


Generic Name: comfrey

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.

It is not certain whether comfrey is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Comfrey should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.


Comfrey may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

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.

Stop using comfrey and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:


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


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


Comfrey is considered likely unsafe to use during pregnancy. The chemicals contained in comfrey may cause birth defects. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.

Comfrey is considered likely unsafe to use if you are nursing a baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.


How should I use comfrey?


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.

Comfrey is likley unsafe to take by mouth. Comfrey contains chemicals that can cause liver damage, lung problems, or cancer. Topical comfrey is for use only on the skin.

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.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with comfrey does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.


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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 other drugs will affect comfrey?

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

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?



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Reviewed on 9/9/2020

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