Do You Miss Vioxx for Your Pain? Try Devil's Claw
Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a South African native plant used for a sedative and an anti-inflammatory for illnesses such as osteoarthritis and rheumatism. The plant is also known as the Grapple Plant or Wood Spider plant. It goes by Devil's claw for the claw type seed pod it has and some Africans has traditionally used it for fever, malaria, and cancer.
Herbalists have referred to this plant for years for use in the treatment of digestive problems, kidney and bladder problems, and for allergic reactions. It's been a pain reliever for more than 50 years and has generally known to be safe for use.
A study was published from the universities of Toronto, Freiburg, Sydney, and Maryland that analyzed and reviewed 12 studies of devil's claw that incorporated over 1100 people. Researches concluded that devils claw as a treatment of low back pain or osteoarthritis has very real capacities to help. 60 milligrams of harpagoside (the compound in devil's claw) was shown a good daily dose, and was as effective as Vioxx without the heart problem side effects.
However, even though it has been safe for over 50 years and it's safer than Vioxx, does not mean that it is without side effects. People have experienced the following side effects while on devil's claw: stomach pain, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, tinnitus (ringing in ears), changes in the ability to taste, and vomiting. The effectiveness of this drug can be altered if taken with other blood thinners such as aspirin, with any antacids such as Pepcid AC, Prilosec OTC and Zantac AR, with anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin), or with Histamine-2 (H-2) receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors (such as Tagamet, Axid, Nexium).
Devil's claw also has Beta sitosterol, which gives the plant its anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a good choice for joint, ligament, and tendon problems such as tendonitis. It is reported to also keep vitality in the joints.
Retailers for devil's claw include:
- iHerb
- Vitacost.com
- Vitamin Shoppe
- DrugStore.com
- GNC
- Netrition.com
Published by Tina Samuels - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Author of three books, Tina Samuels is also the owner of Turtle Trax Hobbies. She s been a freelance writer for 20 years and a small business owner for three. Two of her three books are slated for a Spring 2... View profile
- Understanding and Dealing with the Pain of ArthritisArthritis simply means joint inflammation. But what it also means is pain. But there are steps you can take to ease the pain. First, though, you need to understand what the pain is.
- Back Pain - Is it All In Your Head?Sciatica and piriformis syndrome are very similar - both produce pain, numbness and tingling in the buttocks that can radiate down the back of the leg and into the foot. Understanding the different causes and follow...
- How T.E.N.S Can Provide Pain Relief Without Pain-Relieving DrugsPlagued by chronic pain? There is hope without feeling doped! T.E.N.S., or transcutaneous electro-nerve stimulations work without pain medication.
- Home Grown Health Remedies - Over the Kitchen CounterOld wives' tales and folklore go along way towards effecting our unconscious actions every day. First aid didn't always include a Band-Aid. Should you feed a cold or sweat a fever? Don't break out the leeches yet. The...
- New Treatment Recommendations for Lower Back PainOne in five Americans suffers from chronic low-back pain. Physicians and researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University have issued updated guidelines for treating low-back pain. The new guidelines include alte...
- Reduce Back Pain Easily
- Back Pain? Check Your Feet!
- Suffering from Back Pain?
- Licensing Naturopaths, Herbalists & Other Alternative Medicine Providers
- Tips for Reducing Low Back Pain
- Plagued with Pain? Get Magnetized!
- Remedies for the Relief of the Arthritis Pain