Comfrey is anti-inflammatory and a cell proliferator. It is useful for topical treatment of wounds, insect bites, nicks, scrapes, burns. It is a healing aid in contusions, sprains and fractures when applied directly to the closed wound as a poultice. Comfrey contains allantoin, a cell proliferator, and topical application may heal so fast as to trap infectious microbes. It is recommended that Wound Aid for Animals, a potent antimicrobial, be used with powdered comfrey herb on open wounds to disinfect.
Internally comfrey should be used with caution due to its alleged toxicity. Use one cc per 50 pounds weight twice daily, simultaneously with 400 mg. ground seed of milk thistle.
Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids and may therefore be toxic.
Comfrey is contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation or with a pre-existing liver disorder.
The argument that comfrey is not safe for internal use is unconvincing since it is based on dosing rodents with high levels of purified pyrrolizidine alkoloids. The root is about two orders of magnitude higher in concentration of pyrrolizidine alkoloids than is the herb. Therefore hepatotoxicity likelihood resultant from herb extract is minimal. Unlikely or not it is advisable to simultaneously use milk thistle with comfrey extract to provide for hepatoprotection. It is my opinion that comfrey has received an undeserved bad rap. Clinical trials are in order to separate fact from fiction and hysteria.
We did not invent botanical medicines and we do not recommend that the use of botanical medicines should be undertaken on the strength of our restatement of historical usage and documented research.
We do restate well documented traditional efficacy and the results of ongoing research. Personal experience is included where deemed appropriate.
Regardless of the merits of any plant medicine, side effects do sometimes occur. These may be real or imagined. Always seek the counsel and advice of qualified medical professionals and use caution with any medication, plant derived or otherwise. We do not accept responsibility for the use or misuse of any product put forth or any information provided.
This research is being conducted by the Veterinary Research Council, Inc., of which, Dr. Fox is Treasurer.