What is the harpagophytum?
the harpagophytum is a plant that has been known to the indigenous peoples of South Africa for centuries. It is therefore quite naturally that it is used in traditional African medicine.
It is the tuberous roots of the plant that are prepared in the form of a decoction to cure arthritis and rheumatism. This plant has anti-inflammatory properties. Its introduction into Western herbal medicine is much later, since it dates back to 1953.
What are the benefits and properties of harpagophytum?
Harpagophytum has many properties at once anti-inflammatories, painkillers And anti-rheumatic.
- Six to eight weeks of use will relieve back pain (particularly lower back pain), arthritis, osteoarthritis Or rheumatism in general while improving joint mobility. If its major active ingredient is harpagoside, its content of harpagide, procumboside and procumbide also explains its astonishing effectiveness. It also contains flavonoids which have proven antioxidant properties.
- In addition, this plant contains multiple vitamins, in particular group B vitamins. She is too rich in minerals : calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, magnesium and silica. All these minerals are involved in bone construction, heart rate control and exert a relaxing action on the muscles.
- Although less known, the digestive properties of the harpagophytum are well documented and it is even one of its main indications in the traditional medicine of South Africa. It is indeed as effective in relieving transit disorders as it is in eliminating gases linked to aerophagia or even stimulating the appetite.
Harpagophytum dosage, when to take it?
Harpagophytum cure in the form of capsules:
To benefit from the properties of the harpagophytum, it is recommended to consume this plant in the form of capsules.
- Composed of dried roots reduced to powder, these capsules must be absorbed at the rate of 2 to 4 g per day. For an effective cure, take them over a period of two months. You will then be able to carry out episodic cures of three weeks several times a year, respecting breaks between each of them.
Note that harpagophytum can also be taken at the onset of an osteoarthritis attack to relieve pain. Be sure to select good quality food supplements to avoid any adverse effects and favor dry extracts dosed at 200 mg per capsule to facilitate their use (one or two capsules per day will suffice).
Other forms of use of the harpagophytum:
- Harpagophytum is also sold in liquid form, in mother tincture. In this case, it is to be taken at the rate of 20 to 40 drops three times a day, always over a period of one and a half to two months.
- You can also prepare your own decoction by boiling two teaspoons of dried roots in 500 ml of water for a few minutes. Leave to infuse overnight then filter. Drink this preparation throughout the day. It is in this form of herbal tea that the harpagophytum must be used for relieve stomach aches, but with caution and before or during meals. Do not make prolonged cures in this indication.
- Finally, this plant exists in the form of ointments for external use to relieve irritation, Burns, ulcersAnd boils.
Are there any side effects or contraindications to harpagophytum?
The consumption of harpagophytum is not recommended in case of gastric or duodenal ulcer, but also in case of gallstones.
In addition, people suffering from cardiovascular disorders should be careful about their consumption of harpagophytum, insofar as this plant can cause an increase in blood pressure.
Attention, the use of harpagophytum is also not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. During pregnancy, the use of this plant can lead to premature labor or miscarriage.
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