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Does the Herb Devil's Claw Help Pain?
Devil's Claw Root
Used in Remedies for Centuries
In generations past, in Africa, devil's claw was traditionally used to treat fevers, malaria and kidney problems. It was also made into a topical ointment that was applied on sores and boils to help them heal. In the early 1900s, Devil's Claw was brought to Europe, where it was used to help relieve heartburn, indigestion, and pain.
Recently, studies have show that Devil's Claw does help relieve the pain of arthritis, headache, inflammation and back pain. I have used Devi's Claw for shoulder pain and inflammation and it worked very well. I gave some to my sister, who has had back pain for years, and she liked it so well, she now takes it every day. She says it helps ease the pain without the side effects she gets with traditional pain medication.
If you would like to know more and see if perhaps Devil's Claw is something you may want to try, read on!
What is Devil's Claw ?
Where Does It Come From ?
Devil's Claw, also called Grapple Plant or Wood Spider, is a plant that grows in Africa. The colorful name "devil's claw" comes from the small, claw-like hooks on the plants fruit. Most Devil's Claw is grown in Nambia and lesser amounts in Botswana.
Some of the Benefits of Devil's Claw - There are Many !
Devil's Claw Extract is considered a homeopathic remedy to be taken as an alternative to NSAD (anti-inflammatory) drugs. It is registered as a dietary supplement in many countries, including the United States, France, Germany, and the UK. The active ingredients include phenols, iridoid glycosides and other substances including phytosterols, amino acids, hapagoquinones, and flavonoids.
Helps strengthen joints
Has been effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis,
Helps with symptoms of osteoarthritis
Helps with the pain and inflammation of tendonitis
Reduces kidney inflammation
May help with high blood pressure
Helps with low back pain
Devil's Claw - Secondary Root
Possible Side Effects of Devil's Claw
Some Studies Reported These Reactions
~ allergic reaction
~ upset stomach
~ full feeling
~ ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
~ headache
Do Not Take Devil's Claw If You Take These Drugs - May Cause a Reaction or Reduce Effectiveness
Without trying to remember all the fancy names of these drugs, the rule of thumb is this:
Do not take Devil's Claw if you are on blood thinners or are diabetic, any form of diabetes.
These medications do not interact well with Devil's Claw.
Anticoagulants such as Warfarin/Coumadin - If you take Devil's Claw with these blood thinners, they could increase the risk of bleeding becoming severe or spontaneous.
Metformin or Glucophage - a treatment for type 2 diabetes. One animal study found reduced blood glucose in diabetic animals, when given Devil's Claw
Insulin or Insulin Analogs such as Lantus, NovoLog, Humalog, or Apidra - used for type 1 diabetes. One animal study found reduced blood glucose in diabetic animals, when given Devil's Claw
Sulfonylureas such as Glyburide, Diabeta, Glynase, Micronase, Glipizide Glucotrol, Glimepiride Amaryl. Sulfonylureas helps to treat type 2 diabetes. One animal study found reduced blood glucose in diabetic animals, when given Devil's Claw
Antacids, taken for heart burn and stomach upset may not work as well, due to increased stomach acid.
People with these health issues
should not take Devil's Claw
~ stomach ulcers ~
~ duodenal ulcers ~
~ gallstones ~