Christopher Hobbs Media

Online Database of Ailments and Herbs


Information on Devil's Claw

Latin Name
Harpagophytum procumbens
Other Names
Grapple plant
Part Used
Rhizome
Affects
Immune system
Herb Forms
Tincture, capsule, bulk herb, powder.
Dosages
Tincture: 10-40 drops 4 x daily
Powder: 1 capsule 2-3 x daily
Cautions
Contraindicated in gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Botanical Information
An herbaceous trailing perennial with red flowers and large fruiting pods. Native to Africa
Description
Because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, devil's claw has had some success in the treatment of arthritis, as well as tendinitis and sprains. As a digestive stimulant, devil's claw is also a remedy for poor appetite and dyspepsia. The rhizome is also used for gout, lumbago, sciatica, muscle pain, and chronic itching of the skin.

Devil's Claw has a taste of BITTER and a temperature of COOL.
References
  • Blumenthal, Mark et al. 1998. The Complete Commission E Monographs. Austin: American Botanical Council.
  • Newall, C. et al.. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.
  • Leung, A. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.

  • Ailments treated by Devil's Claw

    Ailment
    Treatment Support
    Application
    Tendonitis anti-inflammatory, anodyne tincture, capsule
    Appetite, lack of digestive stimulant tincture, tea, capsules
    Arthritis antiinflammatory tincture, capsues
    Gout anti-inflammatory capsules, tincture