Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is Comfrey Fix-It™?

 

A traditional herbal balm made with comfrey leaf, wintergreen, and lemongrass in a coconut oil/beeswax base. Used for generations to soothe bruises, strained or pulled muscles and ligaments, fractures, inflammatory and rheumatic pain, muscle pain, and burns.  Several recent randomized clinical trials substantiate the efficacy of topical comfrey preparations in relieving pain, inflammation, and swelling associated with a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including degenerative arthritis, acute back myalgia, and soft-tissue injuries such as sprains, contusions, and strains following sports injuries or accidents. Evidence also supports its safe and effective use in children aged 3 years and older when applied to intact skin as directed. These findings align with comfrey’s long-standing traditional use for wound healing, tissue repair, and joint comfort, now reinforced by modern clinical research.

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What are the key ingredients?

 

• Medicinal: Comfrey leaf (allantoin, mucilage), wintergreen essential oil (methyl salicylate), lemongrass essential oil (citral).

• Non-medicinal: Coconut oil, beeswax, arrowroot, Vitamin E.

• No synthetics. No preservatives beyond Vitamin E.

 

How do I use Comfrey Fix-It?

 

• For musculoskeletal and inflammatory complaints, apply a thin layer to clean, unbroken skin 2 – 3 × daily.   Do not bandage tightly.  Can be massaged into the skin.

• For skin burns, including sun burns, apply a thin layer over the affected area after rinsing the area with an anti bacterial wash.  Do not cover. 

 

How long can I use Comfrey Fix-It™ for?

 

​Up to 10 days, then take ≥1 week of and continue if necessary.

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Can the hepato-toxins (PAs) in comfrey penetrate my skin?

 

Based on peer-reviewed research by Kuchta & Schmidt (2020), the risk of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) from Comfrey Fix-It™ penetrating the skin is very low, but not zero.

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Here’s why:

✅ Low PA exposure in Comfrey Fix-It™:

• Unlike many comfrey creams that use comfrey tinctures (alcohol/water extracts), which efficiently pull out water- and methanol-soluble PAs, Comfrey Fix-It™ uses only oil-infused comfrey leaf, a method that extracts far fewer PAs, as they are poorly soluble in oil.

• Only mature (older) leaves are used, which science confirms contain the lowest levels of PAs compared to young leaves or roots.

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✅ Low dermal absorption:

• As stated in the research: “Pyrrolizidine alkaloid lycopsamine is poorly absorbed through intact human skin” (Kuchta & Schmidt, 2020). This means even if trace PAs are present, very little enters systemic circulation when applied to healthy, unbroken skin.

 

⚠️ Important caveat:

• The risk, while low, is not zero—and increases significantly if applied to broken, abraded, or inflamed skin, where the barrier function is compromised.

 

🔚 Conclusion:
With its leaf-only, oil-based formulation and use of mature leaves, Comfrey Fix-It™ minimizes both PA content and potential for dermal absorption. When used as directed, on intact skin only, the risk of hepatotoxicity from PA exposure is considered very low by current scientific standards. However, out of an abundance of caution, it should never be used on open wounds, deep cuts, or severely damaged skin.

 

Can I use Comfrey Fix-It™ on open wounds or deep cuts?

 

❌ With extreme caution: 

Generally no, with important nuance.

• Bona Res’s official guidance explicitly states:

  “DO NOT use comfrey externally on new puncture wounds or deep cuts… the outer skin layers will be stimulated to close up and heal prior to the draining and regeneration of deeper tissues.”
  → This reflects a long-standing herbal safety principle: comfrey’s allantoin accelerates epithelialization, which risks trapping infection in deep or contaminated wounds.

• However, modern clinical data (712 children, including 326 with abrasions and superficial wounds) shows comfrey herb cream (TP) was safely and effectively used on broken but non-infected, superficial skin, with only 1 mild local reaction (0.14% incidence) and no systemic adverse events.

• Key distinction:
  ✅ Superficial abrasions, minor scrapes, may be appropriate with clean application.
  ❌ Deep cuts, puncture wounds, infected wounds. avoid. Risk of abscess formation.

📌 Recommendation for Comfrey Fix-It™:
Use only on clean, minor, non-infected abrasions, not on deep, contaminated, or sutured wounds. When in doubt, consult a healthcare provider.

