Harpagophytum Procumbens

1.      History and use

The harpagophytum is native to Central and South Africa, widespread in the Transvaal veldt, it likes in clay and sandy soils, along paths and on uncultivated land, especially when natural vegetation has been cleared Young tubers, which multiply from seed in the spring, are uprooted in autumn and cut into pieces about 2 cm long Tubers constituents which contain the active are separated from the roots because the mixture is likely to neutralize the effectiveness of the plant.

2.      Description of the plant

From Africa takes its name from the cartilaginous and hairy appearance of its fruit Several peoples of South Africa discovered its medicinal properties and used a decoction prepared from its tuber to treat digestive disorders and arthritis L ‘harpagophytum is sold in pharmacies and health food shops as an anti- arthritic and antirheumatic remedy.

3.      Curative action

• African remedy

Harpagophytum procumbens It is used by the Hottentots and Bantu (South Africa), as a tonic, to cure digestive disorders arthritis and rheumatism, and as febrifuge In ointment, it serves to relieve irritations, ulcers and burns.

• Uses in Occident

This plant is sold in tablets to treat arthritic and rheumatic conditions, it can as well relieve muscular pains as gout attacks, back pain, fibrositis and osteoarthritis. It is applied as an ointment to treat burns, wounds and ulcers.

4.      Uses

Arpagophyton is sold mainly in the form of capsules or tablets in the West. The dosage will be adapted to the treatment. The average dose is 300 mg per day of dry extract of tuber. The tablets are taken in the middle of the meal.

It is also possible to use the dried root, in decoction, boil 1 teaspoon of powder in 1 cup of water for fifteen minutes, or infuse 1 teaspoon of powder in 1 cup of water In the form of tincture, dilute 30 drops in a glass of water for the treatment of arthritis.

It is also possible to use the dried root, in decoction, boil 1 teaspoon of powder in 1 cup of water for fifteen minutes, or infuse 1 teaspoon of powder in 1 cup of water In the form of tincture, dilute 30 drops in a glass of water for the treatment of arthritis.

Decoction In case of rheumatism, boil teaspoon of root in a cup of water for 15 minutes, Absorb a small dose for 1 to 2 days 1.

Tincture In case of arthritis associated with digestive disorders take 30 drops diluted in water 2 times a day.

Tablets to take in case of arthritis and rheumatism.