Devil's ClawIntroduction Devil's claw is native to South Africa, named because of its peculiar appearance. Its claw-like roots are used in medicines after they are chopped and allowed to dry in the sun for at least 3 days.The tribal herbal traditions of South Africa employed devil's claw to relieve pain and stimulate digestion. Devil's claw is one of the bitterest of all herbs, making a very good digestive stimulant. English and Dutch explorers traded for devil claw and sold it in Europe as a popular remedy for arthritis. This herb is indigenous to the Kalahari Desert and grows only in Africa. Because of its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, Devil's Claw is used world-wide for osteo-arthritis, fibrositis, rheumatism, small joint disease and lower backache. Scientific analysis shows that the most important active ingredients in Devil's Claw include monoterpine, harpagoside, glycoside, beta-sitosterol, procumbine and stigmasterol. It is also well known as a digestive tonic and is beneficial in the treatment of liver and gall bladder disorders. Constituents Aluminum, calcium, chlorogenic acid, chromium, harpagide, kaempferol, luteolin, magnesium, oleanolic acid, selenium, tin, zinc. Parts Used Sun dried tuber. Most prefer secondary tuber, and this is the form offered by Mountain Rose Herbs. Typical Preparations Capsules, tinctures, teas. Summary Devil's claw offers slow but sure relief of joint pain caused by both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and it can also relieve muscle pain and enhance mobility for people with either arthritis or muscle injuries. Scientists donÍt know exactly how devil's claw works, other than that it is not a COX-2 inhibitor like Celebrex or Vioxx, and therefore is not potentially injurious to the heart. Arthritis who take devil's claw usually find that they can taper off other pain remedies. Precautions Don't use devil's claw if you take Coumadin (warfarin) or Plavix. Tell your surgeon you have been taking devil's claw before you have surgery. Safety during pregnancy has not been established. Not recommended for those who suffer from stomach inflammation, ulcers, or digestive disorders.
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