 

Does Comfrey Fix-It™ help for skin burns?

 

✅Yes, for minor, first-degree burns (e.g., sunburn, light scalds), but not severe burns.

• Bona Res explicitly lists burns as an intended use:

  “Comfrey can soothe the pain and discomfort of burns while encouraging new growth of skin cells… Apply 3–6 times per day until healed. Do not use on severe or third-degree burns.”

• Mechanistically, allantoin and mucilage promote epithelial regeneration and reduce irritation, consistent with accelerated wound healing shown in OECD model studies.

• Clinical data supports safety/efficacy on broken skin (including superficial thermal injury), provided the burn is clean and not deep.

📌 Recommendation: Suitable for minor burns on intact or superficially damaged skin. Seek medical care for blistering, deep burns, or signs of infection.

 

Does Comfrey Fix-It™ help for inflammation?

 

✅ Yes, robustly supported.

• Rosmarinic acid (highlighted by Bona Res as a key active) is a well-documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound.

• Mucilage is described in Bona Res’s research section as helping to “soothe inflammation and relieve pain”.

• Traditional uses include: inflammatory and rheumatic pain, tendinitis, arthritis, insect bites, skin inflammation.

• Clinical studies confirm reduction in pain, swelling, and functional impairment in trauma and osteoarthritis.

✅ Comfrey Fix-It™ is well-suited for localized, acute inflammation (e.g., sprains, strains, bruises, minor arthritic flares).

 

Does Comfrey Fix-It™ rejuvenate the skin?

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Not in the cosmetic “anti-aging” sense, but yes, in supporting skin repair and barrier recovery.

• Allantoin is a proven keratolytic and cell-proliferative agent (FDA-approved in OTC skin protectants).

• Allantoin:

  • Stimulates epithelialization

  • Softens keratin

  • Enhances hydration and barrier function
    → This improves skin texture and resilience post-injury or irritation.

• However, “rejuvenate” implies wrinkle reduction or collagen stimulation, claims not supported by current evidence for comfrey.

 

Accurate phrasing (Health Canada–compliant):
Traditionally used to support skin repair and soothe irritation.

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Does Comfrey Fix-It™ contain synthetic fragrances or preservatives?

 

No. Fragrance comes only from comfrey leaf and essential oils. Vitamin E (natural tocopherol) acts as an antioxidant, not a preservative (not needed in anhydrous products per Quality of NHPs Guide, 2013).

 

How should I store Comfrey Fix-It™?

 

Cool, dry place, away from sunlight. Keep capped. Shelf life: 18 months.

 

Is Comfrey Fix-It™ tested on animals?

 

No. Cruelty-free.

 

Are herbs sustainably sourced?

 

Yes. Comfrey is wild-harvested or cultivated using ethical protocols, never roots, never endangered populations.

 

Can I use Comfrey Fix-It™ during pregnancy or while nursing?

 

❌ Not recommended, due to theoretical PA transfer risk. No safety data in these populations.

 

Where can I buy Comfrey Fix-It™?

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At the online Bona Res Canada shop. 

 

Can Comfrey Fix-It™ be used on pets?

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❌ No. Methyl salicylate (wintergreen) is toxic to cats and dogs if licked. Not formulated for veterinary use.

 

Can I use Comfrey Fix-It™ on sensitive skin?

Comfrey Fix-It™ is generally well-tolerated on sensitive skin when used as directed, but caution and patch testing are strongly recommended.

• The cream base (coconut oil, beeswax, arrowroot, Vit E) is generally gentle.

• Potential irritants:

  • Wintergreen essential oil (methyl salicylate): may sting sensitive/reactive skin.

  • Lemongrass EO: contains citral, a known sensitizer in high doses.

  • Comfrey leaf: very low risk, but rare contact allergy possible.

• Clinical trial data: no adverse events in 386 children with intact skin → suggests good tolerability.

✅ Recommendation:

• Patch test on inner forearm (24 hrs).

• Discontinue if redness, burning, or itching occurs.

• Consider unscented (EO-free) version for highly sensitive skin.

 

Can I use Comfrey Fix-It™ on children?

 

✅ Yes,  supported by strong clinical evidence in children as young as 3 years.

