The Wonders of Devil's Claw

Posted by Brookby Herbs, 23 Dec, 2010

Horse Health, Vitamins/Supplements

Devil's Claw - the natural anti-inflammatory herb is ideal for stiff joints
in the colder seasons.

Devil's claw is the common name for Harpagophytum procumbens and Harpagophytum zeyheri, which belong to the sesame family. Originally from southern Africa and Madagascar, they are now found in the savannahs and on the outskirts of the Kalahari Desert in South Africa and Namibia.

Medical researchers have found that devil's claw root can reduce inflammation and reduce pain. For thousands of years the Khoisan peoples of the Kalahari Desert have used devil's claw root in remedies for treating pain and complications of pregnancy, and in topical ointments for treating skin problems.

Health care providers use devil's claw root to treat loss of appetite, rheumatism, arthritis, fever, myalgia, tendonitis, gastrointestinal problems, and liver and gallbladder problems.

Devil's claw is also an effective therapy for degenerative musculoskeletal conditions (disorders of locomotive system). It is also used as a pain reliever (analgesic), sedative, and diuretic.

Studies in animals have shown that devil's claw reduces the inflammation associated with arthritis. However, other studies have not demonstrated any anti-inflammatory properties. Devil's claw seems to work differently from most nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Its active compound, harpagoside (or a related compound called harpagide) is changed into another substance inside the body. The new substance, harpagogenin, may be the active ingredient that actually decreases the inflammation associated with arthritis.

Brookby Herbs have created herbal blends that offer the benefits of Devil's Claw for both horses and dogs. Our Free Mover range contain Devil's Claw as its main ingredient along with white willow bark and meadowsweet for the relief of stiff joints and arthritic type symptoms. For horses we offer Free Mover or our certified organic Free Mover Plus. For dogs, read about our certified organic Nature's Free Mover.

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