Devil’s Claw
Botanical Support for Muscle and Joint Recovery
Devil's Claw, Harpagophytum procumbens, also known as African devil’s claw, is a perennial plant native to the Kalahari Desert regions of southern Africa. It gets its common name from the distinctive hooked fruits that cling to animals for seed dispersal.
For centuries, the tuberous roots of devil’s claw have been valued in traditional African herbal practices, and the plant became widely known in Europe in the 18th century for its ability to support comfort and mobility.
The medicinal portion of the plant is the root tuber, which is harvested, dried, and traditionally prepared for internal or topical use. In topical herbalism, devil’s claw has long been used to help soothe sore muscles, stiff joints, and areas of physical tension.
Topical Benefits of Devil’s Claw
Devil’s claw is especially prized for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, making it a natural choice for products designed to comfort tired, overworked bodies.
- Helps Ease Muscle Soreness: Traditionally used to soothe sore muscles in the back, neck, shoulders, and legs.
- Supports Joint Comfort: Commonly used for stiffness and discomfort associated with overuse or age-related joint stress.
- Reduces Inflammation: Contains iridoid glycosides—most notably harpagoside—which are associated with calming inflammation in muscles and joints.
- Relieves Tension: When massaged into the skin, devil’s claw helps relax tight areas and ease physical discomfort.
- Enhances Massage Benefits: Often paired with other botanicals, such as arnica, to support circulation and recovery after activity.
How Devil’s Claw Works (Topically)
When applied to the skin, devil’s claw delivers its active compounds directly to areas of discomfort to help reduce inflammatory responses in muscles and joints. Used as a massage, it helps improve circulation and encourages relaxation of tight tissue.
How We Use Devil’s Claw
In Warming Sore Muscle Salve
We use devil’s claw in our Warming Sore Muscle Salve, where it is slowly infused into nourishing plant oils using gentle heat. This slow infusion helps extract the root’s beneficial compounds, allowing them to be delivered directly to sore, tense areas. Combined with other traditional muscle-soothing botanicals, devil’s claw helps provide comforting relief for tired, overworked muscles.
In a Bath, Body & Massage Oil
Devil’s claw is also included in our Juniper Mint Bath, Body & Massage Oil, where it helps support muscle relaxation and joint comfort during massage or after physical activity. Its soothing properties pair beautifully with refreshing, circulation-supporting botanicals to create a balanced blend that comforts the body while invigorating the senses.
In each formulation, devil’s claw is chosen for its long history of traditional use and its ability to gently support comfort, mobility, and recovery.
