Comfrey (Symphytum) can be used to treat hemorrhoids. It does this in three primary ways: by astringent action, relieving inflammation, and helping damaged skin to heal. As far as herbal medicines for hemorrhoids go; comfrey is one of the best nature has to offer.
One of the primary reasons comfrey will help heal hemorrhoids is due to one of the phytochemicals in the plant: allantoin. Allantoin accelerates the healing of wounds, improves new skin and cell growth, reduces inflammation, and stimulates the immune system.(source 1)
In addition to allantoin, the tannins in comfrey are astringent, making it suitable to reduce hemorrhoids. Also, the rosmarinic acid in comfrey is astringent, possibly anti-inflammatory, and helps relieve pain (analgesic).
How to Use Comfrey for Hemorrhoids
To use comfrey, you can use a powdered form of the herb and mix it with vegetable oil. You can then apply the paste. Alternatively, you can pound the leaves to soften them and apply the leaves themselves to the hemorrhoids. You can leave this comfrey preparation on the area until you shower the next day.
A 2012 study published in Die Pharmazie(source 12) found a mixture of a commercial comfrey extract with an extract they prepared themselves for their study created the largest and farthest repair of damaged tissue.
So you may want to consider buying allantoin cream, or comfrey cream, and adding the powdered herb into the cream.
Possibly Lacking in Efficacy
A 2014 study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice(source 2) took a survey of United Kingdom herbalists concerning their use of comfrey (S. officinale L.). The survey sought to assess the ways they used and how often they used this herb in everyday practice.
The survey study had 239 herbalists respond; of which 179 (75%) reported regularly using comfrey in 15% of their consultations. These herbalists unfortunately reported comfrey as not too good for treating hemorrhoids.
A little More Information About Comfrey
Comfrey is somewhat of an ambiguous term; as there are up to 35 species known by the common name comfrey. Research we will cover appears to use Symphytum officinale and S. × uplandicum (Russian comfrey). And, it appears that herbalists may stick to one of these species or include S. grandiflorum.
There are going to be differences in the chemical constituents depending upon a few variables: species used, plant parts used, and extraction method. To give you a general idea of what is going to be in comfrey, take a look at a list of the phytochemicals in comfrey root.
Comfrey root contains the following constituents:(source 3)
- 0.6% to 4.7% allantoin
- Approximately 29% mucilage polysaccharides
- Up to 0.2% phenolic acids such as rosmarinic acid
- 0.012% chlorogenic acid
- 0.004% caffeic acid
Naturally Treat Hemorrhoids in 48 Hours
Jessica Wright’s unique 5-step, all-natural approach to hemorrhoid treatment delivers permanent relief. Heal hemorrhoids in 48 hours, and eliminate the root cause in 30 to 60 days.
Benefit from Jessica’s 12 years of research; her book is backed by a 60 day, 100% money back guarantee.
Comfrey is an Astringent
Comfrey contains approximately 4% to 6% tannins.(source 4) Tannins are complex chemicals that are made from phenolic acids. Tannins are sometimes referred to as tannic acid. Tannins are phenolic compounds found in many plants in all parts of the world. They are quite ubiquitous!(source 5)
Tannins are astringents. An astringent is a chemical that causes the constriction of body tissue. As a result, tannins can be employed to treat hemorrhoids.(source 6)
Tannins help to heal burns and stop bleeding; additionally, they can help stop infection while they heal a wound. Tannins can form a protective layer over a wound, thereby limiting infection.(source 6)
Rosmarinic Acid Content
The rosmarinic acid in comfrey is likely to account for its analgesic (pain relieving) and astringent effects.(source 4)
Rosmarinic acid is a phenolic compound often found in the Lamiaceae (Labiateae) plant species. It is thought to be responsible for a wide array of pharmacologic properties. This compound can be used topically, in the nasal passages, by inhalation, and even by intravenous infusion.(source 7)
Some of the scientifically confirmed attributes of rosmarinic acid include: antibiotic, antiviral, astringent, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, analgesic, and others.(source 7)
Samuel Bart’s Digestive Health Solution
Samuel Bart has always been passionate about plants and their ability to keep us healthy. He has put together some of the best natural ways that could help anyone support a healthy digestive system.
Samuel perfected an easy, yet powerful formula, which consists of amazing ingredients. Bart’s supplement is backed by a ironclad 60-day, money back guarantee.
