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Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects and may help decrease pain. Clinical trials investigating topical application of comfrey-containing creams have found significant reductions in inflammation and pain associated with sprains and muscle injuries. Overall, these studies have been well designed although some improvements in reporting are needed. Comfrey should only be used externally (on the skin), as internal use may cause liver damage. Various countries, including the United States, have asked companies to remove oral comfrey products from the market, and topical products are required to advise consumers not to use on broken skin. Other countries, such as Germany, allow topical comfrey products with a label including the maximal daily allowable levels of pyrrolidizine alkaloids of 100 micrograms and maximal use over six weeks per year. Copyright 2007 Natural Standard, Inc. Read more
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