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Devil's Claw
What is Devil’s Claw?
Devil's claw is indigenous to southern and eastern Africa, and thrives in clay
or sandy soils. Devil’s claw fruit is a capsule with a woody inner part surrounded
by a fleshy layer. The devil's claw refers to the inner woody capsule, which
splits open at one end into two curved horns or claws. Although the name comes
from the fruit, the part of the plant used for its medicinal value is the tuber
(underground stem of a plant).
Devil's claw is also known as unicorn plant, referring to the large, hornlike
fruit before is has split open and has the Latin name Harpagophytum procumbens.
Devil's claw is widely used as an analgesic, sedative, anti-inflammatory and
diuretic herb, worldwide. The analgesic properties of Devil’s Claw can be compared
in strength to cortisone or phenylbutazone, both prescription medications used
in the treatment of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
What are the benefits and uses of Devil’s Claw?
Devil's claw has been recommended for treating a wide variety of conditions.
Some of the conditions it has been used to treat include the following:
- Diseases of the live
- Diseases of the kidneys
- Diseases of the bladder
- Allergies
- Arteriosclerosis
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Menstrual difficulties
- Neuralgia
- Headache
- Rheumatism and arthritis.
Traditionally devil's claw has been used as an ointment for sores, ulcers,
and boils.
What is the right dosage of Devil’s Claw to use?
Devil’s Claw can be taken in any number of forms. For use as a digestive stimulant,
the dose for the powdered secondary tuber is 1,5 - 2 grams per day. For tincture,
the recommended amount is 1-2 ml per day. For extract take 6-12 drops in juice,
water, under the tongue or as desired, 3 times a day and for capsules take 2
capsules, twice a day.
What are the side effects of Devil’s Claw?
There are some known side effects of Devil’s Claw and anyone with gastric or
duodenal ulcers, heartburn, gastritis, or excessive stomach acid should not
use the herb.
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