Symphytum Officinale, commonly known as Comfrey or Knitbone, is a herb used in homeopathy and traditional medicine for its beneficial effects on the healing of bones, wounds, and tissues.
It is renowned for its ability to promote the growth of epithelial tissue and aid in the repair of fractures and wounds.
SOURCE INFORMATION
Scientific Classification
- Botanical Name: Symphytum officinale
- Common Name: Comfrey, Knitbone
- Family: Boraginaceae
Origin
- Native to Europe and Asia, it grows in moist, shaded areas, often near water.
- It has been used traditionally for centuries across various cultures.
Historical Facts
- Comfrey has a long history of use in folk medicine, primarily for its ability to heal bones and wounds.
- The name “Knitbone” reflects its historical use for promoting bone healing.
- Ancient Greek and Roman herbalists valued it for treating injuries and bone fractures.
DRUG PATHOGENESIS
Symphytum Officinale acts on the musculoskeletal system, particularly affecting bones, joints, tendons, and the periosteum. It stimulates epithelial growth and is valuable for treating:
- Fractures and Non-Union: Enhances bone healing and is used for non-union of fractures and irritated bones at the fracture site.
- Wounds and Ulcers: Helps in healing wounds penetrating to bones and is effective in treating irritable stumps after amputations.
- Joints and Tendons: Benefits conditions involving tendons, joints, and periosteum, such as neuralgia of the knee and psoas abscess.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
- Bone Healing: Promotes epithelial growth and helps in the healing of bone fractures and wounds.
- Wounds and Ulcers: Effective for wounds that penetrate to the perineum and bones and for irritable conditions of the bones.
- Joint and Tendon Health: Acts on joints and tendons, alleviating pain and promoting repair.
MEDICINAL USES OF SYMPHYTUM
- This homoeopathic remedy facilitates union of fractured bones (like Calcarea Phosphorica) as it favours the callus formation.
- It helps to relieve the peculiar pricking pain in fractured bones.
- It reduces irritability at the point of fracture.
- Symphytum is very good at relieving the periosteal pain in wounds which are already healed.
HOW DOES SYMPHYTUM WORK?
- Works as an Astringent that can shrink or constrict body tissues.
- It has got Mucilaginous/ Glutinous quality (gluey or sticky) which can help in healing of wounds.
WHAT TYPE OF WOUNDS CAN BE TREATED WITH SYMPHYTUM?
- Fracture of bones.
- Blunt eye injuries or blows over eye globe.
- Irritable previously healed wounds.
- Gunshot wound
- Comminuted fractures (Breaking of bones into several small pieces).
INDICATIONS OF SYMPHYTUM
BONES
- Penetrating wounds to perineum and bones.
- Non-union of fractured bones.
- Irritating stump (clump) in Amputed parts.
- Irritability of bones at the point of fracture.
- Pricking pain and feeling of soreness at periosteal membrane.
Stump in Amputation
After an Amputation of limbs, A bit which is left beyond a healthy joint is known as a residual limb or a stump.
EYES
- Pain in eye due to mechanical injuries.
- Blunt eye injury (contusion).
- Eye injury may be due to fall on a blunt/obtuse surface.
- Examples: Injury from a cane, snowball, point of umbrella or when an infant thrust its fists into the eyes of mother or may be due to a blow of a cork form a soda water bottle.
- No remedy equals to Symphytum for traumatic injuries of eyes.
HEAD AND FACE
- Occipital headache.
- Pain in forehead, on top of head, may come down to the bone of nose (pain in head changing its location).
- Inflammatory condition of maxillary bone.
RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES
- Follows well to Arnica Montana for pricking pains in healed soft parts which were previously bruised.
- Can be compared with Arnica and Calc Phos in cases of fractures bones.
DIRECTION OF USES
Mother tincture (Q) is mostly prescribed form of Symphytum by many of the homoeopathic practitioners.
- Take a half cup (50ml) of drinking water.
- Normal drinking water with no need to warm it up.
- Add 10 drops of Symphytum mother tincture in water and mix it gently.
- Dose should be taken with empty stomach.
- Repeat the dose twice a day until your pain/complain gets cured (or consult your physician for proper diagnosis and prescription).
Mother tincture (Q) of Symphytum is also used as an external application for dressing of sores, ulcers and pruritus ani.
Symphytum 30C, once a day orally, prompt healing of bone injuries can happen.
CLINICAL TIPS
- In cases of bone or periosteal injuries first take Arnica Montana so, bruised soreness of soft parts gets recovered then after use Symphytum for remaining soreness and pain of periosteum.
- If traumatic injuries of bone or periosteum does not get relieved with the help of Arnica, Symphytum is the best suitable sufficient remedy to treat such cases.
- Symphytum is well indicated in cases such as fractures or injuries from car accidents, falls from a height or injuries with tissue loss (Example: Fragments from explosive devices on the battlefield).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What conditions is Symphytum Officinale most effective for?
- It is most effective for bone healing, wound repair, and conditions affecting joints and tendons.
How is it administered in homeopathy?
- It is administered in tincture form or as directed by a homeopathic practitioner based on the condition being treated.
Can Symphytum be used externally?
- Yes, it can be used externally as a dressing for sores, ulcers, and itching.
Are there any side effects or contraindications?
- Generally well-tolerated, but it should be used under professional guidance, especially when applied topically or internally.
Glossary
- Epithelial Growth: The process of new epithelial cells forming, aiding in wound and bone healing.
- Periosteum: The dense layer of vascular connective tissue enveloping the bones except at the surfaces of the joints.
- Psoas Abscess: An abscess in the psoas muscle, often associated with infection or inflammation.
Can I use symphytum for bone spurs and scoliosis in the neck?
I would suggest to consult your homoeopath for proper treatment.