Devils Claw

Devils claw, also known as the wood spider, or grapple plant, is indigenous to southern Africa, and derives its name from its small fruit, which is covered in tiny hook-like protrusions. The majority of devil’s claw used for supplementation purposes comes from Namibia, Botswana and South Africa, and the active components of the plant itself are believed to be derived from the roots, in the form of harpagosides and iridoid glycosides.

Devil’s claw has been used in therapeutic treatments for many thousands of years, being variously employed as a remedy for fevers and skin ailments, as well as arthritis and any illness involving internal organs, particularly the kidney and pancreas.

The popularity of devil’s claw spread to europe in the early part of the 20th century, when it was adopted by doctors as an aid to digestion and drunk as a tea. Today though, devil’s claw is known as a safe and natural treatment for a variety of aches and pains, particularly joint and muscle pain. It has been successfully used to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain and neck pain, and many patients swear by its ability to both reduce their suffering and simultaneously reduce the inflammation that aggravates their painful conditions. Indeed, devil’s claw is so popular as a treatment for arthritis, that the majority of prescriptions for arthritis treatments written by doctors in several developed countries are written for devil’s claw.

Studies into the effectiveness of devil’s claw as a painkiller and anti-inflammatory agent showed that it is not only effective, but often more effective than the alternative drugs and much safer to boot. Not only that, but it also helped improve the motility of arthritis patients in the same way as drug-based therapies do, and in short conferred all of the same beneficial effects as standard drug treatments, with fewer potential side-effects and at a fraction of the cost. In fact, a number of recognized studies show that devil’s claw is a very effective painkiller and much safer than some of the drug alternatives. It is possible that we do not hear as much about devil’s as its potency warrants, simply because its use would undermine the big drug companies. In this, it would not be alone among the ranks of effective herbal remedies.

Some doctors will prescribe devil’s claw before they will prescribe other painkillers, such as non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly in cases of prolonged treatment, simply because devil’s claw is completely natural and produces none of the side-effects of those other medications (including internal bleeding and ulcers.)

Scientists believe that many of the beneficial properties of devil’s claw are derived from its iridoid glycosides, which have been proven to help reduce inflammation, particularly in cases of joint pain.

Devil’s claw comes in a variety of forms, including pills and capsules, based on the recommended daily amount of 50mg of the active ingredient (harpagosides) per day. It is also frequently enjoyed as a refreshing hot beverage, brewed like tea for up to twenty minutes and drunk while still steaming hot.

Though devil’s claw is 100% natural and perfectly safe for the vast majority of people, some may experience side-effects as a result of taking it, including upset stomach, bloating, headaches and tinnitus.

Devil’s claw should not be taken by those with a history of gastrointestinal problems, including ulcers, or by pregnant women for whom it can cause unwanted contractions. Diabetics should consult their doctors before taking evil’s claw, which may have an effect on blood sugar levels.

In conclusion, devil’s claw is a completely natural, powerful alternative to drug-based painkillers, and may be useful in many situations where one might typically take an NSAID or other painkilling drug. Though devil’s claw will be much safer, especially for people who take their painkillers regularly.