Latin (botanical) name: Harpagophytum procumbens

Common names: Devil’s Claw,Grapple Plant, Wood Spider

Plant Description: Devil’s Claw is a plant that is found in large parts of Southern Africa, primarily in the Kalahari Sands of Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Angola and to a lesser extent, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Its tubers grow off its tap root and are shaped like elongated sweet potatoes. From the flowers grow woody, sharply curved, sticky, barbed fruits, which give Devil’s Claw its name. The plant spreads about 18″ and has tubular pinkish white flowers which may have purple or yellow spots. The leaves are large and heart-shaped. Although the name comes from the fruit, the part of the plant used is the tuber.

Use: Make a tea by pouring approximately 2 cups of boiling water over 2 heaped tsp of herb. Let steep for 3-5 minutes. In general, sip a cup before breakfast, and another 2 hours after dinner.

Cautions & Interactions: Gastric and duodenal ulcers. Keep out of reach of children.