Using Devil's Claw as an
herbal chronic pain reliever
This herbal remedy derives its name from the fruit which has thorns at
the end of fleshy stalks, making it look like a claw. Native
to
southern Africa, this plant has been used in herbal medicines for
thousands of years. It was first introduced to Europe in the
early 1900's and the dried
roots were used for relieving pain and inflammation and to assist with
digestive disorders. Today, devil's claw is used as a
digestive
tonic and as a long-term herbal remedy for the treatment of joint pain
and arthritic conditions.
The parts of devil's claw that are used to make herbal
medicines
are called tubers, which are the fleshy, underground stems.
The
components responsible for this plant's medicinal properties
are
called harpagoside, harpagide and procumbide and are part of the
iridoid glycoside family which all act as pain-killers and
anti-inflammatories.
Studies conducted with devil's claw show that this herbal remedy has
analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties useful in the treatment of
fibrositis and fibromyalgia, gout, lumbago, rheumatic disease and other
arthritic conditions. It was noted that devil's claw was most
efficient in treating chronic pain, making it ideal to use over the
long-term. The tubers of the devil's claw plant also contain
flavonoids, which are powerful anti-oxidants with healing properties.
A study to test the effectiveness of devil's claw was conducted on 122
people suffering with hip and knee osteo-arthritis.
The
devil's claw herbal medicine not only reduced pain and inflammation,
but markedly improved functional ability. The same effect was
reported as that of a leading prescription medicine for
osteo-arthritis. Fewer side effects were also reported
amongst
people using devil's claw.
In another study conducted, people who suffered from lower back and
neck pain were treated with a standardized devil's claw herbal medicine
for 4 weeks. These subjects all reported a significant
decrease
in chronic pain and needed fewer commercial pain killers.
An excellent bitters, with a bitters value equaling that of gentian
root,
devil's claw is widely used in Europe as a digestive tonic.
This herbal remedy is used to treat gastrointestinal
complaints
such as dyspeptic symptoms, flatulence and gallbladder disorders.
An infusion made of the roots of devil's claw can also ease
mild
digestive disorders such as nausea, stomach upsets and gastric ulcers.
Traditionally, devil's claw was used to make an ointment used topically
to treat minor wounds and skin abrasions, ulcers and boils, however
more research into the effectiveness of this herbal remedy as an
ointment is needed.
What are the side effects of
Devil's Claw?
Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal
medications should you be under their care.
Side effects are rarely reported, but a few cases of headaches and
slight digestive discomfort was reported in some patients.
Devil's
claw is nontoxic and at the recommended dosages, is one of the most
effective long-term herbal pain relievers.
Devil's claw should not be used by pregnant or lactating women.
People using blood thinning medication such as Warfarin should not use
devil's claw. If you are using medication for high blood
pressure
or any heart disease, do not take devil's claw.
How do I use Devil's Claw?
When purchasing devil's claw herbal supplements, make sure that it is
from a reputable manufacturer, as unpure and unsafe forms have been
found in some stores.
The active ingredients in devil's claw work synergistically, so look
for supplements that contain both the raw root powder and the extract
of the root.
For the treatment of pain and inflammation, take 400 mg of the herbal
extract three times a day.
To make an infusion of devil's claw, use a cup of boiling water with
1.5 g of powdered dried root. Let it simmer for 10-15
minutes,
then strain and drink.
Improvement is usually seen within three to four weeks and you should
not use devil's claw for a period longer than five months.
Discontinue use for a few weeks and then continue taking the
herbal medicine at the recommended dosages.
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