Devil’s claw is native to Southern Africa and gets its name from the woody barbed fruit that it bears. It has been used as a tea by indigenous people for digestive and rheumatic complaints.
Key Health Benefits of Devil's Claw
Devil’s claw is used for digestive disorders because it stimulates the contraction of the gallbladder and pancreas. Bile, released from the gallbladder, helps the body to digest fats. Pancreatic juices help the body to digest protein and regulate blood sugar. This herb may be useful for stabilizing diabetes and addressing other digestive concerns.
The most well known use for devil's claw is as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) agent. It has been shown to improve joint mobility and reduce the pain and swelling associated with arthritis. This herb is recommended by natural health practitioners for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, muscle injury, joint injury and other inflammatory conditions.
Uncovering Devil's Claw Supplement Varieties
As a supplement, this herb can be used as an encapsulated herb, dried herb, tincture or liquid extract. Better quality supplements are standardized which is an assurance that the product contains devil’s claw and has some active properties. To help with digestion, bitter herbs must be tasted, like when you take in a tincture or tea. Encapsulated herbs are swallowed, thus bypassing the taste buds, and will not stimulate digestion. This nutrient is also found as a component of pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory formulas.
Final Insights When Considering Herbal Supplements
Devil’s claw contains substances that decrease your blood clotting ability therefore those with active bleeding, or those who use blood thinners, aspirin or NSAIDs should use caution. For the same reason, stop using this supplement 2 weeks before surgery or dental procedures. Do not use this herb during pregnancy and while nursing. This nutrient may alter the effectiveness of some heart medications and it may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, in some individuals, because it causes the release of stomach acid.
