The name “devil’s claw” was given because of the thorny, barbed claw arrangement of the seed pods. The root prepared as a tea 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, found that the tea had to be taken for an extended period of time before its beneficial effects were seen, depending on the severity of the rheumatism. It is a valuable plant that has also been found to be effective in the treatment of some cases of arthritis. This action, very likely, is due to a glycoside it contains 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 remain elastic.