Comfrey has Anti-inflammatory Properties
Inflammation is an important protective response by a host to events like tissue damage and infection. Inflammation causes a series of reactions; such as the dilation of blood vessels and bringing immune cells and plasma proteins to the damaged body area.(source 11)
Usually, inflammation is beneficial and goes away in a regular way. Yet, out of control inflammation can cause excessive or enduring tissue damage which can lead to inflammatory diseases.(source 11)
A 2012 study in Phytotherapy Research(source 8) states that the medicinal properties of comfrey are based on its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The rosmarinic acid in comfrey has anti-inflammatory ability. And, anti-inflammatory ability of a dry extract of comfrey root was demonstrated in rats with paw fluid retention (oedema).
This same study cites research done on Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation induced skin reddening (sunburn). A 5% or 10% comfrey root extract (extracted with 50% ethanol) skin medication was used to treat the sunburn. The anti-inflammatory ability of the comfrey extract was shown to be equal to or greater than the ability of diclofenac (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; brand names include: Zipsor, Flector, Cambia).
Comprehensive Herbalist School
Dr. Patrick Jones, founder of the HomeGrown Herbalist School of Botanical Medicine has been a practicing veterinarian for over 25 years. He is also a clinical herbalist and traditional naturopath.
Kevin Harrington, Original Shark from ABC’s Shark Tank, stands behind Dr. Patrick Jones and HomeGrown Herbalist.
Learn More
Comprehensive Herbalist School
Dr. Patrick Jones, founder of the HomeGrown Herbalist School of Botanical Medicine has been a practicing veterinarian for over 25 years. He is also a clinical herbalist and traditional naturopath.
Kevin Harrington, Original Shark from ABC’s Shark Tank, stands behind Dr. Patrick Jones and HomeGrown Herbalist.Learn More
According to a 2019 study in Frontiers in Pharmacology(source 9) comfrey has proven ability to reduce inflammation. The study used a water / alcohol extract and a mucilage-depleted fraction of comfrey for the experiments.
The study found that:
- Comfrey impairs pro-inflammatory gene expression.
- Comfrey inhibits cyclooxygenases.
- Comfrey extract inhibits NF-κB (Nuclear factor-κB)
Cyclooxygenases are enzymes that produce prostaglandins and thromboxane from arachidonic acid.
Prostaglandins are a group of physiologically active lipids that have hormone-like effects. Thromboxane is a lipid hormone released from blood platelets; it causes platelet aggregation and artery constriction.(source 10)
Both thromboxane and prostaglandin lipids play important roles in inflammation, pain, and in regular physiological functions.(source 10)
NF-κB represents a family of inducible transcription factors. Transcription factors are proteins involved in the process of converting, or transcribing, DNA into RNA. NF-κB regulates a large number of genes involved in different processes of immune and inflammatory responses.(source 11)
NF-κB is a central mediator pro-inflammatory gene activation. NF-κB operates in both adaptive and innate immune cells.(source 11)
Dr. John Herzog (MD)
Dr. John Herzog, a "survival surgeon" from Maine explains what home remedies work best in a crisis situation.
This may be important in the event you require first-aid or are in an emergency situation without easy access to a hospital. Dr. John Herzog has assembled a large collection of home remedies for such scenarios.
Comfrey Helps Wound Healing
A 2012 study published in Die Pharmazie(source 12) analyzed three different topical medications with comfrey leaf extract added to them. The formulations were a glycero-alcoholic solution, carbomer gel, and an oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion (soft lotion). Histological (microscopic anatomy) analysis of open wounds in rats was done to evaluate wound healing.
After the first evaluation, commercial comfrey glycolic extract and the study's prepared comfrey extract were added to the o/w emulsion.
The study found that the o/w emulsion that contained both the commercial and prepared comfrey extracts created the largest and farthest repair of damaged tissue. This combination treatment increased collagen deposition from 40% to 240%.
It also reduced cellular inflammatory infiltrate. Yet, 8% prepared extract in o/w emulsion healed wounds the best.
The study stated the following:
This work clearly demonstrates that comfrey leaves have a wound healing activity. The O/W emulsion showed to be the vehicle most effective to induce healing activity, particularly with extracts obtained from comfrey leaves collected in Minas Gerais state in Brazil. It shows the best efficacy to control the inflammatory process and to induce collagen deposition at 8% concentration.
Die Pharmazie [67.4 (2012): 355-360]
HomeGrown Herbalist Herb Shoppe
Owner of HomeGrown Herbalist Dr. Patrick Jones is a practicing veterinarian, Clinical Herbalist, and traditional naturopath. He owns and operates Fairview Animal Hospital in Buhl, ID.
Their herb shoppe provides herbs, essential oils, and tools. If you have some time, check it out!
