Pain relief: devil's claw

Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is an African plant whose fruit looks like a giant claw. The plant grows in an arid climate and is found in Namibia, Madagascar, the Kalahari Desert, and other areas on the African continent.

The tuberous roots are used in traditional medicine. The root is collected when the rainy season ends. The root is chopped and dried in the sun for three days. Devil's claw is also known as grapple plant and wood spider.

Traditional healers have used devil's claw to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, and lower back pain. Current uses for devil's claw are much the same as they were centuries ago. The herb is still a remedy for arthritis and other types of joint pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout (a painful joint inflammation disease). Devil's claw is also used for soft tissue conditions with inflammation, like tendinitis and bursitis.