Now Devil's Claw 500mg - 100 V-Caps

Devil's Caw - Natural pain relief

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 the indigenous peoples for digestive and rheumatic complaints.

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. Devil's claw may be useful for stabilizing diabetes and addressing other digestive concerns.

The most well know 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. Devil's claw is recommended by natural health practitioners for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, muscle injury, joint injury and other inflammatory conditions.

Devil's claw can be used as 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. In order 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. Devil's claw is found as a component of pain relieving and anti-inflammatory formulas.

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 devil's claw 2 weeks prior to surgery or dental procedures. Do not use devil's claw during pregnancy and while nursing. Devil's claw may alter the effectiveness of some heart medications. Devil's claw may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, in some individuals, because it causes the release of stomach acid.

Reducing Joint Pain Naturally

Most people over age 35 have at least some wear and tear in their joints, but that doesn't mean it should cramp your style.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It usually has a gradual onset and begins after the age of forty. The knees, hips, fingers and vertebrae are most susceptible. The joint deterioration is due to faulty or deficient repair of bone and cartilage in the joint. The standard North American diet is deficient in the minerals necessary for proper joint repair; therefore it is not surprising that osteoarthritis is a common concern. Osteoarthritis causes stiffness and joint pain on motion.

It is typically worse in the morning. Initially there is no inflammation or swelling of the joint. As the damage progresses the joint may become inflamed and deformed. Muscles around the joint can tense up, joint mobility may decrease and there may be a grating feeling on movement. The pain becomes constant and occurs even when at rest.

Drug Treatments Can Actually Worsen Arthritis

Conventional treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatories has been shown to worsen arthritis. Side effects of some drugs are gastrointestinal bleeding, stomach ulcers, heart attacks and liver problems. Some of these medications, especially the NSAID group can actually accelerate the degradation of joint tissue. Corticosteroids like cortisone and prednisone sometimes recommended for arthritis, while effective at relieving discomfort in the short term, can cause a loss of bone mass.