Devil’s Claw

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Devil’s Claw, what a peculiar name for a plant that soothes. Devil’s Claw is a plant native to Southern Africa. Its name comes from the small hooks of the plant’s fruits.

The Benefits And Uses

Devil’s Claw has been used for thousands of years in Africa for fever, rheumatoid arthritis, skin conditions and even conditions involving gallbladder, pancreas, stomach and kidneys. In the early 1900’s Devil’s Claw was used in parts of Europe to improve digestion as its brewed tea is thought to stimulate digestive juices.

Devil’s Claw has been used most commonly for rheumatism, arthritis, gout, muscle pain and other degenerative disorders of the musculoskeletal systems. Devil’s Claw has also been used orally for liver, gallbladder complaints, stomach discomfort, loss of appetite and topically as an ointment for skin injuries and disorders.

How Should It Be Taken?

Devil’s Claw comes in capsule, tincture, liquid and tea form. For inflammation and pain, Devil’s Claw is usually taken in capsule form. Based on research, a daily dose of Devil’s Claw should provide at least 50mg of harpagosides per day. For indigestion and appetite loss, tea is made by steeping 1 teaspoon of chopped or powdered dry root in 2 cups of boiling water for at least 20 minutes. It is then stained and cooled.

Anyhow, health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the product due to its standardized extracts and reliable formulations, not to mention, convenience in attaining and storing. In taking or using Devil’s Claw, consider these:

• Take the pill forms of Devil’s Claw with a full glass of water.
• Some forms of Devil’s Claw can be brewed to form tea for drinking.
• Topical forms of Devil’s Claw are intended for external use only.
• Do not use different formulations such as tablets, liquids, tea and others at the same time, unless specifically directed by a health care professional.
• For women, do not take Devil’s Claw without first talking to your doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

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