Mary Allen
The healing effects of the South African devil’s claw have been known for many years. The herbal remedy is often used to treat joint pain, digestive problems, and inflammation in humans, dogs, and horses. If you haven’t had much experience with the miracle herb, here’s the most important information about the devil’s claw.
While the devil’s claw plant can also be found in European latitudes, only the special variant of the (South) African devil’s claw is used for medicinal purposes. These with Latin names Harpagophytum procumbens.This plant belongs to the sesame family. It thrives mainly in the dry savannah areas of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The miracle herb crawls over the ground with long stalks and usually only blooms for one day with a bell-shaped flower. This plant owes its name devil’s claw to its first green, then purple, and finally woody fruits, which have the shape of claws and small barbs. The root in particular is said to have healing effects. Therefore, it is dried and then ground into a fine powder. Devil’s claw can usually be purchased as a dietary supplement in the form of tablets, ointment, tea, or in its pure form. The addition of this herbal remedy can help humans and animals.
Medicinal Effects
According to experience, devil’s claw is mainly used for joint problems such as arthrosis, because the ingredients harpagoside and harpagid are said to have an anti-inflammatory and decongestant effect. In addition, the many bitter substances stimulate appetite and digestion if the dog does not like to eat or suffers from a loss of appetite. Devil’s claw can also be added for additional support with urinary tract infections. In addition, the medicinal plants are said to have slightly blood-thinning and pain-relieving effects. A real miracle herb!
Use of the Devil’s Claw
For an appropriate dosage of the dietary supplement, it must be determined which effects the devil’s claw should achieve in the animal. The dosage may vary depending on the form of administration (ointment, tea, tablet, or powder). It is best to follow the recommendation on the packaging. A higher dose is usually recommended for relieving joint problems. Half of the usual dose is usually sufficient to stimulate digestion. The patient’s body weight must also be taken into account. Because a horse weighing 600 kilograms needs more devil’s claw for a noticeable effect than, for example, an eight-kilogram dog.
In the event of an overdose, treatment may need to be discontinued until the symptoms have disappeared. Too much devil’s claw usually manifests itself in nausea and, in the worst case, in vomiting.
It is important, however, that devil’s claw should only be fed as a cure, consistently every day, but for a maximum of six to eight weeks. A break of four to six weeks is recommended in between. It is usually sufficient to use this cure only two to three times a year to ensure a constant level of active ingredients. Thus, the symptoms can be treated acutely as well as preventively.
When Does It Not Make Sense to Use It?
The devil’s claw has a high level of tolerance since it is a herbal natural product. But not all dogs tolerate the drug equally well. Therefore, if you have had a bad experience with devil’s claw, it is better to look for alternative treatment options. (For example, green-lipped mussel extract, evening primrose oil, or rosehip can be used for joint problems.) In any case, adding a devil’s claw is not advisable if the dog suffers from ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract or kidney stones. Pregnant or lactating bitches should also avoid this dietary supplement during maternity. Otherwise, it unnecessarily gets into the system of healthy puppies and can affect their biorhythm.
Consult a veterinarian with experience in herbal remedies for advice on whether the devil’s claw suits the animal’s symptoms and what dose should be administered for what period.