When you have joint problems, the benefits of harpagophytum may be enough to regain some comfort on a daily basis. Universally recognized, devil’s claw (the plant’s common name) is an effective pain reliever that has many other secrets to share …
THE’Harpagophytum is a plant that is mainly found in deserts of Namibia and Botswana. Its virtues are verified in the joint pain treatment, rheumatism, osteoarthritis, arthritis (knee, hip, spine) and tendonitis.
The harpagophytum roots are very rich in glucoside, a natural anti-inflammatory which is invaluable for athletes. With anti-pain properties, this plant is a real ally for your joints!
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recognizes the traditional use of harpagophytum “to relieve joint pain” by recommending an maximum duration of treatment of one month (against joint pain).
What are its active ingredients?
Harpagophytum contains:
- Glucosides which have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and analgesic effects.
- From flavonoids and phytosterols, the effects of which enhance the action of harpagosides.
- Phenols, at the origin of its bitter flavor and which facilitate urinary secretion.
- Mineral salts and vitamin B1.
The benefits of harpagophytum
- Harpagophytum has stimulating and toning properties on the digestive system: it helps drainage of the stomach and gall bladder.
- This plant fights against pain in the joints (hips, knees, spines), purifies and stimulates the body’s immunity.
- It stimulates blood circulation.
- It stimulates the appetite and fights against constipation.
- It protects the skin against skin irritations and heals skin inflammation.
How to use devil’s claw?
A daily intake of at least 50 to 100 mg of harpagosides remains necessary to combat joint pain.
- Herbal tea, the effectiveness of harpagophytum tea is close to that of plant powder. Here is the recipe for a harpagophytum tea: 50 cl of water in 1 to 2 tbsp. to c. of dried root. Bring it to a boil over low heat for a few minutes, and let stand overnight. The next day, we filter and take it in 3 cups during the day.
- Dry root extract. In the event of chronic inflammation, especially when the pains prevent sleep, one can take “2.5 g of dry extract per day, during 2 to 3 weeks, always taking breaks of seven days”. The results are noticeable after a few weeks, and fully after 3 months.
- Mother tincture, weakly concentrated, “30 to 100 drops maximum diluted in water, 3 times a day. “
- Food supplement (capsules). Some offer devil’s claw in combination with other plants, with pain-relieving properties like the example below.
Some unwanted effects
Taking harpagophytum helps relieve pain in the joints of the hips, knees; but can possibly wake up arterial hypertension or cardiovascular disorders. It is best to notify a doctor if you have it.
It is also best to take harpagophytum just before or with meals, as it can cause mild bowel problems, in particular speeding up transit. It can also irritate the stomach. In this case, the treatment must be suspended for at least a week.
Contraindications
Harpagophytum is a plant against pain from the joints (hip, knee, spine) but it should be avoided in the event of gastric or duodenal ulcers and inflammatory pathologies of the colon or rectum. Likewise, it is not recommended in the event of pregnancy orarterial hypertension. Finally, people who suffer from gallstones are advised to take medical advice into account before consuming it.
