“Devil’s Claw Great for Healing Pain”

Devil’s Claw Root or Harpogophytum  procumbens and also called Grapple Plant and Wood Spider was first found in Africa and then it was transported to Europe and the US. And now Devil’s Claw is catching on as a very good anti-inflammatory and pain reliever herb without side effects. And devil’s claw has been successfully used all the way back to the 18th century for treating pain.

Arthritis - There have been many double blind studies by none profit botanical herb organizations showing that devil’s claw does work well for relieving pain associated with arthritis. And commission E in Europe also approved devil’s claw as a great none prescription pain reliever that worked well for osteo and rheumatoid arthritis. And double blind studies with people with hip and knee arthritis have shown significant lowering of pain when taking devil’s claw.

Analgesic - Devils claw was found to contain a iridoid glucosides which is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent which helps with pain. When buying devil’s claw it’s best to buy capsules that contain 2 to 3% iridoid glucosides the main active ingredient.

Anti-inflammatory - Devils’s claw helps to get rid of pain, swelling, and the redness associated with inflammation. And because inflammation is the first step disease it’s vital that we stop inflammation as soon as possible.

Lowers Blood Pressure - It has been shown that devil’s claw can also lower blood pressure.

Lowers Cholesterol - There has been reports that devil’s claw can also lower cholesterol but more studies to be done.

Back and Neck Pain - Double blind studies show that devils claw works just as well as prescription drugs for healing neck and back pain.

Headaches and Migraines - Devil’s claw is a great headache relieving agent, which helps with the common tension related headache and migraines.

Lowers Fevers - And devil’s claw is a great healing agent for lowering fevers associated with colds, flues, and other disease processes.

Gout - Studies also show that devil’s claw also helps clear away uric acid from the system thus helping to heal the pain and associated swellings associated with gout.

Tendonitis - Double blind studies with people with muscular pain in their back, shoulders, and neck found that devil’s claw worked very well for this purpose without side effects.

Kidney and Bladder Inflammation - Devil’s claw has also been used for treating inflammation of the urinary bladder and the kidneys.

Allergies - Because devil’s claw contains powerful anti-inflammatory agents it also works well for treating the symptoms of common allergies.

Helps With Digestion - There are also some studies showing that devil’s claw can help to sooth away indigestion… an get rid of GI inflammation.

Skin Problems - Devil’s claw can also be used topically as an ointment to heal rashes, boils, irritated skin, and other skin challenges.

Contains - Devil’s claw root contains phytosterols, powerful antioxidants, antispasmodic compounds, and agents that help to promote the production of bile by the liver. Devil’s claw works by moving interleukin to the site of inflammation and also by moving more leukocyte blood cells to the area thus healing pain, swelling, and redness.

Parts of the Plant Used - Devil’s claw roots and tubers can be dried and used for making teas and powders for capsules.

Dose - Look for devil’s claw capsules that contains 2 to 3% iridoid glycosides. And the daily dose in capsules is from 400 to 500 mg three times a day, but some people take more and have great results. And as a tea 4 grams of the dried root steeped in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes work wonders, drink 3 or 4 times a day.

Forms - Devils claw can be found as capsules, powders, tablets, tinctures, extracts, ointments for topical use and as teas.

Finding - Devil’s claw can be found at any local health food store. And devil’s clae can also be ordered on-line just google “Buy Devil’s Claw Capsules or Tea” and lots of places will come up to purchase devil’s claw, and devil’s claw can also be found on Amazon and Ebay. And the seeds for planting devil’s claw can also be found for sale on-line so a person can grow their own great herb.

No Side Effects - Compared to Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen which cause stomach and liver challenges devil’s claw has no side effects. But as with all herbs, supplements, and medications it’s not recommend for those who are pregnant, nursing, or small children, and those who have gastric ulcers.

Devil’s claw is great in fact my wife enjoys devil’s claw as her favorite way of getting rid of pain.

Try devil’s claw, remember we are all different and thus some herbs work better for some people and others not. So try devil’s claw and see how it works for you.

Many Blessings to Everyone!

Dr. Paul Haider - Master Herbalist