Learn More
HomeGrown Herbalist Herb Shoppe
Owner of HomeGrown Herbalist Dr. Patrick Jones is a practicing veterinarian, Clinical Herbalist, and traditional naturopath. He owns and operates Fairview Animal Hospital in Buhl, ID.
Their herb shoppe provides herbs, essential oils, and tools. If you have some time, check it out!Learn More
Another study, published in 2020 in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology,(source 13) looked at how comfrey would affect skin damage. The study used a cream containing Russian comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum Nyman) extract from aerial plant parts.
Skin samples were used for in vitro testing. The skin was damaged by punching an opening into the epidermal structure down to the stratum basale (the deepest skin layer; separated from the dermis by the basement membrane).
Skin samples were treated with comfrey cream on days 2, 3, 5, and 6. Control skin samples were not treated and served as a comparison. The skin samples were analyzed by electron microscope on days 1, 4, and 7.
The study found that the administration of comfrey cream caused a quicker regeneration of skin cells and an earlier restoration of skin towards a normal structure with a visible distinction of keratin, epidermal strata, and corneocyte formation within 4–7 days. This study confirmed the efficacy of comfrey seen in other clinical trials and studies on patients with skin damage.
Claire Goodall’s Amazing Guide
Clair Goodall is a bee-obsessed, natural medicine convert from Minnesota (USA). And, she does keep bees!
Clair has created 350+ page book documenting how to replace the toxic products and medications in your home with healthier, all-natural alternatives.
Heal Hemorrhoids Naturally in 48 Hours
If you have tried "everything" to treat hemorrhoids, including surgery, but it didn’t work—your’re not alone. Jessica Wright experienced this same hardship due to hemorrhoids. But, with extensive research and understanding of natural medicine, she developed a solution to permanently end her hemorrhoids.
Jessica Wright wrote an entire book detailing exactly how to replicate her success. Also, it appears "Jessica Wright" is probably a pen name for a woman—and author—named Linda Allen. Linda suffered from recurrent yeast infections as well, maybe at the same time as she had hemorrhoids. She turned to natural medicine for answers when medical doctors and their solutions could not help.
Jessica’s story is one of severe and chronic hemorrhoids. It involves routine doctor’s visits, prescription medications / creams, significant suffering from hemorrhoids, and even a two hour hemorrhoids surgery (stapled hemorrhoidopexy). Yet, 12 years of these treatments didn’t resolve Jessica’s hemorrhoids.
Despite these setbacks, Jessica didn’t give up; instead, she turned to natural medicine and diligent research. Skipping to the end of Jessica’s story, she would develop a natural method to treat hemorrhoids that worked brilliantly.
After Jessica put together her treatment protocol and used it, she found her hemorrhoids completely disappeared. And, they stayed gone. Something her doctor was not able to do. Yet, all it took was the right natural therapeutic approach.
Jessica also gave her treatment approach to others; and, they experienced the same exceptional results. Typically, Jessica’s system provides dramatic relief of hemorrhoids in just 48 hours. And, the root cause of hemorrhoids is fixed within 30 to 60 days.
A company selling hemorrhoid symptom products does not want their customer base diminished. Consequently, unpatentable natural medicine does not get much attention or publicity.
So, how can you know if Jessica Wright’s claims are legitimate and not a scam? That is a great question. Here are 3 important reasons why Jessica’s book is legitimate:
- It is published by a large U.S. based company (Located in Idaho) known as ClickBank. ClickBank handles all the sales and refunds of many products like Jessica’s. They do business in many countries; and, have been in business for many years.
- ClickBank provides a 60 day, 100% money back guarantee on all their products, Jessica’s book included.
- If you are not satisfied with Jessica’s book you can simply contact ClickBank (they make it very easy) for a full refund.
Jessica’s story is more in-depth than this concise overview. And, there are additional bonuses Jessica provides with her book. If you’d like to find out more about Jessica’s personal story or her hemorrhoid treatment; you can learn more at Jessica Wright’s website.
About the Author
Nick Gross is a natural medicine enthusiast who has been researching and writing about natural medicine since 2008. Nick is primarily a web developer, but also researches and authors written and video content about natural health. Nick has a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Northern Iowa.
More on Nick GrossImportant Disclosures & Disclaimers
It is important to use the information you find on Herbsey.com in the right way. Also for legal reasons, these disclaimers and disclosures are necessary. For further information about each, feel free to click the link provided to the page on this website that provides more information.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this website is not a prescription for anyone. This information is for informational or educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals.
Advertisement Disclosure
Some of the links provided on this article and website are affiliate links. If you purchase a product after clicking on these links, Herbsey.com will earn a commission. Herbsey.com promotes various products through advertisement and text links. For more information: Our Advertisements.
