Devils Claw

[stevie m]

i've recently had a few joint inflammation problems, and been referred to a rheumatologist. A friend recommended I try Devils Claw from any reputable health food shops. Has anyone had any positive/negative results from using this, as I am considering purchasing some

[Eve]

Not heard of it but may well check it out.

I find voltarol gel (can't take anti-inflammatories) and biofreeze roll on and cool ice packs help with some of the inflammation.

Decent sensible shoes as well if your ankles are affected.

Good luck with the rhumatologist, I was referred last year and got in pretty quickly so hope it's the same for you :)

[abstibus]

I use Pernaton (greeen lipped mussel) gel from the health food shop. It's not messy, feels cool and almost instant relief.

[ethandron]

i've found that none of these 'alternative' remedies have any effect whatsoever on my arthritis, and believe me i've tried them all. i use paracetamol and co-codamol which i get on prescription. i had to stop using voltarol, arthrotec, etc., due to the side effects.

[Eve]

What are the side effects of voltarol? I use loads, maybe I shoudn't so much.

[bednobs]

voltarol gel is an anti inflammatory so can have the same effects as taking them orally

[beejaybee]

I use DEVIL`S claw in the gel form & find it excellent. It can take up to a month to feel it`s benfit though. It`s well worth it. I even took mine with mine when I had to go into hospital & was allowed to use it. I was in bed for 11 days & must confess that I had no pain in my hips & other joints. There are various ones on the market, but PHYTORHUMA is the best.

[Scarlett]

I tried it but it made my colitis much worse- hence, there is more to it than just flowers! You can also try rose hip which is supposed to have anti inflammatory properties.

[showcatbenga]

My friend used it for her horse who suffered with inflamation & pain in his hocks (same as our ankle joint) due to bony changes.
This affected the way he moved when he was uncomfortable flexing the joint. She tried many things but ended up feeding Devil's claw (a powdered root) & the other major joint nutracuticals, glucosamine, chondritin & MSM (a form of bio available sulphur). My own pony had 'bone spavin' (a similar condition) about 30 years ago I used biotin with zinc & comfrey as feed addatives.
My dad also tried the glucosamine & chondritin - laughingly calling it his 'horse pills' - & got a good improvement initially. Can cause bad wind! He's 75 this year & has no knee cartilage. He stopped taking them for a while with no relapse. Since then he's tried green lipped muscle extract & swears by it. He gets results in two weeks & soon knows (with in a week) if he stops. You will have to experiment with the various herbal products available to see what agrees with you.
Choose a reputable company & follow the dose. Devil's claw is poisonous in excess.