comfrey

(kŭm′frē)

n. pl. com·freys

Any of various hairy perennial Eurasian herbs of the genus Symphytum, especially S. officinale, having variously colored flowers in coiled cymes and long used in herbal medicine.

comfrey

Herbal medicine
A perennial herb, the leaves and roots of which contain allantoin, carotene, essential oil, glycosides, mucilage, resin, saponins, tannins, triterpenoids, vitamin B12 and zinc. Comfrey is a medicinal herb staple, promoting the growth of bone and connective tissue, and breaks down red blood cells (hence its popular name, bruisewort). It is anti-inflammatory, and has been used internally for haemorrhage, diarrhoea, gastric ulcers, colitis, bronchitis, whooping cough, and other respiratory tract infections; it is used topically for burns, bruises, sprains, boils, sore breasts, ulcers, gangrene, haemorrhoids and varicose veins.

Toxic effects
Liver tumours may develop in lab rats when exposed to high levels; it is a potential carcinogen.

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References in periodicals archive

Symphytum officinale (comfrey) ointment relieves pain and swelling after ankle distortion.

Anti-inflammatory activity of a pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free extract of roots of Symphytum officinale in humans.

Efficacy of a Comfrey root extract ointment in comparison to a Diclofenac gel in the treatment of ankle distortions: results of an observer-blind, randomized, multicenter study

Symphytum officinale (Comfrey): Used as a poultice, rinse or salve to heal interior and exterior wounds.

The medicinal garden

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) leaves and roots contain allantoin, which helps the regeneration of new skin cells.

Gardener's first aid: what works and why: follow these simple, safe and effective remedies for soothing sunburns, blisters, bug bites and other minor maladies

Un arall oedd yn tyfu yn yr ardd a'i ddefnyddio at gricymala oedd y cyfardwf neu'r cwmffri (Symphytum officinale; common comfrey).

Planhigion at gricmala; BYD NATUR

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) is a medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and tissue regenerating properties.

Keywords: Comfrey; Symphytum officinale; Clinical trial; Ankle; Sprain; Distorsion; Inflammation; Pain; Efficacy; Tolerance

Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. Rad. Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study ([??])

Un arall o hen ffefrynnau'r border bach oedd yn amlwg iawn yn yr ardd oedd y cyfardwf neu'r cwmffri (Symphytum officinale; common comfrey).

Diwrnod difyr mewn gardd draddodiadol; an BETHAN WYN JONES

'Common comfrey' ydi ei enw fo yn Saesneg a Symphytum officinale ydi'r enw gwyddonol arno fo.

Llond cwpwrdd o ffisig o un blodyn; BYD NATUR Mwy o ryfeddodau byd natur gyda Bethan Wyn Jones