15% off £20

Code:BASKET
☀️ SummerVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllHair, Skin & NailsCollagen & SilicaMuscle Support & Joint PainDigestive HealthMagnesiumFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthPerimenopauseMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD GummiesHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNovominsNew NordicBioglanNew Leaf ProductsWeledaGrass & Co.BetterYouSummer Sale3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventIntroductory OfferOutletDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreePalm Oil FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarReishi MushroomCollagenChaga MushroomArnicaMaitake MushroomShiitake MushroomAstragalusCastor OilNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink Shop AllVegan Food & DrinkShop all Vegan Food & DrinkMeat-Free AlternativesDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesChocolate CoatedManuka HoneyTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesMushroom DrinksHot ChocolateTeasSuperfood TeasMatcha & Green TeaHerbal TeaPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksCoconut WaterKombuchaCBD DrinksSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksProtein ShakesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood BlendsSupergreensMoringa PowderSpirulinaMaca PowderFlaxseedBaobabChia SeedsGoji BerriesGut HealthHealthier SnackingShop all Healthier SnackingSweet SnacksSavoury SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsCrackers & CrispbreadsBiscuits & CookiesSnack BarsFlapjacksLiquoricePopcornSweets & MintsChocolate Coated SnacksFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsGravy, Broths & StockHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSyrupsSpreadsPateBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy, Broths & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking IngredientsBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy Free DrinksShop all Dairy Free DrinksOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksDesserts & CreamsNutritionally Complete FoodCoconutHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeTwiningsHeath & HeatherNakdPerfectTedManuka DoctorPukkaEgmont HoneyFree Honey with £60 Food SpendSummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeIntroductory OfferBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeNut FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarReishi MushroomChaga MushroomTremella MushroomTrumpet MushroomNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinWhey ProteinClear ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesCreatine GummiesCreatine LiquidFlavoured CreatineSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsSports CollagenElectrolytesEnergy GelsAminosVitaminsGreensBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersKetoAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentApplied NutritionOptimum NutritionPrecision EngineeredUSNMyproteinGrenadeHuelTriActiveSiSPhDSummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceFree Honey with £60 Food SpendBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeIntroductory OfferOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreePalm Oil FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeApple Cider VinegarNew inBeautyNatural Beauty Shop AllSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautyFace CareShop all Face CareCleanser & TonerFace MoisturiserFace Oil & SerumFace WashFace Exfoliators & ScrubsFace MasksHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair AccessoriesHair Spray, Gel & MousseCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsSun CareShop all Sun CareSun Lotion SPFMineral Sun CareFace SPFAfter SunWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesFeminine CareShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsIncontinence SupportAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandQ+AMiaromaSukinNEOMAveenoSummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price2 For £183 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventAlcohol FreeFluoride freeParfum FreeGluten FreePalm Oil FreeVitamin CTea TreeRosehipRosemaryVitamin EHyaluronic AcidAloe VeraLavenderSeaweedSalicylic AcidNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsWeight Management Shakes Shop all Weight Management Shakes Meal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkSlimming TeasHealthier CookingLow Calorie SnacksFruit, Nuts & SeedsJuices & Health ShotsApple Cider VinegarExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsHolland & BarrettUSNTREKEat WaterFrejaIdeal HealthNudie SnacksBraggGrenadeNatures AidFree Honey with £60 Food SpendSummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 For £10Buy 1 Get 1 Free EventGluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeDairy FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeApple Cider VinegarLion's Mane MushroomReishi MushroomSea MossNew inNew InTrendingThe best of Holland & BarrettMedicines and HealthcareShop all Medicines and HealthcareHayfever & Allergy RemediesPain ReliefCough, Colds & Sore ThroatAntacids & GastrointestinalInfant & BabiesFemale HealthHaemorrhoids & Piles TreatmentsEar Care & Eye HealthFoot Care & Health Skin & ScalpMouth & Oral CareHair & ScalpTravelCareNurofenE45CalpolOilatumStrepsilsTiger BalmAnadinAnusolBeechamsBuy one get one 1/2 priceSummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceNew inVeganSummer SaleFree Honey with £60 Food SpendSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventIntroductory Offer2 For £18Outlet2 For £5Short Dated August 2025Short Dated July 2025Shop all Health & WellnessJoints, Bones, & MusclesExercise & PerformanceEnergyGut HealthBrain HealthHeart HealthHair & Skin HealthWomen's HealthImmunitySleep & RelaxationChildren's HealthMen's HealthEmotional WellbeingEye HealthHolland & BarrettDr OrganicVitabioticsFaith in NatureWeledaOptimum NutritionApplied NutritionNaturtintPrecision EngineeredQ+ASummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceFree Honey with £60 Food SpendBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free Event2 For £18Gluten FreeDairy FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeParfum FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeMilk FreeVitamin CLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarTea TreeRosehipVitamin EHyaluronic AcidReishi MushroomAloe VeraLavenderNew inArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
Skip to content

