Devil's Claw: Herbal Treatment for Arthritis and Other Ailments

Devil's Claw (elephant tusks, unicorn plant, Harpagophytum procumbens 2) plant native to southern Africa (and Madagascar 13), named for the miniature hooks cover its fruit. 1 The plant grows across the Sonoran desert, from southern California into Texas, and south into Mexico. In agricultural fields or alongside roads: Devil's claw known to grow. 2 The plant is perennial with a bitter taste but no odor. 3 During warm weather, stems emerge and produce a mat of sticky foliage. Borne on the stems are two-inch (5 cm) bright yellow flowers and deep yellow streaks. 4 The claw -- like hooks of the plant sharp enough to cut into flesh or clothing. 10 Two species of devil's Claw: Perennial P. altheaefolia, and annual P. parviflora. The perennial species pollinated by big bees, like carpenter and bumble bees. The P. altheaefolia does not flower every year. Also, perennial species is less water dependent than annual due to its fleshy taproot. 2

The Devil's Claw branching roots and shoots. Growing out of the main roots are secondary roots called tubers. 3 The Khoisan peoples of the Kalahari Desert (Africa) known for thousands of years the medicinal attributes the unicorn plant offers, from the roots (The root is chopped and dried in the sun for three days, extracting the medicinal properties 12) or tubers, including remedies to treat pain and complications of pregnancy (African women alleviated pain during pregnancy taking extract root of the Devil's claw. 5), topical ointments to heal sores, boils and other skin problems. 1 European colonists discovered the potential treatment for arthritis and brought the Devil's claw plant back to their continent. The history of devil's Claw in the United States, dates back to slavery. Slaves brought devil's claw herbs and herbal knowledge with them to the new continent. 12