“Herbal remedies,
used in conjunction
with modern science,
have proven to be extremely beneficial
to our four legged friends”
Jim Powell, New
Zealand vet from
“Vet’s Corner” |
The
Wonders of Devil's Claw
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.
You can also purchase our Free Mover range on-line by visiting our Herb
Shop.
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version of this article.
Brookby Herbs recommends seeking
veterinary advice when an animal is unwell.
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