Volume 20, Issue 4, November 2014, Pages 347–355
The external use of comfrey: A practitioner survey
Abstract
Aim
The survey aimed to assess how often and in what ways herbal practitioners use comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) externally in everyday practice.
Methods
A
2-sided A4 survey was sent to all UK members of the National Institute
of Medical Herbalists, the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy and
the Association of Master Herbalists with viable practice addresses (n = 598).
Results
239
herbalists responded, of whom 179 (75%) reported regularly using
comfrey, in 15% of their consultations. It was most commonly prescribed
as a cream for tendon, ligament and muscle problems, for fractures, and
for wounds, the indications for which it was also perceived to be most
effective. Comfrey was rated least effective for haemorrhoids, varicose
veins and boils and was considered to carry the greatest risk when
prescribed for ulcers, wounds and boils.
Conclusion
Practitioner experience suggests that comfrey can be used safely and effectively externally for certain indications.
Keywords
- Comfrey;
- Herbal medicine;
- Survey
Abbreviations
- AMH, Association of Master Herbalists;
- CPP, College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy;
- NIMH, National Institute of Medical Herbalists;
- PAs, pyrrolizidine alkaloids
- Corresponding
author. Present address: NMAHP Research Unit, K200 Buchanan House,
Glasgow Caledonian University, Port Dundas Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, UK.
Tel.:
+44 (0) 141 2731606.
- 1
- Present address: School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
