Devil’s claw is an herb. The botanical name, Harpagophytum, means “hook plant” in Greek. This plant, which is native to Africa, gets its name from the appearance of its fruit, which is covered with hooks meant to attach onto animals in order to spread the seeds. The roots and tubers of the plant are used to make medicine.
Devil’s claw is used for “hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis), arthritis, gout, muscle pain (myalgia), back pain, tendonitis, chest pain, gastrointestinal (GI) upset or heart burn, fever, and migraine headache. It is also used for difficulties in childbirth, menstrual problems, allergic reactions, loss of appetite, and kidney and bladder disease.
Some people apply devil’s claw to the skin for injuries and other skin conditions.
Taking devil’s claw alone or along with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) seems to help decrease osteoarthritis-related pain.
Devil’s claw contains chemicals that might decrease inflammation and swelling and resulting pain.
Parts Used: tuberous root
Constituents: aluminum, calcium, chlorogenic acid, chromium, harpagide, kaempferol, luteolin, magnesium, oleanolic acid, selenium, tin, zinc
Devils claw offers slow but sure relief of joint pain caused by both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and it has also been shown to relieve muscle pain and enhance mobility for people with either arthritis or muscle injuries.
Because improper digestion of protein plays a role in gout, causing the uric acid buildup, this is a remedy tailor-made for people with gout.
Devil's Claw Side Effects: Not recommended for those with an ulcer. High doses could interfere with blood pressure, heart, and diabetes medications.
