Devil’s Claw Extracts Can Cure

Although known as the ‘Devil’s Claw’, this plant of South African origin is extremely useful when taken as a medicine. It has been used as an age old remedy in Africa for treating allergies, headaches and rheumatism. Liver and kidney diseases are reportedly cured by extracts of this plant too. However, it is principally used as a home remedy for curing arthritis in Europe today. The bitter Devil’s Claw tea is believed to aid in digestion by stimulating the gastric juices.

Forms of administration: The decoction of the plant is normally taken orally for loss of appetite. Freshly cut tuber of Devil’s claw, root or other infusions can all be taken orally in order to treat various problems. The plant contains Iridoid glycosides and Harpagoside, both of which can be taken in isolation or in a combined form after extraction from the plant.

Side Effects- Patients may develop allergic reactions, headaches or tinnitus as a side effect to Devil’s Claw. It may also decrease blood glucose levels when used in conjunction with anti diabetic agents. Pregnant women and lactating mothers should refrain from using the plant as medicine. Devil’s Claw increases the acid content of the stomach; hence patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers are not advised to take the plant extracts. Cardiac patients also need to be careful as the herb may weaken the muscular contraction in high doses.

Research Findings- Investigative studies of the Devil’s Claw show that the plant is anti inflammatory in nature and may help to reduce the blood pressure and slow down the heart beat considerably. Short term use of the plant extracts is not toxic in nature. The effects of prolonged usage of the herb have not been discovered till now. However, doctors have noticed that patients of rheumatoid arthritis when treated with extracts of the herb  show remarkable improvement in their mobility. The Devil’s Claw can also provide considerable relief from pain in arthritic patients.