Get Comfrey with It: All About Symphytum Officinale

Last updated on January 15th, 2024 at 03:11 pm

There are some medicinal plants so powerful their reputation precedes them. Such is the case for Symphytum officinale, a type of “super plant” that has been known for its ability to mend bones. Throughout history, people have relied on this ancient herb’s healing properties, and you can still harness its power to relieve bone injuries when used homeopathically.

A Medicinal History of the Symphytum

Symphytum officinale is the Latin name for a perennial shrub in the borage family that grows in wet regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. It’s more commonly known as “comfrey” but is also called “knitbone,” referring to its amazing ability to “knit” bones back together. For over 2,000 years, practitioners of folk medicine would apply poultices, dressings, and salves containing this herb to promote the healing of fractures, broken bones, and other wounds. Comfrey was also used in tea for the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, and gout.

The roots and leaves of the comfrey plant contain two essential bone-healing substances: Allantoin which fortifies bone and tissue regeneration, and rosmarinic acid, which reduces pain and inflammation. But the plant also has alkaloids that can cause liver damage, so these herbal preparations are no longer considered safe to use.

Homeopathic Bone Mender

Homeopathic Symphytum officinale is made from the comfrey root in a way that safely removes the toxicity. It’s used to help healing after a bone fracture has been reset and relieves the pain caused by bone trauma.* Because Symphytum accelerates the formation of a callus (an essential part of the bone repair process), make sure the fracture has been properly aligned and set before taking this medicine. Symphytum officinalis 6C can be taken three times a day until the cast is removed.

For more on the homeopathic uses of Boiron Symphytum officinale, click here to watch this video featuring Dr. Gary Kracoff, NMD, RPh.

*Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.

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56 thoughts on “Get Comfrey with It: All About Symphytum Officinale”

  1. I have used several of your products for years and I’m so very grateful to you! No side effects and they work within minutes after taking them! Thank you so very much!

      1. Pritesh Srivastava

        Sir My lower back L4 disc is slipped, I have tried many methods but failed to heal, I live in pain everyday. Can you please tell me is this medicine suitable to heal slip disc ? Please reply Sir I’m waiting

  2. Hi My name is Donna. I have some questions concerning the single medicines. Does Symphytum officinale, Arnica Montana, and Hypericum perforatum or any of the single medicines cause high blood pressure or any other side effects? Also, it’s for my Mom who feel and broke 3 ribs. They didn’t reset or wrap the ribs. It states on your web to make sure the bones are set before using Symphytum officinale. Is it ok for her to take this medicine if the bones aren’t set?

  3. I also have to recommend this product for bone breaks. I broke 4 ribs in 5 places and this stuff (plus liberal massaging with frankincense oil) worked wonders. I did a six week course, 3 times a day. I suggest it to all my friends with breaks. And sadly, the more we age, the more often we may see bone trauma. Take tai chi to learn how to know where your feet are at all times, and then how to fall should that happen, and then take this if you forget and fall anyway, and have a break someone has set for you. (wink wink) Thanks!!

    1. Thanks for your message. It assured me about need to take Symphytum 6C even though it was a splinter break.

      1. I have a cat with infection in her leg bone. Lots of inflammation and the bone looks like something is eating it. Will symphytum help?

    1. Hi Marilyn, the dosage for children and adults is the same: Take 5 pellets under the tongue 3 times a day until the cast is removed.

        1. Hi Rachel,

          The number and letter on homeopathic medicines correspond to their dilution, not their strength or potency and the dilution you choose should be based off of your symptoms.

          Most single homeopathic medicines are available in several dilutions. The letter indicates which dilution process was chosen, while the number indicates how many times that dilution process was used, and consequently, which symptoms the medicine is meant to treat.

          Here’s a quick guide to using homeopathic medicines: Low dilutions, such as 6X or 6C, will relieve local symptoms – symptoms you can point a finger at (i.e., an insect bite or bruise). Medium dilutions, such as 12X, 9C, or 12C, will relieve general symptoms – more than one symptom in more than one location (i.e., muscle aches and pains). High dilutions, such as 30X or 30C, will relieve general symptoms – more than one symptom in more than one location with possible behavioral or emotional symptoms (i.e., a very high fever and chills, accompanied by agitation and sleeplessness).

