Devilâs claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a flowering shrub represented by its fearsome-looking hook-like fruits that resemble a claw. These claws or pods are notorious hitchhikers that can cling to clothing and animal furs and get transported elsewhere. They are invasive, but these leafy perennial branching roots and shoots are used in the production of herbal drugs and dietary supplements. The plant is native to South Africa and is the floral emblem of Botswana. Locals believed that the devilâs claw can cure a variety of pain conditions and used it as an analgesic. For thousands of years, the devilâs claw was valued as a natural and herbal healing plant. Harpagophytum procumbens shares the same name devilâs claw with the North American plants Proboscidea.Devilâs claw was introduced to Europe in the early 1900s, where the dried roots have been used to restore appetite, relieve heartburn, and reduce pain and inflammation.Prebiotics Devilâs claw does not only possess fearsome-looking fruits, but it is also a notorious wild plant that can cripple or kill an animal. Animals that accidentally eat the devilâs claw can starve to death since the claw can attach itself firmly to the beastâs jaw.Leaves: Devilâs claw leaves are very sticky and are covered with fine hairs. Its leaf blades are broad and ovate that measures about 6.5 cm long and up to 15 cm wide. They are arranged alternately and opposite across the stem with a green to grey color. Flowers: During summer, the devilâs claw plant flaunts its trumpet-shaped flowers with mottled corollas. Their color ranges from pink, and red, to purple blossoms with yellow or white throats.  Fruits: After the flower blooms, it will give way to the devilâs claw fruits. The fruits are woody with long, branched protuberances that have barbs. The inner part of the fruit is also woody, with a fleshy exterior.When matured and dried, its inner pods split at the end like pointed claws. It tends to stick to animal fur or pants for seeds to be transported to other places.  Seeds: Inside the seed pods of the devilâs claw are tiny seeds of about 40 per capsule.Roots: Devilâs claw has a branched root system and also branched and prostate shoots. The strong, central tap roots have upright collar-like sections with fissured cork layers and branch off horizontally. Its lateral or secondary tubers have thick nodes and are often light to brown or red to brown in color. The taproots can grow 2 meters deep while the secondary storage roots are 25 cm long and 6 cm deep. Stem: The stem of the devilâs claw is hollow with a slightly sticky gland covered with fine hairs. It secretes sticky and slimy fluid when briefly touched. This low-growing plant has a height of 50 cm but can spread up to 1.5 to 2 meters wide.What Devilâs Claw Is Good For And Natural Remedies Made From ItBased on its long-standing use, devilâs claw is important in the treatment of the following health conditions: â˘Â Arthritis, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and other joint pains â˘Â Allergy and infections â˘Â Afterbirth pain, difficult menses, difficult pregnancies â˘Â Any inflammations â˘Â Atherosclerosis and poor blood circulation â˘Â Fever â˘Â Digestive complains â˘Â Respiratory ailments â˘Â Liver and kidney problems â˘Â Pancreatitis â˘Â Skin problems â˘Â Obesity Devilâs Claw Healing SalveWhat You Will Need: â˘Â Double boiler or microwave â˘Â Small, empty jar with a lid to put the ointment Ingredients: â˘Â 6 Tbsp devilâs claw infused oil â˘Â 1 Tbsp beeswax â˘Â 1 tsp cocoa butter Steps: 1. Mix the devilâs claw oil, beeswax, and cocoa butter.  2. Heat the mixture in a double broiler with low heat or on ½ power microwave until the beeswax melt. 3. Pour the devilâs claw salve into the ready jar and let cool 4. Cap the salve, label it, and keep it in a cool and dry place You can use this healing salve for headache, nerve-type pain, lower back pain, and joint pain.You may also apply it to sores, boils, and skin ulcers. Use the devilâs claw salve twice a day to get relief from your symptoms. The dosing for oral intake of devilâs claw varies per patient age and health condition. But the safe dosage should not exceed 600 mg a day. When taking devilâs claw tea, always take it right before meals to avoid gastrointestinal disturbances. The safety of devilâs claw for long-term use is not yet established. Thus, it should not be used for a prolonged period and beyond the recommended dosage. It is also best avoided by pregnant and lactating mothers for lack of supporting studies. Devilâs claw supplement also interacts with other medicines, herbs, and food supplements. When taking medication, always consult your doctor before using any homeopathic herbal supplements. The Best Natural Painkiller That Grows in Your Own Backyard     |