Devil’s claw or harpagophytum is from sesame family, originating from South Africa. It name was derived due to the claw looking root of the plant, while that is also the part used in medicine. African tribes have been using devil’s claw for thousands of years as a pain relief, and for some skin conditions. It was also traditionally used as a medicine against high fever.

For the spread of the devil’s claw to Europe, the credit goes to a german doctor by the name of Otto Heinrich Volt. He got convinced of devil’s claw amazing abilities during his time in Namibia during World War II. Since then, devil’s claw have spread to Europe and became popular in therapies of many conditions, primarily of arthritis and rheumatism.

The country that most uses devil’s claw today is Germany. Germany officially approved devil’s claw for therapies of arthritis, lower back pain, and hip or knee pain, and as an ingredient to many antirheumatic preparations. Devil’s claw is used as a medicine fro osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and tendonitis.

This plant also reduces body temperature and has anti-inflammaotry action, making it useful in conditions such as flu and infections. In many European countries it is used as a natural substitute for corticosteroids. In this sense, injections of pine bark liquid extract are used. It is beneficial for older people because it normalizes hearth function, cholesterol blood levels and digestion.

What are the healing effects of Devil’s claw?

More and more proof appears that devil’s claw helps pain relief in reduction of inflammation in tissue of joints. It is considered to be as effective as ibuprofen. Since modern medicine does not have a cure for osteoarthritis jet, devil’s claw is a golden help with this condition- reducing pain and inflammation, and helps regenerate the cartilage. Its effects is enhanced in combination with glucosamine and chondroitin- sulphate.

Devil’s claw medical effects

  • Reduces inflammation
  • removes pain
  • reduces high body temperature
  • reduces allergies
  • calms down the nervous system
  • enchances digestion
  • helps regenerate the cartilage

Devils’ claw cannot be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or persons suffering from gastric ulcers.