Using Comfrey – Hugs CBD

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How is Comfrey Used as a Medical Treatment?

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Comfrey is being used more and more. With the meteoric rise of the internet, Google search, and social media, herbal medicines, and traditional remedies have made significant headway into the health and wellness industry. Now more than ever, U.S. consumers are more willing to look into holistic treatment options for both chronic and acute health issues.

Herbalism, the traditional study of using plants as therapeutic and medical treatment options, has been used for centuries. But it wasn’t until recently that conventional herbal medical practices and beliefs began to be used as alternative treatment options for the modern-day consumer. Some of the most popular herbal remedies used today are chamomile, echinacea, and garlic. Consumers may even be surprised to know that the popular OTC medicine, Aspirin, has roots in herbal medicine. A shrub that grows native to Asia, Europe, and North America called comfrey has been used for centuries as a medical treatment.

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What is comfrey?

Comfrey is a shrub that is native to parts of Asia, North America, and Europe. The plant grows to about five feet tall, and produces purple, blue, and sometimes white flowers. The leaves of the comfrey shrub are long and slender, and it has black-skinned roots.

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What are the origins of comfrey as a medical treatment?

The roots and leaves of the comfrey shrub have been used for centuries throughout Europe and Asia in various forms of herbal medicine. For example, traditional Japanese herbal medical practices have used comfrey for more than 2,000 years in poultices to treat sprains, joint pain, bruises, and burns. The comfrey poultice is known traditionally as “knit bone.” In Europe, healers would use comfrey poultices to treat gout and arthritis. The shrub has also been processed into treatments for stomach issues and ailments.

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How does comfrey work?

Comfrey roots contain chemical compounds called allantoin and rosmarinic acid. Rosmarinic acid is known for helping to relieve pain and inflammation, while allantoin is thought to promote the growth of new skin cells, which may explain why comfrey poultices have traditionally been used as a treatment for burns. Extracts made from the leaves and roots of comfrey have been used in ointments, creams, and salves.

How effective is comfrey as a treatment option for these issues?

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Subclinical trials involving comfrey found that the herbal remedy was useful as a replacement option for NSAIDs for joint pain and inflammation. However, using comfrey does come with some risks. Research has found that comfrey is safe for short-term use as a topical on closed wounds and over the skin.

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What are the adverse side effects of using comfrey?

While short-term use of the plant is considered safe for most patients, the substance does come with a few side effects. Natural doesn’t necessarily mean safe, and all supplements, herbal remedies, and medications do come with the risk of side effects. Some of the adverse side effects of the plant are abdominal bloating, stomach pain, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Comfrey can also cause severe health issues when it is used frequently and for long durations.

What are the risks of long-term comfrey use?

Comfrey has been found to damage the liver when it is used in large quantities over a long period. The herb contains certain compounds that can damage the liver, and comfrey may also possess carcinogenic properties. This risk is pronounced when people ingest comfrey or use it on open wounds. In some countries, comfrey used in oral preparations has been banned. The Food and Drug Administration has also banned the use of comfrey in oral treatments because of this risk. It is also advised that patients who use comfrey topicals avoid putting the product on broken skin or open wounds.

Where can someone purchase comfrey topicals?

Comfrey topicals are generally considered safe, and people can purchase a topical ointment containing comfrey in health food stores and other boutiques. It is also possible to buy comfrey-containing topicals online.

What other herbs or drugs are commonly used to treat the same issues as comfrey?

People with mild to moderate joint pain and inflammation are often advised to use NSAIDs that can be purchased over-the-counter. Unfortunately, long-term use of these medicines does come with a few risks. NSAIDs used for long durations are known to increase the risk of heart disease and also worsen heart disease in at-risk patients. It is advised that consumers only use NSAIDs for three days for fever and no more than ten consecutive days for pain. NSAIDs can also increase the risk of ulcers and stomach bleeding.

Acetaminophen is also another OTC option for inflammation. But large doses of acetaminophen taken for long periods can increase the chances of liver damage. This risk is even more pronounced in people with other risk factors, such as alcoholism or binge drinking habits.

Patients with chronic and acute inflammation are often advised to turn to alternative treatment options to reduce the risk of medication side effects. Physical and occupational therapy, hot and cold compresses, exercise, talk therapy, and diet changes are often recommended for patients dealing with these issues.

An alternative to herbal poultices containing comfrey is hot and cold packs. Alternating heating pads and cold packs on inflamed and painful joints can alleviate some discomfort and improve joint mobility. It is advised that patients do not use extreme changes in temperature to avoid damaging the skin.

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With the rise in popularity of CBD and related CBD products for chronic and acute pain, many patients may believe that CBD is an effective treatment option for these issues. But CBD is a mostly unregulated supplement and is not FDA-approved as a treatment option for inflammation and joint pain. For most patients, CBD is safe to use. But consumers should always speak to their doctor before using CBD.

Hugs CBD is committed to bringing increased transparency and high-quality CBD products to the health and wellness industry. All Hugs products are independently tested through a third-party lab to ensure quality. After your doctor gives you the go-ahead, shop online at Hugs today and have CBD gummies, tinctures, or drink mixes delivered to your door.

Last updated September 26 2019

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