DEVIL’S CLAW (Harpagophytum probumbens) aka - Grapple plant

Devil’s Claw is found in the Namibian stepppes and the nearby Kalahari Desert of South Africa. The ‘devil’s claw’ name was given because of the thorny, barbed claw-like arrangement of the seed pod.  Prepared as a tea, the root is highly valued by the Namibian natives who use it for a wide variety of ailments, including arthritis, rheumatism and gout. Rheumatic patients when taking Devil’s Claw tea, find that the tea need to be taken for an extended period of time before its beneficial effects are seen, depending on the severity of the rheumatism. It is a valuable plant that has been found effective in the treatment of some cases of arthritis. This action, very likely, is due to a glycoside in Devil’s Claw called ‘harpagoside’ that reduces inflammation in the joints. This plant also aids in liver and gall bladder problems. Devil’s Claw will help prevent and overcome hardening of the veins and arteries and help them to remain elastic.