Devil’s claw (harpago): what it is for and how to make tea

Devil’s claw, also known as harpago, is a medicinal plant of the species Harpagophytum prostrate, rich in harpagosides, flavonoids, kaempferol, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid, with anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant properties, and is therefore widely used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or rheumatism.

The normally used part of devil’s claw is the root, from which active substances with medicinal properties are extracted to prepare tea or capsules.

Devil’s claw can be found in health food stores, compounding pharmacies and in some street markets, and should be used under the guidance of a doctor or other health professional who has experience with the use of medicinal plants.

What is it for

Devil’s claw has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic properties, and is normally indicated for:

• Rheumatism;
• Osteoarthritis;
• Rheumatoid arthritis;
• Drop;
• Tendinitis;
• Bursitis;
• Epicondylitis;
• Pain in the spine and lower back;
• Fibromyalgia.

Due to its medicinal properties, devil’s claw can help relieve pain, swelling and redness in the joints, as well as protecting the lining and cartilage of the joints, improving movement and reducing stiffness.

Furthermore, some studies suggest that devil’s claw could also help in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, such as dyspepsia, and may also be effective in the case of urinary infections, fever and postpartum pain.

Although it has many benefits, devil’s claw does not replace the treatment recommended by the doctor, being only a complement, and should only be used under the guidance of a doctor or a herbalist.

How to make devil’s claw tea

The part of devil’s claw used is the dried root, from which the active substances, with analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic properties, are extracted to prepare the tea.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of dried devil’s claw roots;
• 1 cup of water.

Preparation mode

Place the dried devil’s claw root and water to boil for 15 minutes over low heat. Strain and drink 2 to 3 cups of tea per day.

Another option is to use devil’s claw in capsules, the dosage may vary according to the person’s age and purpose of use. Here’s how to take devil’s claw capsules correctly.

Possible side effects

Devil’s claw is considered safe for adults when used for up to 12 weeks of treatment and in recommended amounts. However, when consumed in excess, it can cause side effects such as irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa, diarrhea, nausea, poor digestion, headache and loss of taste or appetite.

Furthermore, devil’s claw can cause allergic reactions and, therefore, its use should only be done with medical advice or from a health professional with experience in medicinal plants.

Who shouldn’t use

Devil’s claw should not be used by children, pregnant women as it may cause problems in the fetus, or breastfeeding women.

Furthermore, this plant should not be used by people who are allergic to devil’s claw, or who have stomach or intestinal ulcers, gallstones, obstruction of the bile ducts and gastritis.

Devil’s claw should also not be used by people with circulatory or heart problems, or who use anticoagulants, such as warfarin, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.