The herb devil’s claw is a perennial plant, native to southern Africa particularly the Kalahari Desert, Namibia and Madagascar. The name devil’s claw comes from the hooks that cover its fruits and the root is collected when the rainy season ends. The traditional use of devil’s claw by tribes in Africa involved the root being chopped and dried in the sun for three days to make medicinal preparations.
The bitter preparation was used in folk tradition for its numbing (analgesic) and temperature reducing properties. European colonists took the plant back to their countries where it was used to treat arthritis. The modern-day main use of devil’s claw is for pain relief and as an anti-inflammatory for joint diseases. Clinical studies support this and also suggest that it is as effective as some conventional anti-inflammatory drugs. Multi-ingredient preparations for arthritic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout often include this medicinal herb. One of the traditional uses of devil’s claw is that of a herbal appetite stimulant and external use of liquid extracts of devil’s claw have been used for sores, ulcers, boils and various skin lesions.
Other painful conditions that may benefit from the use of devil’s claw is headache and general nerve pain. It can also be used as a digestive tonic; the belief is that it helps in the relief of constipation, diarrhoea and flatulence.
It is usually recommended that the herb be taken for at least 2 to 3 months before any effect may be experience. The most likely side effect of devil’s claw is stomach upsets but it has also been reported to cause headaches, ringing in the ears, loss of taste and appetite. People with allergies may react to this herb. It should not be taken by people with gastric or duodenal ulcers and people with gall stones should consult their health providers prior to use. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should not take it.
Devil’s claw extracts have theoretically been associated with interactions with blood thinning agents e.g. warfarin, and cardiac drugs so it is important to talk to your health provider if you have heart disease or are taking these drugs.
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