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The Daily Insight

What is Devils Herb

Author

Ava Hall

Published Feb 18, 2026

Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is an herb. It has been used by mouth for back pain and arthritis, but there is little evidence to support these uses. Devil’s claw is native to south Africa, including the Kalahari Desert, where it’s been used traditionally for many conditions.

What are the benefits of Devil's Claw herb?

The roots and tubers of the plant are used to make medicine. Devil’s claw is used for “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), arthritis, gout, muscle pain (myalgia), back pain, tendonitis, chest pain, gastrointestinal (GI) upset or heart burn, fever, and migraine headache.

Why is Devil's Claw banned?

The active ingredient contained in Devil’s Claw is Harpagoside – now listed as a ‘prohibited substance‘ by the FEI governing body. … Harpagoside is a herb with natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and is often used to help ease joint and muscle pain in horses and ponies.

What is devil's root?

Devil’s claw is a flowering plant of the sesame family. Its root packs several active plant compounds and is used as an herbal supplement. In particular, devil’s claw contains iridoid glycosides, a class of compounds which has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects ( 2 ).

Is Devils Claw good for nerve pain?

The plant is commonly used to treat rheumatic conditions affecting the joints, ligaments, tendons, bones, and muscles. These include back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and tendinitis. Others believe that it can treat fibromyalgia, sciatica, nerve pain, gout, and symptoms of Lyme disease.

Can you take devil's claw with ibuprofen?

No interactions were found between devil’s claw and ibuprofen. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Can humans take devil's claw?

When taken by mouth: Devil’s claw is possibly safe for most adults when taken for up 12 weeks. The most common side effects are diarrhea and indigestion. Devil’s claw may also cause allergic skin reactions.

What is Harpagofito in English?

English translation: arnica – leopard’s bane / harpogophytum – devil’s claw.

Does devil's claw interact with any medications?

Devil’s claw has been reported to interact with anticoagulants, painkillers, heart drugs (for example digoxin) and stomach acid drugs (for example famotidine). You should use a dose of 500–1,500 mg of dried root or capsules three times daily.

Can you take devil's claw with naproxen?

Also do not take devil’s claw without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications: warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); or. an NSAID–aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

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How do you take devil's claw?

A person can take devil’s claw as a supplement in the form of a powder, herbal tea, capsules, or concentrated extracts.

What does devil's claw smell like?

Ibicella and Proboscidea plants get big. If you live in an area that has hot summers, expect the plants to be at least a meter (3 feet) across. They have a rather unpleasant smell—something like rotting gym socks.

Is Devil's Claw good for menopause?

Some women recommend using herbal supplements like Devil’s Claw to alleviate menopausal joint pain. Devil’s Claw is reported to have similar effects to steroids but without the side effects. It contains a class of compounds called iridoid glycosides, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

How long does it take for Devils claw to work?

Osteoarthritis. Several studies show that taking devil’s claw for 8 to 12 weeks can reduce pain and improve physical functioning in people with osteoarthritis. One 4-month study of 122 people with knee and hip osteoarthritis compared devil’s claw and a leading European medication for pain relief.

Is Cat's claw and devil's claw the same thing?

Cat’s Claw and Devil’s Claw “The evidence for devil’s claw is stronger than for cat’s claw or turmeric, but it’s still not strong,” Dr. Gregory said. According to the Arthritis Foundation some studies suggest stomach acid may counteract the benefits of harpagoside (the active ingredient in devil’s claw).

What is boswellia used for?

Boswellia, or Indian frankincense, is a resin herbal extract from the boswellia tree, which natural medicine practices have used for centuries. Its anti-inflammatory effects mean that it may help with inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma.

What is osteoarthritis and what causes it?

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. Cartilage is a firm, slippery tissue that enables nearly frictionless joint motion. Eventually, if the cartilage wears down completely, bone will rub on bone.

What is the active ingredient in Devils claw?

Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is reported to have an anti-inflammatory effect in humans and laboratory animals. The active ingredients are various iridoid glycosides, acetylated phenolic glycosides, and terpenoids.

Is Devil's Claw a diuretic?

Analysis shows devil’s claw to be a source of aluminium, calcium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, sodium and tin. It also contains flavonoids and sterols (sugars with anti-inflammatory qualities) and compounds that act as a diuretic, stimulate the heart, lower blood pressure and raise blood-glucose levels.

Where does devil's claw grow?

Devil’s claw grows across the Sonoran desert, from southern California into Texas and south into Mexico.

Where is the grapple plant located?

Grapple plant is native to South Africa, Botswana and Namibia (Figure 2). A CLIMATE analysis indi- cates grapple plant could thrive across large areas of central Australia (Figure 3) and south-eastern North America from southern California to southern Texas and into Mexico.

Where is devil's claw found in South Africa?

In South Africa, devil’s claw is found in Limpopo, Northern Cape (limited harvesting) and North West provinces (commercial harvesting). Devil’s claw is most abundant in grasslands where it prefers deep well-drained sandy soils in areas where the natural vegetation has been cleared, like roadsides or waste lands.

What's Cat's Claw good for?

Today, cat’s claw is promoted as a dietary supplement for a variety of health conditions, including viral infections (such as herpes, human papilloma virus, and HIV), Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, arthritis, diverticulitis, peptic ulcers, colitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids, parasites, and leaky bowel syndrome.

Can you eat Devils claw seeds?

Indigenous peoples of the southwestern United States and Mexico made good use of Devil’s Claw. The pods and seeds are both edible and nutritious. Native tribes and settlers would gather the green pods in early summer and cook them like okra. … Even when the pod has become woody, the seeds inside are tender and delicious.

When do you plant Devils claw?

Plant Devil’s Claw from seed in late spring when the soil has warmed to 75 degrees. It can grow in your sunniest spots and will be happy if planted in loamy, well-draining soil. Soak the seeds in warm water overnight to soften the seed coat or scarify the seed coat by rubbing it with a file or sandpaper.

What does the devil's claw plant look like?

Devil’s claw is a sprawling plant with slightly hairy leaves, much like a pumpkin. There are two main varieties. One is an annual with triangular leaves and white to pink blooms with mottled corollas. The yellow flowering type of devil’s claw is a perennial plant but has much the same characteristics.

Why do my hips hurt during menopause?

One reason menopause impacts the joints is these changing hormone levels. There are estrogen receptors in your joints; estrogen protects bones and helps keep joint inflammation low. As estrogen levels decline during perimenopause (the first stage of menopause), the joints can swell and become painful.

What is the best menopause supplement on the market?

  • Remifemin Menopause Relief. SHOP NOW AT Amazon. …
  • Dr. Tobias Enlightened Women Hormone Balance. …
  • One A Day Women’s Menopause Formula. SHOP NOW AT Amazon. …
  • DrFormulas Menopause Support. SHOP NOW AT Amazon. …
  • Amberen Multi-Symptom Menopause Relief. SHOP NOW AT Amazon. …
  • Rainbow Light Menopause One.

What age does menopause end?

In your 40s, your menstrual periods may become longer or shorter, heavier or lighter, and more or less frequent, until eventually — on average, by age 51 — your ovaries stop releasing eggs, and you have no more periods. Surgery that removes the ovaries (oophorectomy).