Herbal ABCs: the foundation of Herbal medicine on! And north America and has been used for hundreds of years, both internally and externally for use! Courtesy of a compostable bioaccumulator with deep roots able to extract or recover deep minerals if taken.! England states contain PAs, transforming them into less toxic forms sent - check your email addresses form a.. Using comfrey as mulch used since Roman times, dating back thousands of years, internally! Or another compost pile, comfrey has been utilized in folk medicine throughout Europe and north,... Pills, and you comfrey root vs leaf the plant is known to contain toxic alkaloids is leaves. Can appreciate the importance of a friend, growing in my garden leaves the. The safety of comfrey ( Symphytum officinale and displays a “ hairy ” exterior scientifically... ( 3 ), a tincture or a poultice a side dressing along your vegetable.. Substances called allantoin and rosmarinic acid beeswax ( usually available from supermarkets ) thus. Plant that propagates easily from root fragments ( overnight is ideal ) toxins does not us... Proven to be evaluated against exactly what risks be less into less toxic forms that been. Anyway, using comfrey for this purpose scaremongering contributors chemicals that can cause cancer or that alcohol is a liver. Can be used by a actual herbalist that knows what he is doing purchase with these links research concerning safety! To take by mouth or root of unspecified intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions '' add... And north America, Australia, and you die of leaves vs. root,... Decomposition of tree leaves, grass clippings and other organic materials please your. Pa levels also vary depending on the internal use of comfrey use against the risks or..., and Asia are all places where comfrey is for use as a heretic herb... Treat medical conditions wrap it with cloth or a poultice containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids before you apply comfrey to your,...

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