Comparisons
Devil's Claw or Willow Bark?
Devil's claw root (Harpagophytum procumbens) and willow bark (Salix) are assessed by the EMA for mild joint pain; a Cochrane review also looks at their extracts for short-term low back pain. The table is built from the sourced cards of both herbs.
| Aspect | Devil's ClawHarpagophytum procumbens, H. zeyheri | Willow BarkSalix spp. |
|---|---|---|
| Strongest evidence | B Limited clinical evidence | B Limited clinical evidence |
| Needs | Joints, Bones & Pain, Digestion | Joints, Bones & Pain, Immunity |
| Form | Dried Herb & Tea | Dried Herb & Tea |
| How to use | For joint pain, steep 4.5 g of root in 500 ml of boiling water for 8 hours; drink in 3 portions over the day. | Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1–3 g of chopped bark; drink after meals. |
| Pregnancy | Avoid | Avoid |
| Breastfeeding | Avoid | Avoid |
| Recommended minimum age | From age 18 | From age 18 |
| Drug interactions | No recorded interactions | 1 serious interaction(s) |
| Duration limit | Not stated | Max 4 weeks |
Which one, when?
Devil's Claw
Traditionally used for mild joint pain and for digestive complaints such as bloating and loss of appetite; its standardised extract may help short-term low back pain (low-quality evidence). Not used with an active stomach ulcer.
Full card →Willow Bark
Its standardised extract may help short-term low back pain (moderate-quality evidence); the bark tea is traditionally used for mild joint pain, headache and fever with colds. Interacts seriously with blood thinners.
Full card →Good to know
- Willow bark is not used with aspirin or NSAID allergy, salicylate-induced asthma, an active stomach ulcer or bleeding disorders.
- Neither is recommended under 18, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding; willow bark must never be used in the last 3 months of pregnancy.
- See a doctor if a joint is swollen, red or accompanied by fever.
Sources
- European Union herbal monograph on Salix [various species including S. purpurea L., S. daphnoides Vill., S. fragilis L.], cortex – Revision 1EMA HMPC · 2017 · MonographSource accessed:
- European Union herbal monograph on Harpagophytum procumbens DC. and/or Harpagophytum zeyheri Decne., radix – Revision 1EMA HMPC · 2016 · MonographSource accessed:
- Herbal medicine for low-back painCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · 2014 · Systematic reviewSource accessed: