By: Ivana Dragica |
Strangely named plant cures arthritis and rheum |
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Devil's claw or wood spider (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a part of sesame family and originates from South Africa.
The name comes from the root that resembles a claw. And that is the part of the plant used for treatment.
African tribes are using it for thousands of years as a painkiller and for treating skin ailments and as an aid during childbirth.
When consumed as tea or powder, it can be used for treating fever.
German physician Otto Heinrich Volk is credited for its expansion into Europe; he was convinced in the extraordinary healing powers of Devil’s claws when he lived in Namibia during World War II.
He watched shamans using this plant for treating seriously injured Hottentot warriors, and then discovered where the shaman found the plant.
Since then, the devil's claw has spread to Europe and became a popular treatment for numerous ailments, but is primarily used for treating arthritis and rheumatism.
Application of Devil’s claws
Today, of all the European countries devil's claw is most used in Germany.
Germany has officially approved this plant for treating arthritis, pain in the lower back, hip and knee, as well as an ingredient in many anti-rheumatic agents.
Devil's claw is used as a remedy for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and tendinitis.
This herb also lowers the temperature and has anti-inflammatory properties, what makes it useful for treating flu, colds and various infections.
In some European countries it is used as a natural replacement for corticosteroids. For this purpose, the injection of liquid extract made of devil’s claw is used.
Furthermore, it is favorable for the elderly since it normalizes heart rate, blood cholesterol levels and digestion.
Natural alternative to anti-rheumatic drugs
There is growing evidence that devil's claw helps quickly eliminate the pain caused by inflammation in the joints.
It is believed that when it comes to effectiveness, devil’s claw is equal to ibuprofen.
It is known that anti-rheumatic drugs impair gastric mucosa. Conversely, devil's claw has a beneficial effect on the stomach.
Since modern medicine has no means of curing osteoarthritis, devil's claw represents an golden aid in the treatment of this disease, because in addition to reducing inflammation and pain, it also helps to build the cartilage.
Its action is enhanced in combination with omnipresent glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
The healing properties of devil's claw:
- reduces inflammation
- relieves pain
- lowers the temperature
- relieves allergies
- calms the central nervous system
- improves digestion
- helps to build cartilage.
Research on devil’s claw
One study has shown that anti-inflammatory substance harpagoside contained in devil's claw showed the same efficiency as the mainstream drug Vioxx.
(This medicine was extremely popular before it was withdrawn from the market due to many deaths.)
In a four week study, one group was taking 480 mg of devil's claw twice a day and the other group was taking a placebo. In the first group, back pain, and neck and muscle tension were significantly reduced.
In another study of equal length, 197 people with severe pain in the lower part of the back drank between 50 and 100 mg harpagoside every day, while the other group took a placebo. People who were taking harpagoside felt a significant reduction in pain.
Application
For pain and inflammation, the devil's claw is used in a form of a capsule. The daily dose should be at least 50 mg of harpagoside.
For indigestion or loss of appetite, devil's claw tea, tincture or extract is used.
Tea preparation
Leave a teaspoon of dried roots to boil for 20 minutes in 0.4 liters of water. Then leave it to cool an filtrate the mixture.
Drink 2-3 cups of tea a day.
Additionally, you can use the gel containing devil’s claw for outer application.
Preparations containing devil's claw are available in drug stores and pharmacies.
Devils claw is not to be consumed by pregnant women, nursing mothers and people with peptic ulcer.
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