Comfrey (Knitbone)

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Symphytum officinale
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Leaves
Roots
Chemicals this herb contains:
Allantoin
Consolidine
Mucilage (See Glossary)
Phosphorous
Potassium
Pyrrolizidine
Starch
Symphytocynglossine
Tannins (See Glossary)
Vitamins A and C

KNOWN EFFECTS

Shrinks tissues. Prevents secretion of fluids. Interferes with absorption of iron and other minerals when taken internally.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Roots and leaves are used in poultices to heal wounds and ulcers (See Glossary). Protects scraped tissues. Is used as a laxative by providing bulk. Helps body dispose of excess fluid by increasing the amount of urine produced.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Need to restrict potassium in your diet.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Problems in pregnant women taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Problems in breast-fed infants of lactating mothers taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
None expected if you are beyond childhood and under 45, basically healthy and take for only a short time.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Rated relatively safe when taken in appropriate quantities for
short periods of time.
For symptoms of toxicity: See Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS