Devils claw contains a chemical known as Harpagoside. This chemical has been linked to having anti-inflammatory and pain relieving actions. Among native South African tribes, devils claw root was once used to treat a variety of problems including headaches, fever and rheumatic pain. Veterinary herbalists use this herb as an anti-inflammatory and as a means of offering pain relief to horses; it has also been added to ointments and creams to ease skin rashes. In western medicine, devil’s claw is mainly used for
- joint pain, such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout
- soft tissue pain, particularly lower back pain
- and to reduce menopausal symptoms.
It is also thought to be helpful in treating
- loss of appetite
- dyspeptic complaints
- and in supportive therapy for bone and joint disorders and pain.
Devils Claw acts as
- a stimulating appetizer
- helps with the digestive system [heartburn, peptic ulcers, constipation]
- hypertension
- and raised cholesterol.
It is used to treat diseases of
- the gall bladder
- kidneys
- liver
- pancreas
- small joints
- and TB.
Externally the ointment can heal
- ulcers
- boils
- sores
- and wounds.
Devil’s claw is useful against
- “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis)
- arthritis
- gout
- muscle pain (myalgia)
- back pain
- tendonitis
- chest pain
- gastrointestinal (GI) upset or heart burn
- and migraine headache.
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It is also used for
- difficulties in childbirth
- menstrual problems
- allergic reactions
- loss of appetite
- and kidney and bladder disease.