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Overview
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a plant with yellow or purple flowers found in Europe, Asia, and North America. It contains chemicals that are poisonous.
Comfrey contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can cause severe liver damage. It also contains chemicals that might reduce swelling.
Despite safety concerns, some people use comfrey for bruises, osteoarthritis, sprains, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
The US FDA has recommended that all comfrey products that are taken by mouth be removed from the market due to serious safety concerns. Don't confuse comfrey with black root or bugle. These are not the same. Also don't confuse it with foxglove, which looks similar to comfrey before it blooms.
Comfrey contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can cause severe liver damage. It also contains chemicals that might reduce swelling.
Despite safety concerns, some people use comfrey for bruises, osteoarthritis, sprains, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
The US FDA has recommended that all comfrey products that are taken by mouth be removed from the market due to serious safety concerns. Don't confuse comfrey with black root or bugle. These are not the same. Also don't confuse it with foxglove, which looks similar to comfrey before it blooms.
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