2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
The devil's claw / Harpagophytum procumbens / is an exotic plant native to South Africa and the island of Madagascar. It is also known as harpagophytum. In English-speaking countries it is also known as Devils claw.
The herb has a strange appearance, but the effect it has on a number of diseases is unsurpassed and it has gained international fame. The devil's claw belongs to the family Pedaliaceae / Sesame /, which includes our well-known sesame.
The South African licorice has a creeping stem that reaches a length of about sixty centimeters. The root system of Harpagophytum procumbens is clearly formed, penetrating to a depth of two meters. The plant has one main root and several branches. Interestingly, the central root gives formations having the shape of a tuber.
The leaves of the devil's claw are large, five-parted, greenish, covered with a whitish mesh. They are distributed opposite the stem of the plant. The colors of the devil's claw are variegated-colored with yellow, pink and a little white. Usually these delicate flowers can be seen in the period from November to April.
The fruits of Harpagophytum procumbens are healthy and even hard pods. They have a curved shape that resembles a nail. Fruit formation usually starts in January. Seeds are formed in the pods. They are slightly elongated and colored in black or brown.
The devil's claw thrives in places with drier climates. In addition to South Africa and the island of Madagascar, it is also found in the Kalahari, southern Botswana and Namibia.
History of the devil's claw
Photo: SiriusblackOrg
The devil's claw has been known to South Africans for centuries. The herb is so named because of the bizarre shape of its nail-shaped pods.
Over the years, the tribes used the roots of the plant mainly as a remedy. They were believed to have a beneficial effect on liver disease, malaria, fever and various skin problems.
In Europe, the plant has become popular only recently. In fact, the fame of the devil's claw spread only after it began to be offered in Germany in the last century.
After the second half of the nineteenth century, the demand for Harpagophytum procumbens increased significantly, and in our time it is one of the most popular herbs.
Composition of the devil's claw
As already mentioned, the devil's claw is a medicinal plant that owes its miraculous properties precisely to its rich chemical composition. In the herb, scientists have found flavonoids such as luteolin and kaempferol.
Studies have also shown that the devil's claw contains the iridoids procumboside, harpagids, procumid and harpagoside. The plant is also a source of calcium, aluminum, zinc, magnesium, selenium, some bitter substances and more.
Benefits of the devil's claw
The devil's claw is highly valued for its healing properties. It is used by pharmacists to make gels, creams, tinctures, capsules and other preparations that can be found in Bulgarian pharmacies. The herb, as well as the products produced from it, have analgesic, diuretic, sedative, anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic effects.
Numerous experiments have shown that the devil's claw is effective for back, pelvic and knee pain. It is also recommended for sciatica. Regular use of devil's claw helps to relax the muscles and for the faster disappearance of the unpleasant sensation.
Harpagophytum procumbens also appears to be a reliable ally in the fight against gout, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The powerful anti-inflammatory effect of the herb helps to relieve tension and improvement is not delayed.
Devil's claw is one of the remedies that are also recommended for anorexia. According to experts, the plant not only stimulates the appetite, but also improves digestion.
On the other hand, the drug is believed to help lower high cholesterol, normalize blood pressure and protect against heart disease. Devil's claw is also used for wounds, boils and other skin problems.
Folk medicine with the devil's claw
Tea from devil's claw recommended for diabetes, kidney disease, bladder and bile problems and much more. It helps to restore joint mobility and reduce the feeling of stiffness in the back and limbs.
To make devil's claw tea, you will need two teaspoons of the dried herb. Pour the drug into three hundred milliliters of boiling water and leave it overnight. In the morning, strain the decoction and divide it into three equal parts to take during the day, thirty minutes before meals.
Damage from the devil's claw
Despite its many benefits the devil's claw it can also be harmful. Therefore, its use should be done only after consulting a doctor. If you take the herb, you may experience side effects such as diarrhea, taste changes, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache and more.
Devil's claw should not be used by pregnant women, as well as by children under 6 years of age. The drug is not recommended for patients suffering from gastritis and peptic ulcer. Before taking it, it should be borne in mind that the plant can also cause an allergic reaction.
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