Symphytum officinale : Common Comfrey

Abstract

Even today we still know the abilities of comfrey, but in the last few decades it has mostly been used by holistic therapist and not by conventional therapists. The major reason is due to the increasing use of pharmaceuticals, but also due to the possible side effects of PAs. Several trials and investigations have been carried out into the toxic effects of oral administration of comfrey. The result from most of these trails has shown that PAs are hepato-toxic, but it seems like the results have questionable value do to extreme over-dosage. In other trials, especially with short-term administration, the opposite results are achieved, and comfrey has shown to have anti-neoplastic potential. On the other hand, it has shown to have valuable therapeutic effects on back-pain, sprains and external injuries. There are hundreds of testimonials available online and in books which highlight the healing capabilities of comfrey and the confidence many people still show in it. In the chapter testimonials I have outlined some, which were sent to me personally for the purpose of this thesis and also a personal experience I encountered while writing this thesis.