If you’re looking for the best devil’s claw supplements to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place.
You can also get more info by jumping to our Devil’s Claw Supplements Guide.
Top 10 Devil’s Claw Supplements
| #1 |  |
Nature’s Way Devil’s Claw Root | More Info |
| #2 |  |
Nature’s Answer Alcohol-Free Devil’s Claw Root | More Info |
| #3 |  |
Bio Atlantic Devil’s Claw Harpagophytum | More Info |
| #4 |  |
Herb Pharm Devil’s Claw Extract | More Info |
| #5 |  |
HawaiiPharm Devil’s Claw Alcohol-FREE Liquid Extract | More Info |
| #6 |  |
Nature Devil’s Claw | More Info |
| #7 |  |
Maison Terre Natural Products Devil’s Claw | More Info |
| #8 |  |
123gelules Organic Devil’s Claw Powder | More Info |
| #9 |  |
Best Botanicals Devil’s Claw Root Powder | More Info |
| #10 |  |
Benevolent Nourishment Liquid Herbal Joint Tonic | More Info |
Devil’s Claw Supplements Guide
Deep in the jungles of South Africa lies a unique plant known locally there as the “devil’s claw.” The true scientific name is Harpagophytum precumbens though. At first, it has pretty blossoms that make it look like any other flower that is in the region. But once it produces seeds, it is easy to see how it got its name.
Each variety is a little bit different, but all of their seeds look like long, sharp talons stemming from the center of a small skull. The only other plant known to have seeds with the same morbid appearance is the snapdragon flower, which has seeds that also look like tiny skulls. The stories that have originated over devil’s claw have made it seem like it must be some kind evil plant, but that is far from the truth.
It has some amazing medicinal properties that have been intensely studied by the medical community. Countries in Europe have used it for years. And now, the United States is starting to do the same, which is why it is important to know more about supplements containing it.
What is Devil’s Claw?
The claw-like talons of the devil’s claw plant are not really used because the root has more beneficial properties. Those who grow it collect the seeds to propagate it though. Once it reaches full maturity, it is dug up, so the root can be collected. A tea can be made from the leaves too, but they are generally discarded. The root is dried and ground up. Some capsules contain this pure form of it. Others are an extract derived from processing it.
Benefits of Devil’s Claw
This herbal remedy has been used for many different diseases throughout the years, but it seems to help the most with conditions stemming from inflammation, swelling and pain. Research that has been done on its effectiveness has shown that it works as well as many over-the-counter pain relievers. And it can be used in correlation with them too. For example, a person can take devil’s claw a few minutes prior to taking their over-the-counter pain reliever as a booster. Sometimes, a person won’t even need any additional pain relievers if their pain is only mild to moderate.
Devil’s claw induces a state of relaxation, which is useful for women suffering from tension and anxiety during menopause. It is also helpful for those who are struggling to fall asleep at night because they can’t relax from the pain that they are in. And it can increase the sedative properties of stronger prescription pain relievers, so some use it together with them. Since it acts as a sedative, it shouldn’t be taken before operating heavy machinery though.
Some people also use supplements containing devil’s claw if they are suffering from an illness that makes it difficult for them to digest food properly. It is believed to be effective for this purpose because it reduces inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. And it also helps flush out any waste if someone is constipated.
Both animals and humans suffering from gout can use this herb for treating this condition too. Usually, people suffering from gout develop painful joints, which makes moving around very difficult. That is because their body can’t rid itself from the uric acid that is crystallizing around the joints. But this herb helps release some of it, which reduces the symptoms of the condition.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Unfortunately, some of the side effects of devil’s claw can be serious. So caution should be used when taking it. Although it reduces inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, it also causes internal bleeding. This happens most commonly in people who have other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that make it more sensitive though. And some people develop ulcers of the stomach that require further treatment.
To reduce the likeliness of these harmful side effects, an herb called “mastic gum” can be taken along with the supplement. Mastic gum increases the mucous production in the body. The stomach and gastrointestinal tract have a special mucous lining that is rather fragile. If it is damaged, then that is usually when a person has bleeding or ulcers. So by increasing the mucous production, a person can help prevent this from happening. Mastic gum has been known to aid in healing ulcers and gastrointestinal problems in people who don’t take devil’s claw too. The herb doesn’t have any known harmful side effects, and it won’t reduce the effectiveness of devil’s claw supplements.
Another potential side effect that should be noted is that some people develop a headache after they take it. Sometimes, this goes away after using it for a while. But those who struggle with migraines may want to avoid it completely. Devil’s claw causes the headaches because of its effect on a person’s blood pressure, so those who have blood pressure problems shouldn’t take it either.
How to Take Devil’s Claw
Supplements containing devil’s claw aren’t something that a person can load up on. They must be taken only according to the directions on the bottle. The dosage that is taken depends on what type of devil’s claw supplement someone is using. If it is the dried, powdered root, then 2,400 milligrams is the dosage. If the supplement only contains the active ingredient, which is harpagoside, then they need only 60 milligrams of it a day. One 2,400 milligram dose of the powdered root contains the equivalent of 60 milligrams of harpagoside. So while this seems like a huge difference, they are actually the same dosage.
It should also be mentioned that a person who is taking supplements of this product shouldn’t take any other form of it at the same time. If teas or tinctures are added in, they might lead to an overdose, which could prove to be very dangerous to a person’s health. Also, it shouldn’t be taken with other supplements for pain without discussing them with a naturopathic doctor first. And anyone who takes prescription pain relievers should always let their regular physician know that they are using devil’s claw too.
What to Look for in a Good Devil’s Claw Supplement
When it comes to devil’s claw supplements, no one should accept a substitute or a cheap imitation. A person could get really sick or develop harmful side effects from any extra chemicals or plant derivatives added to it. The key is to look at the percentage of the active ingredient that is listed on the label. It should have the plant’s scientific name, or the extract that is derived from the plant, and a percentage of that ingredient. Nothing else should be in the capsules. Of course, most supplement manufacturers do have to add inactive ingredients in their products, such as gelatin. They are only used for holding the active ingredient into a pill shape for a person to take though.
Never order devil’s claw in a loose-leaf form or as a whole root from a company claiming to provide pure plant products either. Unless a person is a botanist, it will be very difficult for them to identify the accuracy of the plant products that they were given. Stick with prepackaged supplements from a company known for their high standards.
And don’t be afraid to call the number located on the bottle to ask any questions about the supplement before you buy it. Reputable health-product companies generally have customer service agents that can discuss how they got the plants that they use, some of the processing methods used to make them, and why the standardized dose was chosen. If they refuse to answer any questions, then it is best to choose a product from a supplement company that will.
And remember, never buy supplements that aren’t in a sealed container that is clearly marked with the manufacturer’s information and brand on it. Loose pills sold in unlabeled bags are illegal in most states. So call your local law enforcement agency if a person tries to sell you any.
The post 10 Best Devil’s Claw Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017 appeared first on Supplement Hound - Supplement Reviews for 2016.
from Supplement Hound – Supplement Reviews for 2016 http://supplementhound.com/best-devils-claw-supplements/
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