Devil’s Claw Root Powder (Harpagophytum Procumbens)

Description ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Devil’s Claw Root Powder (Harpagophytum Procumbens) HERB COMMON NAME :  Devil’s Claw HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :  Harpagophytum Procumbens OTHER NAMES :  Grapple Plant, Wood Spider, Harpago FAMILY :  Pedaliaceae ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES : Element: Fire Planet: Mars Day: Tuesday Direction: South Zodiac Sign: Scorpio Chakra: 1st Root Chakra (Muladhara) Energy: Yin Gender: Feminine   Parts Used:  Root Description:  Devil’s Claw is named for its fruit that emerges as dual claws or horns. In fact, its botanical genus name (Harpagophytum) translates to “hook plant” in Greek. Devil’s claw is harvested for its root and secondary tubers, which contain an iridoid glycoside called harpagoside. Devil’s claw is used in the treatment of arthritis and sciatica, and has significant anti-inflammatory activity. In one trial the extract was found to reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis as effectively as a well-known analgesic drug. Other actions of Harpagophytum that aid in its anti-arthritic application are its analgesic and vasodilatory effects. Devil’s Claw has been used for tendonitis and to treat degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Another study involving about 200 men and women with chronic low back pain reported that subjects who received daily doses of the extract experienced less pain than those who received placebo. Historical Uses:  anti-inflammatory, inflammation, anti-rheumatic, analgesic, sedative, antioxidant, arthritis, rheumatism, tendonitis, digestion, high blood pressure, sciatica, nerve pain, joint pain, muscle pain, neck pain, back pain, fibrositis, fibromyalgia, gout, heart burn, fever, migraine, allergic reactions, allergies, loss of appetite, kidney disease, sores, ulcers, boils, symptoms of Lyme disease Mystical Attributes:  Devil’s Claw is useful for banishing, exorcism, and purification. As a summoning charm, Devil’s Claw can amplify what (or who) you seek to call to yourself, and hold onto it. Devil’s Claw also confuses enemies and drives away unwelcome visitors Mystical Intentions:  banishing, exorcism, purification, summoning, binding, unwanted company Taste & Smell:  thick, strong, dark scent Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  Devil’s claw is in the sesame family that is native to the Kalahari Desert region of southwest Africa. It is mainly found in the eastern and south eastern parts of Namibia, Southern Botswana and the Kalahari region of the Northern Cape, South Africa. Harpagophytum procumbens, a member of the Pedaliaceae or Sesame family, and is a perennial herb with a succulent taproot. The annual, creeping stems can be up to 2 m (over 6 feet) long. They grow from a primary (or “mother” tuber) whose taproot can be up to 6 feet deep. Secondary tubers (called “babies”) develop on fleshy roots growing from the primary tuber. They can be up to 9-10 inches long and 2-1/2 inches thick. The secondary tubers contain stachyose, a photosynthetic storage product, thought to be an adaptation to drought conditions. The silvery grey-green leaves are simple and opposite, up to 2.5 inches long and 1.6 inches wide. They are deeply or shallowly lobed. The flowers are tubular and trumpet-shaped, about 2 inches long, and are normally light purple or pink (sometimes white), but yellow inside the tube. The fruits are large, up to 6 inches in diameter, and have four rows of curved arms with recurved spines. The seeds are dark brown or black. Devil’s Claw flowers from November to April, and fruits from January. It grows mostly in open, trampled and over-grazed lands where grass and herb cover is low, but can also be found in dry savanna or open woodland in full sun. Devil’s Claw does not grow well in captivity, and grows typically in sandy, well-draining soils. Sow seed in a trench during mid-to late summer. Then cover the seed with sand and water daily. Take the small tubers out of the trenches just before winter and store them. Then plant them out in spring, 4 inches deep and 2 inches apart. Little fertilizer and water are needed. In fact, over watering may lead to fungus problems. Flowers should appear in about the second summer after planting out. Wait 4 years for the first harvest when each plant should yield about 70 ounces of fresh or ± 10-1/2 ounces dry tuber. Store dried Devil’s Claw root, either cut pieces or powder, in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Contraindications & Toxicity: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Caution with peptic ulcers, congestive heart failure, and gallstones. My interfere with some anti-coagulant drugs. Higher doses may cause transient mild GIT disturbances such as diarrhea & flatulence. May cause frontal headaches, conjunctivitis, tinnitus, tachycardia, and rhinitis. Caution with anti-arrhythmic and blood pressure medications (theoretical). Less effective if taken with antibiotics (needs intestinal bacteria for activation).   Constituents: Iridoid glycosides [mainly harpagoside (1.4%-2.0%) harpagide, procumbide] Flavonoids Phenolic acids Harpagoquinone Phytosterols [beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol] Sugars     Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources **IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product. PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use more than recommended by your healthcare professional.  Purchase of this product indicates that you have read, understand, and agree to Spirit Arts & Herbs Terms and Conditions. Many of our products are hand made to order. Once orders are in processing, products are non-cancellable, non-refundable, and not returnable. Shipping times may be up to 3-4 weeks. ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Related