Know Your Remedies: Symphytum Officinale (Symph.)
Common Names: Comfrey; knitbone.
General Information
Symphytum Officinale (Symph.) is a key remedy for fractures (broken bones) and injuries to the bone and its periosteum (the outer connective tissue which covers the bone). It stimulates callus formation and improves reunion of the bone.
Symphytum has had an extensive herbal use where it is better known by the common name of ‘knitbone’ because of its remarkable ability to rapidly knit broken bones together. Today, it is no longer given herbally in oral doses because of reports it can be toxic to the liver. Homeopathic doses do not have this problem, however, so it can be safely used in potentised form, either orally or topically.
Because Symphytum stimulates rapid callus formation (the matrix into which the bone grows), it’s best to not use it before the fracture is set. Instead, homeopathic Arnica is the preferred option to control bleeding, swelling, and pain at this early stage.
Along with its extensive use for fractures, homeopathic Symphytum also helps injuries to cartilage, blows to the eye, phantom pain, and types of back pain.
Musculoskeletal
- Injuries to cartilage or the periosteum of bones – new or old.
- Pricking pain at the point of the fracture.
- Pricking and stitching pains that remain once the fracture wound has healed.
- Irritable stump after amputation.
- Phantom limb pain following amputation.
Eye
- Blunt trauma to the eye ball and orbit.
Back
- Backache following exertion.
Where do I find it?
Symphytum Officinal (Symph.) is available from our online store as a single remedy in either pills or liquid, and as part of the following Complexes (combination remedies): Bone Health; Fractures (Broken Bones).
Important
While above self-limiting or acute complaints are suitable for home treatment also contact your healthcare provider during emergency situations or if symptoms worsen or fail to improve. Chronic or persistent complaints, which may or may not be mentioned above, require a different treatment and dosage protocol so are best managed by a qualified homeopath for good results.
Dosage Instructions (suitable for babies to adults)
For the home treatment of acute and self-limiting complaints take one pill or five drops of the remedy every 1 minute to 4 hours (1 minute for intense or emergency symptoms (plus seek emergency help), 4 hours for milder ones). Once an improvement is noticed, stop dosing and repeat the remedy only if symptoms return. If there is no improvement at all by three doses, choose a different remedy or seek professional guidance.
Note: Chronic symptoms or complaints require a course of professional treatment by a qualified homeopath to manage the changes in potencies and remedies may be required.
