SafePlants

Devil's Claw: A Traditional Herbal Remedy

Devil's claw is a herb with a rich history of traditional use, particularly in southern Africa. It's gaining popularity as a natural approach to managing various types of pain.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant's fruit has hooks that can cause entanglement or injury.

Considerations for Children

• The plant's fruit has hooks that can cause entanglement or injury.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Harpagophytum procumbens
• Common Names: Devil's claw, grapple plant, wood spider

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Harpagophytum
• Family: Pedaliaceae (sesame family)
• The name Harpagophytum comes from the Greek word for "hook plant."
• Procumbens means "prostrate" in Latin.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to southern Africa, particularly the Kalahari Desert and the former Transvaal region.
• Common in the southern and eastern parts of Africa.
• Thrives in the desert countries of Southern Africa, notably in the Kalahari sands of Namibia.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Devil's claw is a perennial plant/shrub.
• It produces spiny fruits, which are responsible for its common names.
• After heavy rain, the plant grows luscious leaves.

Traditional Uses and Potential Benefits

• Historically used by the Khwe people of southern central Africa.
• Devil's claw root has been used as a natural treatment for backache, rheumatic, and other joint pains.
• Traditionally used for the relief of backache, rheumatic or muscular pain, and general aches and pains.
• May help lower uric acid levels in people with gout.
• Used in herbal medicine as a treatment for tendonitis, osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and headache.

Quirky Facts

• In horses, Devil's Claw is considered the "herbal bute," implying its usefulness as a general anti-inflammatory, especially for musculoskeletal problems.
• The name "Devil's claw" originates from the hooked appearance of its fruit.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Devil’s claw belongs to the sesame seed family (Pedaliaceae).

Forms and Availability

• Available in several forms: tea-like infusions, tinctures, capsules, or tablets.

Further Information

• WebMD
• Holland & Barrett
• Fox News Health
• Encyclopedia.com