Explore related topics

Comfrey oil benefits

Comfrey plant close up. Background is blurred green.
Comfrey oil is a herbal oil that's known for its moisturising properties. Find out the different benefits of comfrey oil as well as its different uses here

Summary

1What is comfrey oil?

Comfrey is a flowering shrub that grows in Europe, Asia and, now, North America...

2Benefits of comfrey oil

Topically applied comfrey oil is associated with a wide range of health benefits and can help with certain issues including...

3Comfrey oil side effects

Comfrey oil shouldn’t be used for cooking, like other types of cooking oil. Ingesting cooking oil has been banned by the European Union...

Explore related topics

Comfrey oil is a herbal oil that moisturises skin, and that’s been used as a healing herb for a long time.1

Since at least the 4th century, people have used comfrey medicinally. Medicine makers would bind comfrey leaves and roots in poultices, then apply those poultices to the skin to treat injuries. The first European settlers of America considered comfrey so indispensable, they carried it on their journey across the Atlantic in the 1600s.2

Modern science suggests that the ancients were correct in believing comfrey helps to heal wounds and relieve pain.3,4 In this article, we’ll explain where comfrey comes from, comfrey oil’s remarkable health benefits and how to use it at home. Finally, we’ll warn of any side effects associated with comfrey oil.

Comfrey plant sitting next to oil and balm. Sitting on a brown background.

What is comfrey oil?

Comfrey is a flowering shrub that grows in Europe, Asia and, now, North America. The roots and leaves of the comfrey plant have medicinal properties.

Comfrey oil is made by infusing the leaves and roots of a comfrey plant with a neutral oil. Most comfrey oils keep for around 2 years after production.

Benefits of comfrey oil

Topically applied comfrey oil is associated with a wide range of health benefits and can help with certain issues including:
  • Grazes
Comfrey oil is good at helping with superficial cuts, scratches, and scrapes. Children, who suffer from these injuries the most, are statistically unlikely to have adverse reactions to comfrey oil when used on scrapes.5
  • Fractures
When comfrey was applied topically to animals above where they’d suffered bone fractures, their bones healed at a much-improved rate than animals who hadn’t been treated with comfrey.6
  • Encourages leg ulcer recovery
Leg ulcers are uncomfortable, prone to infection, and can take a long time to heal. Scientific studies have shown comfrey oil can help reduce the likelihood leg ulcers will become infected.7
  • Back discomfort
Topical application of comfrey oil has been shown to support the lower and upper back more than methyl nicotinate, the main ingredient in many muscle creams.8
  • Comfrey oil uses
Comfrey oil should be applied topically to parts of the body where you have muscular pain or discomfort.

Potential comfrey oil side effects

Comfrey oil shouldn’t be used for cooking, like other types of cooking oil. Ingesting cooking oil has been banned by the European Union, due to a high risk of liver toxicity.9

Adults with liver disease, cancer, or a history of alcoholism are also advised to avoid comfrey because the skin can also absorb the liver-damaging compounds. However, not a rate considered harmful for those with healthy livers.10,11

Related Articles

Sign up for exclusive offers

Plus, get expert advice to support your health & wellness straight to your inbox when you sign up to Holland & Barrett emails.