Comfrey
Generic name: comfrey [ COM-free ]
Drug class:Herbal products
What is comfrey?
Comfrey is a plant also known as Ass Ear, Black Root, Blackwort, Bruisewort, Consolidae Radix, Consound, Consoude, Consuelda, Gum Plant, Healing Herb, Herbe aux Charpentiers, Herbe à la Coupure, Knitback, Knitbone, Langue-de-Vache, Oreille d'Âne, Salsify, Slippery Root, Symphytum officinale, or Wallwort.
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.
Other uses not proven with research have included skin wounds, skin ulcers, cough, sore throat, gum disease, joint pain, diarrhea, and other conditions.
Comfrey may have been applied to the skin in a specific preparation to treat some of these conditions.
It is not certain whether comfrey is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Comfrey should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Comfrey is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Comfrey may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:
Comfrey is considered likely unsafe to use during pregnancy. The chemicals contained in comfrey may cause birth defects. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.
Comfrey is considered likely unsafe to use if you are nursing a baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.
How should I use comfrey?
When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of ...
