Devil’s Claw Root (Harpagophytum procumbens) – Dried Herb

Devil’s Claw, also know as Garra del Diablo, Grapple Plant, Griffe du Diable and Wood Spider, is a sprawling tuberous perennial that grows in the hottest part of the summer and is native to eastern and southern Africa. Devil’s Claw is a member of the sesame family also called the Pedaliaceae family.

The botanical name Harpagophytum means “hook plant” in Greek. The inner capsule of the fruit splits open at one end and looks like horns or claws and the hooked fruit attaches to animals so the seeds can spread. The plant has tuberous roots, which have been used for centuries in Africa for traditional or folk medicine.

As a folk medicine in Africa, Devil’s Claw was commonly used as a bitter for digestion, to reduce fevers and applied topically to the skin to heal sores, boils and other skin lesions. Devil’s Claw has also been traditionally used for headaches, allergies, gout, neuralgia, kidney disorders, gastrointestinal (GI) upset and heart burn.

Knowledge of of Devil’s Claw in the west can be traced back to the German colonial soldier and farmer, G.H. Mehnert who learned of Devil’s Claw from a local healer during the Herrero and Hottentot uprisings of 1904 and 1906. Devil’s Claw was introduced into Europe for the first time in 1953 by O.H. Volk and was used to treat metabolic diseases. Europeans and Canadians use Devil’s Claw commonly for relief of arthritic conditions.

Properties:

The taste and energetics of Devil’s Claw are bitter, cooling and astringent. The herb has an affinity to the musculoskeletal system, digestive system, liver, pancreas, kidneys, heart, circulatory system, brain and nervous system.

For inflammation in the joints and muscles combine Devil’s Claw with Turmeric Root, Black Pepper, White Willow, Ginger Root or Rosemary. For a bitter digestive tea combine Devil’s Claw with Burdock Root, Dandelion Root, Milk Thistle Seed, Gentian Root or White Horehound.

How to use:

1 teaspoon of Devil’s Claw to one cup of boiling water. Simmer for 15 minutes, strain and drink up to three cups a day.

Use topically as a fomentation. 

Cautions & contraindications:

Devil’s Claw is contraindicated in people with gastric and duodenal ulcers because it increases the gastric acid. It should be used with caution in individuals with suspected gallstones. If on diabetic medication, monitor for blood sugar because Devil’s Claw may lower glycemia. Also, avoid if active bleeding and 2 weeks before or after a surgery or dental procedure.

Contraindicated with medications for arrhythmia or blood thinners (Warfarin, Aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories).

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.