The devil's claw is a plant also known as Harpagophytum procumbens or devil's claw. It is used in alternative medicine to treat low back pain and osteoarthritis.
Your name (hooked plant in greek) comes from the appearance of its fruit, which is covered with hooks. It is sometimes given along with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
Properties
The plant that concerns us on this occasion contains substances that can reduce inflammation as well as associated pain, so it works as a natural anti-inflammatory. It is usually taken by mouth to relieve low back pain. In this regard, it is considered to work as well as some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
The pain associated with osteoarthritis can also be reduced thanks to the properties of this plant. Through the devil's claw, some people manage to reduce the dose of NSAIDs they need to relieve osteoarthritis pain.
Although more research is needed to determine its level of effectiveness, the following are other uses of the devil's claw:
- Arteriosclerosis
- Arthritis
- Drop
- Muscle pain
- Fibromyalgia
- tendinitis
- Chest pain
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Heartburn
- Fever
- Migraine
- High cholesterol
It should be noted that it is also used in case of labor difficulties, menstrual problems, allergic reaction, loss of appetite, and kidney and bladder disease. In addition some people apply devil's claw to treat injuries and other skin conditions.
efectos secundarios
Generally, take devil's claw, orally and in appropriate doses, is safe for most adults. Regarding its application to the skin and the safety of long-term use, more research is needed.
The most common side effect of devil's claw is diarrhea. Not all possible side effects are known, but the following are other adverse reactions that can occur after taking this plant:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomachache
- Headache
- Ringing in the ears
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of taste
Also can cause allergic skin reactions, menstrual problems and changes in blood pressure. But it should be noted that such effects are rare. However, if you experience any of these side effects, stop taking devil's claw immediately and consider contacting your doctor.
Special precautions
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
It is not advisable to take devil's claw for pregnant women. The reason is that it has not been shown to be harmful to the developing fetus. When it comes to lactating women, it is also considered a good idea to avoid taking this plant, as not enough is known yet about its safety during breastfeeding. It could be passed to the baby through breast milk.
Heart problems, hypertension and hypotension
Given that devil's claw can affect heart rate and blood pressure, you should consider consulting with your doctor before starting to take it if you suffer from a heart or circulatory system disorder.
Diabetes
Take devil's claw can lower blood sugar levels too much if combined with medicines for this purpose. Monitor your blood glucose levels to readjust the dose of diabetes medications if necessary.
Gallstones
People with gallstones would also do well to avoid the use of devil's claw. The reason is that can increase bile production, which can become a problem for them.
Peptic ulcer
The production of stomach acids can be increased as a result of a treatment based on this plant. In this way, people with stomach ulcers are advised to avoid its use.
Interactions
Small to moderate drug interactions can occur between some drugs and devil's claw. For this reason it is a good idea to consult with your doctor before you start taking it if you are undergoing any type of medical treatment, including treatments for depression, high cholesterol, or asthma. Likewise, devil's claw should not be used in place of the medication prescribed by a doctor and all directions on the product packaging should be followed.
Where to buy
Generally, the devil's claw It is sold as a dietary supplement in health food stores and natural products stores., both physical and online. The most common format is capsules, the price varying depending on the brand and the number of capsules per container.
It should be noted that, in addition to capsules, it is also possible to find it in other formats. In natural product stores and herbalists you can get tablets, blisters, massage gel, cut root and dried herb for infusions.
In any case, both with devil's claw and with all herbal supplements, you need to make sure they come from a safe source.