Medicine from your garden: The pain reducing benefits of Devil's Claw

Devil's Claw was an easy herb for students of Herbal Medicine to remember. Its name immediately suggests its usefulness, at the first signs of arthritis in the hands. It is both anti-inflammatory and analgesic, with a history of traditional use in painful inflammation of joints and back. Traditional use has been backed up by clinical studies showing it has a protective action for joints by inhibiting cartilage degeneration. Other studies point to Devil’s Claw being useful in diabetes and high blood pressure. There are pain relief supplements that contain this herb, perhaps under its botanical name: Harpagophytum procumbens and usually in combination with other pain relieving herbs.

Signs of Arthritis? Time to use Devil's Claw

Helpful in any painful musculoskeletal condition, the following are specific conditions for which this herb is indicated:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Myalgia
• Back pain
• Digestive weakness and loss of appetite
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Care needed

Although considered a safe herb, even natural medicines need care. Always tell your doctor of any supplements you are taking. Care should be exercised using Devils Claw in the following:

• if there are gallstones, or reflux, or hyperacidity
• in diseases of the liver or kidney, or neurological disease
• when there is depression

It should not be used:

• if there are gastric or duodenal ulcers
• in pregnancy and breastfeeding, or with children
• when taking warfarin or other blood thinning medications

Maria Mitchell – Aromatherapist and Herbalist

Maria Mitchell is a fully qualified Herbalist and Aromatherapist with a special interest in Pain Relief, Sleep and Stress Management. You can learn more about Maria here Join Maria in her How to Use Essential Oils for Pain Relief Workshop and learn how you can create wonderful essential oils blends for pain relief for yourself and your family and much much more.