Latin Name: Harpagophytum procumbens
Alternate Names: Grapple Plant
Family: PEDALIACEAE
Parts Used: Secondary tubers.
Properties: Alterative, Analgesic, Anodyne, Anti-inflammatory, Antirheumatic, Lithotriptic, Liver Tonic, Sedative, Stimulant.
Internal Uses: Acne, Allergies, Arthritis, Asthma, Diabetes, Gout, Hay Fever, Rheumatism
Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.
Devil’s Claw stimulates the detoxifying and protective mechanisms of the body. It helps to potentiate the body’s natural anti-rheumatic agents. It aids in the elimination of uric acid. It is considered more appropriate for osteoarthritis than rheumatoid arthritis.
Energetics: Cool, Bitter.
Chemical Constituents: Harpagoside, procumbine, harpagia, blycoside.
Contraindications: Use with demulcent herbs to avoid irritating the digestive tract. No harmful side effects result from long term use. It may take a couple weeks of use before noticing results.
Comments: Native to the Kalahari desert and Nubian Steppes of Africa.