Using Devils Claw

I started getting interested in Devils Claw a few years back when I read in many pain rubs the name devils claw. from there I started using it myself

Below is three Devils Claw recipes each with a different purpose plus how to create the infused oil.

Use salve as a relief for headaches and for use with general nerve type pain.

Devils Claw (Grapple Plant) also known as Leopards or Wolfs Bane or wood spider. Genus: Harpagophytum procumbens (Harpagophytum means hook plant in Greek.Procumbens means prostrate in Latin) Grows in the warm African savanna or grasslands. Proboscidea Louisianica is the U.S. plant. It’s the plant’s roots and potato-like tubers that are valued the most and harvested for medicinal purposes. It soothes and heals bruises, sprains and relieves irritations from trauma, arthritis and muscle pain, all forms of Arthritis ( Rheumatoid or Osteo). Devil’s Claw – the roots and tubers are used to make the oil. The thick, secondary roots are sliced and dried. An ointment is made from the root material which is applied to sores, ulcers and boils. In Europe, Canada, and the United States, devil’s claw is widely used for joint inflammation, pain, and treating degenerative disorders of the musculoskeletal system. It was the ingredient in nearly three-fourths of the prescriptions for rheumatism in 2001.

NOTE 1: Devil's claw may interfere with the action of ticlopidine and warfarin, and patients should consult with a physician before combining Devil's claw with these medications

NOTE 2: Devil’s claw should be stored in a closed container, away from light

NOTE 3: I have friends save their old jars from beauty products for me to fill with salves. I love the "night of olay" jars they are milk glass with a dark top. (perfect for keeping light out. Any herbal product can leaching harmful stuff out of plastic so do not use.)

Devils Claw Salve (headaches)

Use for headaches, sore joints and muscles that you do not want heat with

½ cup (8 Tbsp) devils claw infused oil

2 Tbsp bees wax

1 oz cocoa butter

Mix all together and heat in microwave watching so that the beeswax melts, but no longer. 1 do 30 second intervals and stir in between. Take out and mix very well and pour into a waiting jar with a tight fitting lid. Allow to cool before placing the lid on. Keep in a cool dark place like a medicine cabinet.

Note that product will sting if it gets near the eyes so you need to take great care when applying it. It is safest to wear gloves. 

Devils Claw Salve (sore muscles needing heat)

Use for Sore joints and muscles where heat is needed

½ cup (8 Tbsp) devils claw and cayenne pepper infused oil

2 Tbsp bees wax

1 oz cocoa butter

Mix all together and heat in microwave watching so that the beeswax melts, but no longer. 1 do 30 second intervals and stir in between. Take out and mix very well and pour into a waiting jar with a tight fitting lid. Allow to cool before placing the lid on. Keep in a cool dark place like a medicine cabinet.

Note that product will sting if it gets near the eyes so you need to take great care when applying it. It is safest to wear gloves. 

The Infused oil

NOTE: Can oil be made from any powdered herb

You can use this for either of the salves above.

½ cup sweet almond oil of jojoba

¼ cup powdered devils claw

2 tablespoons powdered cayenne pepper (if using)

In a glass container (I use a measuring cup that I only use for salves and lotions) place the powders and oil. Stir. Heat 1 minute in the microwave. Allow to sit 10 minutes. Stir and repeat 4 more times with the last time being 1 ½ minutes. Cool ½ hour and strain through cheese cloth or strainer. (Remember to use separate utensils for this that your family's kitchen ware. Just a good practice as many essential oils may be consumed. So get in the practice.)

Note that product will sting if it gets near the eyes so you need to take great care when applying it. It is safest to wear gloves. 

Devils Claw Muscle Spray

The infused oil can be placed in a spray bottle and used as a muscle rub spray. 

Note that product will sting if it gets near the eyes so you need to take great care when applying it. It is safest to wear gloves.