Comfrey, Sage and Catnip
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Regina
Posted on: September 6, 1998

I need to know if there are any blood clotting agents in comfrey, sage, and/or catnip? Would any of these herbs be helpful to a stroke victim who is in constant pain? We are very interested to know the chemical composition of each of these herbs.

The patient is currently on the following medications: Trimox 250mg (3X per day), Coumadin 2 mg. (2 at bedtime), Atenolol 50 mg. (1X per day). Paxtel > 20 mg (1X per day)

Comfrey is a tissue healer, used for healing bones and internal or external wounds. It contains allantoin, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, mucilage, phenolic acids and steroidal saponins. Tissue healing is aided by the mucilage and by allantoin’s ability to stimulate cell proliferation. Comfrey also has astringent properties that are used to help in haemorrhages.

Sage is usually used for its astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. It contains diterpene bitters, volatile oil, flavonoids and rosmarinic acid.

Catnip has anti-spasmodic, digestive and nerve relaxant properties and promotes sweating. It is used in tension, colds, fevers and respiratory congestion. It contains volatile oils, bitters and tannins.

Catnip is the only one of these three herbs that will be helpful in pain. Its actions are gentle and will not interfere with the medication.

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