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| ney stones and gallstones. Cleavers shows hypotensive activity, making it useful in the treatment of heart disease. |
| Devil's Claw |
| (Harpagophytum procumbens) |
| Part used: Rhizome |
| Actions: Anti-inflammatory, anodyne, antirheumatic, hepatic, analgesic, sedative, diuretic |
| Indications: Known for its anti-inflammatory effects, this desert plant has been valuable in the treatment of some types of arthritis. As with many botanicals, it is best used as a whole plant extract. In The Holistic Herbal, David Hoffmann recommends taking 1 to 2 mls (about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) of the tincture three times per day. |
| In Africa, the infusion is traditionally used for blood disorders, fevers, indigestion and as a bitter tonic. The fresh tuber is made into a salve for boils, ulcers and skin lesions. The extract has been used for allergic reactions, headache and pain, as well as for diseases of the liver, kidney and bladder. Dr. Rudolf Fritz Weiss recommends the use of devil's claw in dyspepsia and gall bladder disease, but because of its strong bitter properties, cautions against it for stomach ulcers. He also suggests its benefit for older patients with rheumatic complaints, obesity and high blood lipids, since German research shows that it lowers cholesterol. |
| Devil's Club |
| (Oplopanax horridum) |
| Part used: Root |
| Actions: Expectorant, respiratory stimulant, hypoglycemic |
| Indications: Commonly used for the treatment of blood sugar disorders, devil's club is also a safe stimulating expectorant which helps with loosening mucous in chest colds and bronchitis. Michael Moore writes that as either a cold infusion or a tincture, it can help with rheumatoid arthritis and some autoimmune disorders. |
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