Devil's Claw
Harpagophytum procumbens, H. zeyheri
T Traditional useDevil's claw root is traditionally used for minor joint pain, mild bloating and loss of appetite; people with stomach ulcers should not use it.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
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At a glance
The EMA classes devil's claw root, native to southern Africa, as a traditional herbal medicine for minor joint pain and for mild digestive complaints such as bloating, wind and temporary loss of appetite. The root is steeped for a long time (8 hours).
Updated: October 15, 2026
✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used to relieve minor joint pain. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used for mild digestive complaints such as bloating and wind and for temporary loss of appetite. [1]
How is it used?
Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 18 years
- Do not use with an active stomach or duodenal ulcer.
- People with gallstones should ask a doctor first.
- See a doctor if a joint is swollen, red or feverish.
- Not recommended under 18. Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been shown.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
- Headache, dizziness
- Hypersensitivity reactions such as rash, hives or facial swelling
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Devil's claw root is prepared by steeping in boiling water for 8 hours. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Does devil's claw help joint pain?
The EMA accepts devil's claw root as a traditional remedy for minor joint pain.
How do I prepare devil's claw tea?
For joint pain, steep 4.5 g of root in 500 ml of boiling water for 8 hours and drink it in 3 portions.
Who should not use devil's claw?
People with an active stomach ulcer, under-18s and pregnant or breastfeeding women; people with gallstones should ask a doctor first.
Does devil's claw have side effects?
Diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain, headache and allergic reactions have been reported.
Sources
- European Union herbal monograph on Harpagophytum procumbens DC. and/or Harpagophytum zeyheri Decne., radix – Revision 1EMA HMPC · 2016
Cite This Page
Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens, H. zeyheri). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/devils-claw/
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