This post is copied from a weekly Herb Chat I did several years ago on a Facebook group. I really enjoyed writing about and discussing, herbs as both food and medicine. I'll probably come back and do some editing, but for now here's Devil's Claw.
**********************************************
Today’s topic is Devil’s Claw, the second in a series on pain.
First: I am not a medical doctor. This post and the comments following it are not to be taken as medical advice. Please talk to your physician before making any changes to your current treatment plan.
A native of South Africa, Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) gets its name from the tiny hook that covers its fruit. It has been used by Southern African indigenous tribes for possibly thousands of years, taken to treat a wide range of problems including gastrointestinal issues, fever, allergies and migraines. Externally, to treat sores and boils. It was introduced to Europe in the 1900’s and the dried roots were used to restore appetite, relieve heartburn and reduce pain/inflammation. This versatile natural medicine has also been used to treat liver and kidney problems, fever and malaria.
Currently Devil’s Claw is used in Germany and France for inflammation and arthritis pain, and also low back pain and headache. It is a respected treatment for Osteoarthritis pain and inflammation. Herbalist Richard Whelan states about Devil’s Claw “The stiff, inflammatory joints of arthritis are its most common reason to be used but it has also been widely used for rheumatism, gout, sciatica, lumbago, muscle inflammation (myalgia) and tendonitis.” Devil’s Claw has also been used to treat chronic itchy skin and varicose veins. And allergies, too.
Studies say that Devil’s Claw may just be as effective in certain cases as NSAIDs, reducing a person’s need for these types of drugs. It has also been shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of fibromyalgia. One study in particular says “ In a randomised study in patients with back pain treatment with Devil's claw extract (equivalent to 6 gms of root and containing 50mg of harpagoside) for 4 weeks demonstrated a significant reduction of pain compared to placebo and more patients in the treatment group were pain free at the end of the study. A similar study confirmed these results with more patients receiving the Devil's claw pain free at the end of another 4 week trial (Chrubasik S et al: Eur J Anaesthesiol 16(2):118-129, 1999)”
Wow I did not know of all of these uses for Devil’s Claw! One of the things I love about doing the Herb Chat column (as I have come to think of it) is learning more about even common herbs, and herbs I use on a daily basis.
You can make a tea out of the root and tubers of Devil’s Claw. You can also find tinctures and capsules at your health food store or online. Also, topical creams and ointments are readily available online. I have had success with taking 1200 to 2400 mg of Devil’s Claw per day, in divided doses, resulting in less neuropathic foot pain and relief from carpal tunnel symptoms.
Additional dosing info 1200 to 1400 mg a day of devil's claw, containing 50 to 100 mg of harpagoside is recommended, divided into 2 or 3 doses throughout the day
Devil’s Claw is a safe herb for most of us to take. Those with sensitive tummies or who suffer from heartburn should be careful. It is generally regarded as safe to take even during pregnancy – but of course you will want to check that with your doctor first. Devil’s Claw may also lower blood sugar and interact with blood thinning medicines.
Devil's Claw