          If a person has the right medicine, no matter what the dilution, they will see a lessening of symptoms. For most medicines, choosing the right dilution is merely fine tuning.

          It may be helpful for you to use the Boiron Medicine Finder at http://www.BoironUSA.com to decide which dilutions are best to relieve your symptoms.

          Thanks!

      1. Hi Lois,
        Calcarea phosphorica can be used to help speed up bone healing. Arnica montana can help ease bruising and swelling associated with your injury. However, for pain management and recovery of broken bones, we recommend seeking guidance from your healthcare provider.
        Thanks!

  4. Is post-surgery for an ankle fracture too late? As in, two years post-surgery? Still having serious pain in the area, especially the incision sites.

  5. Which # of Syphtum officinale to take for healing of a fracture. I am taking the 6c right now and it does feel better.

  6. Gloria Cisneros Lenoir

    I fractured the sacrum S3 and my sister in Mexico recommended Symphytum officinale 30c. I hurriedly purchased it and find that I am having less pain in my right thumb, which I damaged from overuse on my iPhone.

    Is it recommended for me to take this to reduce arthritic pain? I cannot believe that my right thumb does not have constant pain. Or is there another recommendation for when the sacrum s3 has healed?

    Thank you!

    1. Hello Gloria, once the pain has improved and the fracture has healed, you can discontinue the use of Symphytum. There are different remedies for arthritis pain, but their selection is based on specific symptoms you are experiencing. Please try our free Boiron Medicine Finder and choose Joint and Muscle Pain to browse symptoms and medicines best suited for you.

  7. Christina Leisen

    I’ve read that Symphytum can be taken on a longer term basis for bone density support and osteogenesis. My daughter and I both have Osteogenesis Imperfecta and she has been fracturing often. Is it safe to take this on a longer term basis to increase bone density for someone with a genetic disorder such as Osteogenesis Imperfecta. We have the mildest form, Type I. Thanks for any info!

    1. Hi Christina, Symphytum is indicated the relief of symptoms of bone trauma and not intended to increase bone density. As a homeopathic medicine, it can be taken for a longer period of time when directed by a doctor. We recommend you speak to your doctor or a homeopathic practitioner for more information. If you need help locating a homeopath near you, visit the National Center for Homeopathy to browse their directory.

  8. I’ve been using Symphtum two pellets daily under the tongue for one year following a severe femur fracture.
    How long should continue?
    Thanks,
    Janet

    1. Kelly Olsen-Stanko

      Hi Janet, Symphytum should be decreased as you notice improvement in the fracture, for example, less pain. If there has been no improvement or you want to use it for a longer period of time, please consult a doctor.

  9. Hi,
    My cat broke a bone in his foot and I’m doing whatever I can to speed his recovery while his leg is splinted. I only have comfrey in the 30c dose. Is that ok to use for him? Should I get the 6c strength and switch to that when I get it? How long after his x-ray shows the bone is mended should I continue it? He’s usually an outdoor/indoor kitty who lives on a farm and is quite active (which is likely how he got the injury in the first place). I’ve also dosed him with arnica and hypericum in addition to CBD for pain. I’ve dissolved the pellets in 1/4 tsp warm water and then administer through a plastic dropper. He’s a pretty good sport about this and we’d both prefer to just dose him in his water. He drinks a lot of water and this is how I’ve administered most of his arnica doses along with Rescue Remedy for animals. Is that ok to do with the comfrey or should I administer it directly into his mouth after I’ve dissolved some pellets? Also, what dose for an 14# animal and is it different for 30c or 6c? Any help appreciated. Thank you!

  10. What about using Symphytum Officinale 30C for tooth that has cavity, where filling fell out and gum receded?
    The cavity is close to the nerve, dentists push for root canal, that one is not open to.
    Would like to rebuild the tooth and gum tissues. What protocol and remedies do you recommend for this ?and to heal and calm the irritated nerve as well. Thank you.

