Healing Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): Devil's Claw

picture of how the herb devil's claw will help to heal restless legs syndrome (RLS)

Devil's Claw (Harpagophylum Procumbens) is a South African plant. Devil's claw thrives in clay or sandy soils. Its root is collected when the rainy season ends.⁵¹ The curiously named devil's claw is so called because of the shape of its large fruit, which resembles a claw-like hand.³⁶

Devil's claw has been used for thousands of years in Africa for fever, rheumatoid arthritis, skin conditions and conditions involving the gallbladder, pancreas, stomach and kidneys.⁴⁷ It has been a popular anti-inflammatory and arthritis treatment since it was first discovered in South Africa by European colonists in the 18th century.⁴⁸

The active ingredients of Devil's Claw are harpagoside, harpagide and procumbine.⁵¹ In laboratory and human studies, harpagoside has been shown to reduce inflammation.⁴⁹

Recently published double blind studies have shown that Devil's Claw can relieve pain from arthritis in as little as ten days of use. Since studies have shown no side effects, even at very high doses, Devil's claw can be a safe alternative for over-the-counter pain medications.⁴⁸

Given the many benefits of devil's claw as a herbal remedy, more and more people are using its various forms.⁵⁰

SUMMARY: Devils Claw will help to heal the inflammation that is causing your restless legs. The "bristling" in your legs (arms, feet etc.) is caused by the energy moving through your body and irritating the inflamed cells. As the inflammation lesses, your RLS will lessen.