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).

Home Treatment Guidelines

Acute, Self-Limiting Conditions

Conditions like colds or minor injuries, which are short-term and typically improve on their own, can be managed at home with homeopathy. However, in emergencies or if symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider.

Chronic Conditions

These home treatment instructions do not apply for ongoing issues, whether mentioned above or not, like persistent allergies or chronic pain. You should consult a qualified homeopath for a personalized treatment plan to achieve the best results with homeopathy for chronic conditions.

How to Take the Remedy for Acute Conditions

  • Take one pill or five drops of the remedy. The frequency depends on symptom severity. As examples:
    • For life-threatening symptoms, take every 1 minute and seek emergency help immediately.
    • For mild symptoms, take every 4 hours.
  • Stop taking the remedy once you feel better. Resume if symptoms return.
  • If no improvement after four doses, choose a different remedy or consult a professional homeopath.
  • For more details on dosing, refer to: How Often to Dose with a 30C Homeopathic remedy.
  • For information on the different potencies, read: Guidelines on which potency to use