Devil's Claw Info

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Devil's claw by Liz Swain, Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine

Description

Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is an African plant whose

fruit looks like a giant claw. The plant grows in an arid climate

and is found in Namibia, Madagascar, the Kalahari Desert, and other

areas on the African continent. The tuberous roots are used in

traditional medicine. The root is collected when the rainy season

ends. The root is chopped and dried in the sun for three days.

Devil's claw is also known as grapple plant and wood spider.

General use

Devil's claw has been used for numerous conditions in several areas

of the world. In South Africa, the root and tuber have been used for

centuries as an all-purpose folk remedy. Devil's claw has been used

to reduce fever and pain, to treat allergies and headache, and to

stimulate digestion. Traditional healers also used devil's claw to

treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, and

lower back pain. Devil's claw has also been used as a remedy for

liver and kidney disorders.

Devil's claw root was also used in folk medicine as a pain reliever

and for complications with pregnancies. In addition, an ointment

made from devil's claw was used for skin injuries and disorders.

European colonists brought the African plant back to their continent

where it was used to treat arthritis. In the United States, use of

devil's claw dates back to the time of slavery. The slaves brought

herbs and herbal knowledge with them to the new continent.

Devil's claw has been used as an herbal remedy in Europe for a long

time. Current uses for devil's claw are much the same as they were

centuries ago. In Europe, the herb is still a remedy for arthritis

and other types of joint pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis ,

osteoarthritis, and gout (a painful joint inflammation disease).

Devil's claw is also used for soft tissue conditions with

inflammation, like tendinitis and bursitis. The bitter herb is also

used as a remedy for loss of appetite and mildly upset stomach.

The herb is currently used for other conditions such as problems

with pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause. Devil's claw is also

regarded as a remedy for headaches, heartburn, liver and gallbladder

problems, allergies, skin disorders, and nicotine poisoning.

European research during the late 1990s indicated that devil's claw

relieved arthritis and joint pain conditions. The herb also helped

with soft muscle pain such as tendinitis. However, there is no

evidence that proves devil's claw is an effective remedy for other

conditions such as difficulties during pregnancy and skin disorders.

Preparations

Several forms of devil's claw are used. In Europe, doctors treat

some conditions like arthritis with an injection of devil's claw

extract. The herb is taken internally as a tea or in capsule form.

When taken for pain relief, devil's claw must be taken regularly for

up to one month before results are seen. An ointment form of devil's

claw can be applied to the skin to treat wounds or scars.

Herbal tea and tincture

Devil's claw tea is prepared by pouring 1.25 cups (300 ml) boiling

water over 1 tsp (4.5 g) of the herb. The mixture, which is also

called an infusion, is steeped for eight hours and then strained.

The daily dosage is 3 cups of warm tea.

For most conditions, the average daily dosage is 1 tsp (4.5 g) of

devil's claw herb. However, the amount is reduced to 1/3 tsp (1.5 g)

when devil's claw is taken for appetite loss.

In a tincture, the herb is preserved with alcohol. The tincture

steeps for two weeks and is shaken daily. It is then strained and

bottled. When devil's claw tincture is used as a remedy, the dosage

is 1 tsp (4.5 g) taken three times per day for a specified period.

Tea and tincture should be consumed 30 minutes before eating. This

allows for better absorption of the herb.

Devil's claw capsules

The anti-inflammatory properties of devil's claw are attributed to

two constituents, harpagoside and beta sitoserol. If a person takes

devil's claw capsules or tablets as a remedy, attention should be

paid to the harpagoside content. The daily amount of harpagoside in

capsules should total 50 mg.

Combinations

For arthritis treatment, devil's claw can be combined with anti-

inflammatory or cleansing herbs. In addition, devil's claw can be

combined with bogbean or meadowsweet. An herbalist, naturopathic

doctor, or traditional healer can provide more information on herb

combinations appropriate for a specific condition.

Precautions

Devil's claw is safe to use when proper dosage recommendations are

followed, according to sources including the PDR (Physician's Desk

Reference) for Herbal Medicines, the 1998 book based on the 1997

findings of Germany's Commission E.

Although devil's claw has not undergone the FDA research required

for approval as a remedy, other studies in Europe confirm that

devil's claw is safe for most people. However, people with ulcers

should be cautious because the herb stimulates the production of

stomach acid.

Furthermore, it is not known if devil's claw is safe for people with

major liver or kidney conditions. In addition, devil's claw could

cause an allergic reaction.

There is some debate in the alternative medicine community about

whether pregnant women can use devil's claw as a remedy. Some

researchers say that the herb is safe to use; others say that not

enough research has been done to prove that the herb is safe for

pregnant women. There appears to be no scientific proof that using

devil's claw could result in miscarriages.

Side effects

Devil's claw could cause an allergic reaction or mild

gastrointestinal difficulties.

Interactions

No interactions between other medications and devil's claw have been

reported according to the PDR for Herbal Medicines. However, the

herb may possibly block the effect of medication taken to correct

abnormal heart rhythms.