comfrey

What is the most important information I should know about comfrey?

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.

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.

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.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using comfrey?

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

• liver disease.

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 herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use comfrey, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of comfrey at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra comfrey to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using comfrey?

Avoid using comfrey together with other herbal/health supplements that can also harm the liver. This includes androstenedione, bishop's weed, borage, chaparral, comfrey, DHEA, echinacea, garlic, germander, golden ragwort, hound's tongue, kava, licorice, niacin (vitamin B3), pennyroyal oil, red yeast, St. John's wort, and others.

What are the possible side effects of comfrey?

Although not all side effects are known, comfrey is thought to be possibly safe when applied to unbroken skin for less than 10 days.

• liver problems --nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect comfrey?

Do not take comfrey without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• carbamazepine;
• phenobarbital;
• phenytoin; or
• rifabutin, rifampin.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with comfrey, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.

Where can I get more information?

Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.