FYI Re: Comfrey - Alternative Medicine Message Board

eweejoe · 07-12-2001, 07:38 PM

Approximately one year ago, Dr. John Walker, a member of the *****.com scientific advisory panel (and the physician who answers the ASK THE DOCTOR questions), notified the company with his concern about the herb comfrey. After review of the available literature, it was his medical opinion that the herb was potentially liver toxic. Based upon the review of his analysis, *****.com removed all of the comfrey oral supplements from our virtual shelf. As an interesting follow-up to this, on July 6, 2001, the U.S. FDA advised makers of dietary supplement comfrey to withdraw their products due to the danger of liver damage and its possible role as a cancer- producing agent. This brought a big smile to my face. The FDA, with its multi-billion dollar budget and virtually unlimited resources, took one year longer than *****.com to make the assessment that an herbal supplement was dangerous.

*****Name removed so I could post this info!

Take Care!

Sherri.

Copper · 07-15-2001, 02:38 PM

Hi eweejoe, GREAT heads-up! Just ANOTHER fine example of WHY people should not SELF medicate with herbs - THEY ARE DRUGS, with all the resultant side effects, toxicities, etc. possessed by phameceuticals!!!!

I'm surprised it has taken ANY agency, company, etc. this long to make these claims about comfrey! Herbalists have known of these properties for AGES! Even the physicans desk reference (PDR) for herbs cites research as old as 1978 proving these claims. "They're" a little slow on the uptake, it would seem

Comfrey is a wonderful herb when used CORRECTLY, as can be medications that produce the same side effects. The key is KNOWING what you are doing, as would a pharmacist or doctor. There ARE professionals in the use of herbs, and I personally feel that anyone who uses herbs SHOULD be no less inclined to utilize professional services in this area the same way one REQUIRES professional help when using PRESCRIPTION medications. I'm all for herbs by prescription!

my $.02!

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Copper
Let Miracles Replace all Grievances