--- title: "Devil's Claw: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Devil's claw root is traditionally used for minor joint pain, mild bloating and loss of appetite; people with stomach ulcers should not use it." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/devils-claw/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) # Devil's Claw Harpagophytum procumbens, H. zeyheri T Traditional use Devil's claw root is traditionally used for minor joint pain, mild bloating and loss of appetite; people with stomach ulcers should not use it. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **No recorded interactions** ## 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). **Parts used:** root **Key constituents:** Harpagoside 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 Traditionally used to relieve minor joint pain. \[1\] - T Traditional use Traditionally used for mild digestive complaints such as bloating and wind and for temporary loss of appetite. \[1\] ## How is it used? ### Tea 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. **Amount:** 3 times daily \[1\] ### Tea For digestion, steep 1.5 g of root in 250 ml of boiling water for 8 hours; split into 3 portions. **Amount:** 3 times daily \[1\] ## 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. \[1\] ### 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 1. [European Union herbal monograph on Harpagophytum procumbens DC. and/or Harpagophytum zeyheri Decne., radix – Revision 1](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-harpagophytum-procumbens-dc-andor-harpagophytum-zeyheri-decne-radix_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2016 ### Cite This Page Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens, H. zeyheri). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/devils-claw/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? 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