Joint trouble
Aches and pains can strike at any time. Here’s how to beat with them with devil’s claw
Holiday activities such as carrying heavy suitcases, doing more exercise than you normally do or even sleeping on a different mattress can all exacerbate aches and pains, especially in your back, knees and joints. And if you are not careful this can soon put a damper on the best made holiday plans. Spending a day’s sightseeing with your hand on your back or having to struggle up the steps to the local museum or cathedral is no fun at all.
So what can you do if your back or joints start to play up? You can take a leaf out of the book of the Khoisan people or the Kalahari Bushmen of Africa who for generations have been using medicines made from the roots of a colourful South African herb, which goes under the name of devils claw.
During the past few years numerous scientific trials have supported the bushmen’s belief in the healing powers of devil’s claw, with several showing it to be an effective treatment for non-specific lower back pain. One study, for example, in Phytomedicine showed that around 50 per cent of patients treated daily with devils claw over an eight-week period experienced a reduction in pain with few adverse effects.
Other studies show that it is as effective as conventional painkillers in alleviating the pain of osteoarthritis if used over a treatment period of two to three months. It can also help other musculo-skeletal problems such as tendonitis and bursitis.
It is not known exactly how devil’s claw works but the anti- inflammatory properties of the active compounds, the harpagosides and the plants sterols found in its roots, are thought to be responsible.
Watchpoint
If you do start to ache it is better to keep as active as possible rather than retiring to the sun lounger. If pain persists you should go and see a doctor.
Devil’s claw is found in FlexiHerb - A traditional herbal medicinal product used for the relief of backache, rheumatic or muscular pain, and general aches and pains in the muscles and joints based on traditional use only.
Herbal Helpers
Subscribe to our e-newsletter
For the latest herb facts, news and updates, subscribe to our free e-newsletter.
Quiz
Want to be a herb know-all? Study our Herb File, put your mind to this quiz and watch your score soar to eight out of eight!
Our experts
Our panel of experts are here to provide help and advice on your herb-related queries.
Readers' questions
Letters from our readers and answers from our experts!
Do you have a problem?
If you have a problem why not ask one of our experts for some advice?
Want to read about other people's experiences?