    1. Hello! We do not have a medicine indicated to rebuild tooth and gum tissue, please consult with your dentist. For the temporary relief of nerve pain, we have some recommendations on the Boiron Medicine Finder App. Click here to view.

  11. I have a fracture of the calcaneus bone and am over 65.. After 6 weeks of basically non-weight bearing, I am now in a boot. Will the 30C help in healing? The fracture is not yet fully healed per x-ray.

  12. I have a displaced proximal humerus- treated naturally. is it ok to take 30c even though break is displaced. No surgery recommended. Can it be taken with cissus quadulangaris?

    1. Hi Trish, because of the displacement, we recommend consulting with your health care provider prior to self-care. Symphytum has no known interactions with other medications or supplements like cissus, so they may be taken together.

  13. Boiron’s medicine finder app suggests both Symphytum Officinale 6C and Calcarea Phosphoricum 6C for bone trauma. Can they both be taken? Gathering from this page, 3 times Symphytum and 2 times Calcarea? Obviously spaced at least 15min between each other. Are the complimentary or will using both will nullify each other’s effect? I am recovering from a surgery to correct a high energy heel bone fracture. Thanks!

    1. Hi Krishna, homeopathic medicines have no known interactions with other medications or each other, so they can safely be taken together. Get well soon!

  14. Maureen Garvey

    I s it safe to take Symphytum 6 C for a broken collar bone that has not been set? My sister is 76 years old
    and I would like to speed her recovery but have read that the bone should be set first before Symphytum is given. They did not set and said it would heal on its own. Thank you!
    Maureen

  15. hi

    can symphytum be taken for a broken or cracked tooth? it meant for regeneration so why should it be used for broken bones only and not for teeth?

    i see alot online about how the comfrey root and leaf is used to heal cavities so why shouldnt symphytum do the same?

    is symphytum from the root or the leaf?

    many thanks.

    1. Hi hana,

      Boiron Symphytum officinale is indicated for relief from symptoms of bone trauma. It is used to help with healing after a bone fracture has been reset and helps to relieve the pain. It is not recommended for teeth because it will not regenerate any broken or cracked parts of teeth or bones, it simply helps to speed up the healing process with the accelerated formation of a callus. So, if you have a cracked or broken tooth, we recommend seeking advice and care from a health care professional.

      Symphytum officinale is made safely from the comfrey root.

      Thanks!

    1. Hi Tanya,

      Symphytum officinale is indicated for bone trauma and is used to help healing after a bone fracture has been reset. It helps to speed the healing process with the quick formation of calluses.

      Boiron medicines are intended to temporarily relieve acute symptoms for common ailments that you would normally treat at home, not chronic conditions or diseases. We recommended seeking treatment advice and care from a health care professional.

      Thanks!

  16. Hello,
    I’ve broken my little toe.
    It’s been currently buddy-taped but no cast.
    May I take this remedy for a few weeks knowing there will be no cast in all likelihood (I have an appointment with the fracture clinic in a couple of days to evaluate) next steps.

    Thanks,
    SJ

    1. Hi Shal J,

      We recommend waiting until after your appointment with the fracture clinic, and discussing your options with the doctor, before taking Symphytum officinale. It meant to be used to help healing after a fracture has been reset.

      Thanks!

  17. I have been reading that comfrey has been banned in the US due to it causing liver damage. How are you able to sell it if it is banned? And what do you say about the liver damage risk?

    1. Hi Danielle,

      Our medicines are homeopathic dilutions, not the raw herb, which can be toxic. There is a significant difference between the action of the homeopathic medicine and the action of the strain it is prepared from. Homeopathic medicines are prepared in a way that remove the toxic properties, making them safe for over-the-counter use. Typically, the risk of side effects is extremely low when the dilution level is above 4C or 8X. You can watch our manufacturing video or take our online training on the basics of homeopathy to learn how the extracts are diluted.

      Thanks!

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