Description: This plant is native to the Southern parts of Africa. It is the tubers (or the storage roots) of the plant, measuring approximately 20cm in length, which are used medicinally.
Devil’s Claw is a traditional remedy for general joint pains.
Devil’s claw is highly regarded in herbal medicine as a natural treatment for inflammatory joint and muscle conditions. 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. How it works: Devil’s Claw contains a group of components known as iridoids which possess anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic and pain killing properties. The anti-inflammatory action has been shown to be equivalent to that of steroids, but the plant itself does not seem to contain steroids, which may be why it does not have the side effects associated with steroid use.
Restrictions: There are no adverse reactions reported in the medical literature and Devil's claw is regarded as safe to take in pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding however, as a potent digestive tonic herb, this remedy may cause an upset stomach to sensitive individuals when used in higher doses and it is recommended to be avoided if there is a sensitive or inflamed digestive lining such as in peptic ulcers. RESULTS MAY VARY