Devil's claw is approved as a nonprescription medicine by the German Commission E and is used to relieve arthritis, lower back, knee and hip pain. It is also used to treat a number of ailments including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, bursitis, tendonitis, loss of appetite and digestive disorders.

Great news for pain sufferers who have grown dependent on pain killers for relief: recently published double blind studies have shown that Devil's Claw can relieve pain from arthritis in as little as ten days of use, lower back, knee and hip pain included. It is also used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, bursitis, tendonitis and soft tissue pain (muscle aches).

Since studies have shown no side effects, even at very high doses, Devil's claw can be an alternative for those taking over-the-counter pain medications such as Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen, which can cause liver and stomach problems. Devil's claw can be a healthier approach to treating joint pain.

Common Names:
Devils Claw, Grapple Plant, Wood Spider, Harpago, Harpagophytum Procumbens, Sengaparile (Tswana), Duiwelsklou (Afrikaans)

Properties:
moderately anti-inflammatory, Improves digestion. choleretic, antiphlogistic, and mild analgesic.

Uses:
Loss of appetite, supportive therapy of degenerative disorders of the locomotor system. Gastric and duodenal ulcers, Dyspepsia, Peptic ulcers, heartburn, arthroses, tendonitis, indigestion, blood diseases, headache, allergies, lumbago, neuralgia, and fever, and externally for sores, ulcer, boils, and skin lesions. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, bursitis, tendonitis and soft tissue pain (muscle aches).

Suggested Dosage:

Warning/Precuations: 
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach for strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine.

Devil's claw is considered nontoxic and safe, with few side effects if taken at the recommended dose for a short time. High doses can cause mild stomach problems in some people. Researchers don' t know if it would be safe to take devil' s claw for a long time.

People with stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, or gallstones should not take devil's claw.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take devil' s claw, because no studies have been done to see if it is safe.
People with heart disease or high or low blood pressure should ask their doctors before taking devil' s claw.

Latin Names:
Harpagophytum procumbens (South Africa); Oplopanax horridus (USA)

Wildcrafted. From South Africa/USA. Kosher. Non-irradiated.

Reference
umm.edu
Devils Claw Root and Other Natural Remedies for Arthritis by Rachel Carstons