The African remedy for digestive and joint problems

What is the African devil's claw?

The African devil's claw is native to the savannahs of South Africa and gets its name from the small barbs that stick to its fruits. This is a small but important trick of the plant: the hooks catch in the fur of passing animals and thus the seeds of the ripe fruits are dispersed. 

How do the bitter compounds of devil's claw affect digestion?

The African devil's claw also has a defence against predators: the abundant bitter compounds present in all parts of the plant. The roots contain the highest concentration of these bitters and other valuable substances and are therefore used as a medicinal remedy. 

These bitter compounds are also responsible for its health-promoting properties. By nature, bitters have an appetite-stimulating and digestive-promoting effect, can relieve gastrointestinal complaints such as upper abdominal discomfort, fullness, heartburn, bloating, nausea and vomiting, and support increased gastric juice production as well as a normal bile flow. Traditionally, devil's claw is also used for metabolic disorders, bladder and kidney complaints.

Which anti-inflammatory constituents does devil's claw contain?

The extremely bitter, tuberous storage root of the African devil's claw is rich in iridoid glycosides (including the main active ingredients harpagoside, harpagid and procumbid), phenylethanol derivatives and secondary plant compounds. 

All of these substances act synergistically and help to inhibit inflammation of various kinds and to relieve pain. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of devil's claw are mainly mediated by blocking various pro-inflammatory signalling molecules. 

For which pain conditions can devil's claw help?

The storage roots of the African devil's claw can be used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatic conditions, morning stiffness, tendon, joint, back, neck or muscle pain throughout the body. Its constituents can inhibit protein-degrading enzymes in the cartilage matrix, which is important in the treatment of osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases. 

Why is devil's claw gentler on the stomach than conventional painkillers?

Most conventional painkillers such as diclofenac inhibit not only mediators that reduce inflammation but also those that protect the gastric mucosa. Therefore, such treatments often require concomitant gastric protection. 

This is not the case with the African devil's claw, even with long-term use, because this plant does not interfere with stomach-protecting mediators. 

Stay mobile with plant power: practical devil's claw tips for everyday life

• African devil's claw is available commercially as capsules, dragees, tablets, drops and dried root. For external use the plant is available as a cream, gel or balm. There is also an ointment for muscular tension. Pay attention to dosage and duration instructions on the packaging.
• For dried devil's claw roots, the daily dose for loss of appetite is 1.5 g. For digestive complaints or mild joint and back pain the dose can be increased to about 4.5 g per day.
• For mild muscle and joint complaints, bloating or fullness you can try devil's claw tea. For stronger joint pain, opt for tablets or tinctures.
• Crushed leaves and roots can be used as a bitter-flavoured seasoning. You can store this unusual spice in a spice mill and, depending on taste, season salads and herb butter or prepare herb salt.
• To make a devil's claw tea, boil one teaspoon of crushed root with 500 ml of water and let the infusion steep for at least eight hours. You can warm and sweeten the drink slightly before taking it. Devil's claw can be combined with chamomile or peppermint to soften the taste. Drink this tea throughout the day after meals. To stimulate appetite, drink it half an hour before meals.
• Devil's claw tincture is used for rheumatism, osteoarthritis, joint pain, metabolic disorders and inflammations. Dilute 10 to 15 drops of the tincture in water or tea and take twice daily.
• The tincture is also suitable for external use on eczema, psoriasis and small inflamed wounds. Mix a few drops with a little water or hydrolat, apply the mixture to a cosmetic tissue and place the tissue on the affected skin area.
• For joint complaints you can soak cloths with devil's claw tea, place them on the joints and wrap with a dry towel. Repeat the compresses three times daily for 15 minutes each.
• You can make an oil extract from devil's claw and a plant oil suited to your skin type. Rub the affected areas with it several times a day for joint, muscle and osteoarthritis pain.
• Note that devil's claw is not suitable for treating acute pain and that its effects typically develop only after about three weeks of regular use.
• Devil's claw preparations should not be taken in cases of ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract, during pregnancy or breastfeeding. In cases of gallstones consult your doctor before use.
• Be aware that prolonged or high-dose use may lead to possible side effects such as increased bleeding tendency, diarrhoea, headaches, dizziness and allergic skin reactions or hypersensitivity reactions.

With these tips you support healthy digestive function and say goodbye to joint pain!