The Devils Claw Plant

(Western Herb)

Harpagophytum procumbens

The Devils claw plant is also know as Grapple Plant, Grapple Apple, and Wood Spider.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

The Devils claw plant is a trailing perennial with creeping stems that can grow up to five feet long. It has a thick carrot like root primary root that is surrounded by tuberous secondary roots.

Its stems bear grayish green leaves, tubular reddish-violet flowers, and thorny, woody fruit. It is native to southern Africa and the island of Madagascar. Since, the plant must be imported from Africa, it is very expensive.

The Devils Claw plant is mainly used by herbalist for the treatment of arthritis pain. It has most extensively been tested for relief of lower back pain. When this herb was given in an enteric-coated form, it has showed remarkable effectiveness for people who have the most severe, radiating pain, with numbness in the extremities. When used in this form, its usefulness in controlling pain in increased.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* arthritis, gout, lumbago, sciatica

* muscle pain

* carpal tunnel syndrome

* tendonitis

* sprains

* upset stomachs

* appetite stimulant

Apply externally for:

* skin lesions

* boils

PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE:

Over the counter:

Devils Claw comes in capsule, tincture, and tea form in health food stores.

Tincture: Take 10 to 40 drops of the tincture four times a day or follow recommended dosage on container.

At home:

Decoction: Add ½ to 1 teaspoonful of rhizome into one cup of water, Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink this three times a day for at least a month.

Parts used: Rhizome and secondary roots

Collection: The secondary roots of the plant are collected at the end of the rainy season.

Constituents: Harpagoside, harpagide, luteolin

Action: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diuretic, sedative, digestive stimulant

Combinations: can be combined with Celery Seed, Bogbean, or Meadowsweet to treat arthritis.

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS:

Devil’s Claw should not be used:

* during pregnancy.

* if you have cardiovascular problems.

* if you have gastric or duodenal ulcers.

* if you are taking blood thinning medication.