Devil's claw

• TinctureRootInternalTraditional use

  Traditional use for the relief of minor joint pain. The EMA classifies this indication as 'traditional use' - effectiveness rests on long-standing experience, not on confirmed clinical trials.

  Preparation & dosage

  Standardised dry extract of the secondary storage tuber, adjusted to harpagoside (typically about 50-100 mg harpagoside per day), divided into several single doses. The effect builds up over days to weeks. Consult a doctor if pain persists longer than 4 weeks or worsens. Alternatively an infusion/decoction of the comminuted tuber may be used.

  Dry amount

  1–3 g

  Doses per day

  3×

  Max duration

  4 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Per the EMA monograph, not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years due to a lack of data.

  Sources: [1] [3] [6]

• TeaRootInternalTraditional use

  Traditional use for loss of appetite and mild digestive disorders such as bloating and flatulence. Classified by the EMA as 'traditional use'.

  Preparation & dosage

  Steep about 1-2 g of comminuted, dried storage tuber in 250 ml of cold water or pour over boiling water, leave covered to infuse and strain. Drink before meals. The marked bitter taste stimulates saliva and gastric juice secretion.

  Dry amount

  1–2 g

  Doses per day

  3×

  Max duration

  2 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years due to a lack of data.

  Sources: [1] [3]

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal pain. Because the bitter constituents stimulate gastric acid production, caution is advised with active gastric or duodenal ulcer and with gastritis. Use only after medical advice in case of gallstones. Caution in cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Possible interactions with anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin) and antiarrhythmic drugs. Do not use in pregnancy, lactation or in children due to a lack of data.