HerbComfrey
Limited clinical trials show short-term efficacy of topical, alkaloid-free comfrey for skin abrasions and inflammatory conditions; internal use is unsafe.
Benefits
- Traditionally used for wound healing
- reducing inflammation
- and soothing pain
- may possess antifungal and anticancer activity.
Key compounds
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (symphytineechimidineintermedinesymviridinelasiocarpine)allantointanninsrosmarinic acidlithspermic acidmucilagefructanesstarch
May help with
- Historically used as a healing herb for over 2
- 000 years to treat burns
- sprains
- swelling
- bruises
- inflammatory disorders
- and internally for diarrhea.
Best for these goals
Traditionally used for wound healingreducing inflammationand soothing painmay possess antifungal and anticancer activity.
How to use it
Topical poultices, alkaloid-free topical preparations
Evidence level
Safety concern
Cautions & interactions
Generally considered unsafe due to hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids; contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, infants, and those with liver/kidney disease; topical use should not exceed 100 mcg/day alkaloid exposure. | Interactions: No major interactions well-documented; caution with phenobarbital and other liver-damaging supplements.
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