Devil's claw, also known as grapple plant or wood spider, is a medicinal plant that contains naturally anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant properties. It is commonly used for the treatment of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and other rheumatic disorders.
Devil's claw, or Harpagophytum procumbens, also contains several bioactive compounds, such as harpagosides, flavonoids, kaempferol, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid, which give the the plant's its therapeutic properties.
The most used part of devil's claw is its roots, which contain active substances with medicinal properties that are extracted to prepare tea or capsules. This plant can be obtained in natural health stores, compounding pharmacies and in some farmer's markets. You should speak to your doctor or a medicinal plant specialist before taking this plant for therapeutic purposes.
Health benefits
Devil's claw has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic properties, and can be used to treat:
- Rheumatic disorders;
- Osteoarthritis;
- Rheumatoid arthritis;
- Gout;
- Tendinitis;
- Bursitis;
- Epicondylitis;
- Lower back and spinal pain;
- Fibromyalgia
Devil's claw can be taken to help relieve pain, swelling and redness in the joints. It can protect the lining and cartilage of the joints, and improve movement and reduce stiffness.
Furthermore, some studies suggest that devil's claw could also help in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders (like dyspepsia) as well as UTIs, fever and postpartum pain.
Although it has many benefits, devil's claw does not replace the treatment prescribed by the doctor for any of the listed conditions. It should only be used as a complement to your treatment with the approval of your doctor or medicinal plant specialist.
How to use
Devil's claw can be used in the form of tea, capsules, tablets or powder.
1. Devil's claw tea
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of dried devil's claw roots
- 1 cup of water
Directions
Boil the dried devil's claw root and water for 15 minutes over low heat. Strain and drink 2 to 3 cups of tea per day.
2. Devil's claw supplements
Devil's claw is also available in the form of capsules, tablets or powders. You can purchase this supplement in health food stores, online stores and some pharmacies.
There is currently no scientific evidence that supports a daily recommended dose. In general, doses of devil's claw extract can vary between 1 to 3 grams, or 50 to 100 mg of harpagoside.
Therefore, it is essential to read the instructions on the manufacturer's label, and to consult a healthcare professional who specializes in the use of medicinal plants.
Possible side effects
Devil's claw is considered to be safe for adults when used for up to 12 weeks of treatment within the recommended doses. Consuming devil's claw in excess can lead to side effects such as irritation of the gastrointestinal lining, diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, headache, loss of taste and reduced appetite.
Furthermore, devil's claw can cause allergic reactions and, therefore, it should only be used as approved by a family doctor or medicinal plant specialist.
Contraindications for use
Devil's claw should not be used by children or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding women.
This plant should also not be used in those who are allergic to devil's claw, or who have a healthy history of intestinal ulcers, gallstones, bile duct obstruction or gastritis.
Devil's claw should also not be used by people with circulatory or heart problems, or people use anticoagulants (like warfarin, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.