Top Medicinal Uses of Devil's Claw
Don't let its diabolical name fool you-- devil's claw is one of the most versatile medicinal plants in the world. Named for the claw-like appearance of its flowers, devil's claw has been used for hundreds of years as a naturopathic medicine. Although more studies are still needed to conclusively demonstrate its safety and efficacy, devil's claw remains a popular herb-of-choice for several conditions. Here are a few of the most common uses attributed to devil's claw supplements.
Arthritis
Devil's claw appears to help reduce pain among people with osteoarthritis. Evidence suggests that 16 weeks of ongoing use of devil's claw can reduce osteoarthritis symptoms as effectively as some pharmaceutical treatments. However, fewer studies have found the same benefits for people with rheumatoid arthritis, a similar but ultimately unrelated condition.
Back Pain
Oral devil's claw supplements seem to reduce pain in the lower, upper and middle back. People coping with chronic back pain may use devil's claw alone or in conjunction with other treatments to minimize discomfort.
Muscle Ache
Most studies have demonstrated that devil's claw reduces pain in the bones, not necessarily the muscles. However, researchers are investigating devil's claw's efficacy as a treatment for muscle aches caused by exercise
Gout
Gout, a painful condition caused by excessive uric acid in the blood stream, can cause intense swelling in certain areas of the body-- especially the toes. Devil's claw may help to counteract the pain, swelling and inflammation caused by gout, but more studies are needed to confirm that it works.
Stomach Pain
Devil's claw was used historically to counteract upset stomach, indigestion and stomach pain. The herb may help to reduce gas and make bowel movements easier to pass. Unfortunately, very few studies have investigated its efficacy, so it remains unsupported by current science.
Appetite Stimulant
Devil's claw has been historically regarded as an appetite stimulant, although scientists have yet to fully confirm its effects. Your health care provider may recommend devil's claw as an appetite stimulant if you suffer from wasting, anorexia, or stress-related appetite loss.
Migraine
Devil's claw's famed analgesic effects may help to relieve symptoms of migraine-- a serious neurological condition characterized by severe headache, nausea and visual disturbances. Early evidence suggests that devil's claw is effective for migraine, but more studies are needed to fully confirm these findings.
High Cholesterol
Like many medicinal herbs, devil's claw acts as an antioxidant. It appears to reduce oxidation-- damage caused by reactive oxygen compounds-- of "bad" LDL cholesterol. This could in turn help to prevent secondary cardiovascular disease. However, it should not be used in lieu of conventional treatments, sicnce its effectiveness has yet to be confirmed.
The National Institutes of Health offers more information about devil's claw.
Arthritis
Devil's claw appears to help reduce pain among people with osteoarthritis. Evidence suggests that 16 weeks of ongoing use of devil's claw can reduce osteoarthritis symptoms as effectively as some pharmaceutical treatments. However, fewer studies have found the same benefits for people with rheumatoid arthritis, a similar but ultimately unrelated condition.
Back Pain
Oral devil's claw supplements seem to reduce pain in the lower, upper and middle back. People coping with chronic back pain may use devil's claw alone or in conjunction with other treatments to minimize discomfort.
Muscle Ache
Most studies have demonstrated that devil's claw reduces pain in the bones, not necessarily the muscles. However, researchers are investigating devil's claw's efficacy as a treatment for muscle aches caused by exercise
Gout
Gout, a painful condition caused by excessive uric acid in the blood stream, can cause intense swelling in certain areas of the body-- especially the toes. Devil's claw may help to counteract the pain, swelling and inflammation caused by gout, but more studies are needed to confirm that it works.
Stomach Pain
Devil's claw was used historically to counteract upset stomach, indigestion and stomach pain. The herb may help to reduce gas and make bowel movements easier to pass. Unfortunately, very few studies have investigated its efficacy, so it remains unsupported by current science.
Appetite Stimulant
Devil's claw has been historically regarded as an appetite stimulant, although scientists have yet to fully confirm its effects. Your health care provider may recommend devil's claw as an appetite stimulant if you suffer from wasting, anorexia, or stress-related appetite loss.
Migraine
Devil's claw's famed analgesic effects may help to relieve symptoms of migraine-- a serious neurological condition characterized by severe headache, nausea and visual disturbances. Early evidence suggests that devil's claw is effective for migraine, but more studies are needed to fully confirm these findings.
High Cholesterol
Like many medicinal herbs, devil's claw acts as an antioxidant. It appears to reduce oxidation-- damage caused by reactive oxygen compounds-- of "bad" LDL cholesterol. This could in turn help to prevent secondary cardiovascular disease. However, it should not be used in lieu of conventional treatments, sicnce its effectiveness has yet to be confirmed.
The National Institutes of Health offers more information about devil's claw.
Published by Juniper Russo - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness
Juniper Russo is a freelance writer living in the Southern US. She writes for several online and print-based publications and passionately advocates an evidence-based approach to holistic health and activism... View profile
Teen Hearing Loss: Are More Studies Needed to Pinpoint Cause?Hearing loss is becoming more common in teens, yet it's been said that more studies are needed to determine why so many teenagers are suffering from hearing loss.- Child Stomach Pain & Role of Early Healthy Eating Habits in ChildrenChild stomach pain is a common health concern. Here is what parents need to know about the importance of early child nutrition and healthy eating habits.
- Stomach Pain Remedies - Most Effective Natural Stomachache TreatmentStomach pain is one of the pains that you certainly don't want to happen. It could be a symptom of an underlying illness, and it could be aggravated once you didn't take any action to determine the root.
- A New Way to Reduce Pain?Here's a new way to reduce pain. Scientists discovered that looking at the painful area can help relieve it. Find out more.
- Chronic, Recurring Stomach Pain & Risk for Carcinoid TumorsIf you are suffering from unrelenting stomach pain, the complication may be associated with the "silent cancer" known as carcinoid tumors.
- Stop Fighting it and Learn to Live with Chronic Pain
- Understanding Chronic Pain
- Plagued with Pain? Get Magnetized!
- Devil's Claw: Herbal Alternative for Chronic Pain
- Arthritis: Holistic and Alternative Treatments
- Herbal Pain Killers
- Ulcerative Colitis and Upper Stomach Pain