DEVIL'S CLAW

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.