experience using devil's claw root?

[Merlyn]

http://www.medicinehunter.com/DevilsClaw.htm

Being 51 is a magical age, in my prime

However it comes with some pitfalls, like onset of arthritis,
Has anyone here used Devil's claw root and how has it worked?

Thanks,

[hawk]

Hi Merlyn

Devils claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a good anti-inflammatory herb for arthritis, pretty safe and well tolerated - I've treated quite a few people with it in my practice with fairly good success. If you go ahead and buy an extract from a health food shop, make sure it is a reputable company (Bioforce and Solgar are really good) and take it on a FULL not an EMPTY stomach; there are two reasons for this - the first is that the active component that does all the good stuff is inactivated by stomach acid, and the second is that it has the potential to slightly irritate your stomach. I'd also strongly advise a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement to support the health of the tissues in your joints, lots of oily fish and plenty of water to keep your joints well hydrated. Hope this helps

[Merlyn]

Thanks,
That is a good plan of action and I love salmon, Trout and just about any fish.
I already have used cat's claw for quick treatment of what ails me, but had not tried devil's claw.
I will get some and this will help a lot on those days when it is about to rain!

In light,

[Aylyn]

Tried Devil's claw on my horse (he has arthritis), and it did work quite well. However, due to the bitter taste the horse hated it, so I now switched to stinging nettles, which works just as well while being a lot cheaper and more sustainable. Following this example, I use nettle myself.

But yes, Devil's claw is effective, but you need to ensure that the drug comes from a sustainable source, as a lot od the wild population is being destroyed for the drug.

[Merlyn]

Good points.
We are planning to set up a green house, where I hope to grow more of what I use in herbs, roots and such.
In the mean time I will check suppliers to see which ones grow their own.

[Aigeann]

Tried Devil's claw on my horse (he has arthritis), and it did work quite well.

I'd like to echo Aylyn's experience. My "ancient" horse also benefits from it and eats it readily but I have not personally taken it.

I appreciate the suggestion about stinging nettle....interesting~!

YMMV

[Merlyn]

That's what is wonderful about this board.
I can actually get answers to things like this.

Thanks,

[Merlyn]

Hi All,
Well, I took hawk's advice and found some Devil's claw extract (gets the active ingredient to a workable level) and have used it in the last two months.
So far taking one Devil's Claw capsule a day with one glucosamine-condroitin-MSM, and noted a few very positive results.

I think the most evident result of my arthritis was walking down a flight of stairs. This had become even dangerous, as the pain hobbled me doing so.
Well, in two short months, with what I consider a half dose (I will now increase it) I am having no problem walking down a flight of stairs!

And of course the increased activity from not having the pain is doing me wonders.
The devil's claw seems to give me a very "clean feel" so to speak, hard to describe.

I was also having a recurring numbness in my left leg, which is gone.

At this point I am going to get my 12 speed bicycle out and see how I am doing.
Previously, after 40 years of enjoying my bike, I had to let it sit. My knees would act out in pain, even though the exercise was doing me good.
I look forward to taking a ride this weekend.

I consider riding a bicycle important in balance and strength for riding my Harley Davidson motorcycle. The two need to go hand in hand.

Unlike other things I have tried, like Wobenzyme-n which worked for a long time, but had a rather rude side affect
The Devil's claw has no such problem.

I'll let you all know how it goes over the next increase in dose and month.

Merlyn