Study: 712 children (ages ≥3) treated with comfrey herb cream for up to 2 weeks, excellent safety profile, including on superficial wounds.
Incidence of reaction: 0.14% (1 mild case on broken skin); 0% systemic effects.
Bona Res lists bruises, scrapes, strains as pediatric uses.
✅ Safe for children aged 3+ on intact or superficially abraded skin.
⚠️ Avoid in children <3 (no safety data); do not use near mouth/nose (wintergreen risk). 

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How long before I see results?

 

Many users report:

• Reduced discomfort in 24–48 hours

• Improved mobility in 3–5 days

• But individual response varies.

• Discontinue and consult a health professional if no improvement in 7 days.

 

References (Key Studies Cited)

• Kuchta & Schmidt (2020) — Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 118:104784. → PA lycopsamine poorly absorbed through intact skin.

• Staiger, Christiane (2012)— Phytotherapy Research 26.10: 1441-1448.→ Comfrey: a clinical overview.

• Predel et al. (2005) — Phytomedicine 12(10):707–14.→ Comfrey ointment vs. diclofenac for ankle sprains.

• Staiger (2012) — Phytother Res 26(10):1441–8.→ Clinical overview of comfrey.

• Health Canada (2022) — Pathway for Licensing NHPs Used as Traditional Medicines.

• Health Canada (2013) — Quality of Natural Health Products Guide.

• Niedner R. (1989) — Acta Ther. ;15:289-97. → Beeinflussung der Epithelialisierung durch einen Wirkstoffkomplex aus Symphytum.  

• Dähnhardt, et al. (2020) Skin Pharmacol Physiol. ;33(4):189-97. → Epidermal Regeneration Induced by Comfrey Extract: A Study by Light and Electron Microscopy.

• Barna et al. (2007) — Wien Med Wochenschr. 157(21/22):569-74. → Wound healing effect of a Symphytum herb extract cream (Symphytum x uplandicum Nyman): results of a randomized, controlled doubleblind study.  

• Barna et al. (2012) — Arzneimittel-Forschung. 62:285-9.  → Randomized Double-Blind Study: Wound-Healing Effects of a Symphytum Herb Extract Cream (Symphytum x uplandicum Nyman) in Children.

• Kucera et al. (2018) — Int J Pediatr Adolesc Med. 5:135-41.  → Tolerability and effectiveness of an antithrauma cream with comfrey herb extract in pediatric use with application on intact and on broken skin.

• Stepan et al. (2014) — Z Gerontol Geriatr. 47(3):228-35. → Therapieergebnisse und Anwendungssicherheit von Symphytum-Herba-Extraktcreme in der Behandlung von Dekubitus.  

• Schmidt (2012) —  Z Phytother. 33(3):114-7.  → Beinwell-Herbaextrakt in der Phytotherapie. Kontrollierter Anbau als Basis für Qualität, Wirksamkeit und Unbedenklichkeit.

• Jedlinszki N, Balazs B, Csanyi E, Csupor D. —  Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2017;83:1-4.  → Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis.

• Plaza et al. (2021) —  → Support for Regulatory Assessment of Percutaneous Absorption of Retronecine-type Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids through Human Skin. Planta Med.  

• Kuchta & Schmidt (2020) — Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 118:104784.  → Safety of medicinal comfrey cream preparations (Symphytum officinale s.l.): The pyrrolizidine alkaloid lycopsamine is poorly absorbed through human skin.

• Madaus (1938)  — Reprint 1990, Mediamed-Verlag Ravensburg p. 2648-54.  → Symphytum officinale. Beinwell, Boraginaceae. Lehrbuch der biologischen Heilmittel. Leipzig:

• Schrenk et al.(2022)   — Planta Med. 88(2):98-117.  → Novel Insights into Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Toxicity and Implications for Risk Assessment: Occurrence, Genotoxicity, Toxicokinetics, Risk Assessment-A Workshop Report.

• Plaza et al. (2022) —  Planta Med. 88(2):144-51. → Support for Regulatory Assessment of Percutaneous Absorption of Retronecine-type Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids through Human Skin.

• Mei, Nan, et al. (2010)—  Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B 13.7-8 509-526.→ Metabolism, genotoxicity, annd carcinogenicity of comfrey.

 

Respect Tradition.

 

Prioritize Safety.

 

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.