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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking devil's claw ()?

Do not take devil's claw without first talking to your doctor if you have a stomach or intestinal ulcer, diabetes, high or low blood pressure or other heart problems, or if you are taking any medicines to prevent or treat these conditions.

Before taking devil's claw, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Devil's claw may not be recommended in some situations.

There is no information available regarding the use of devil's claw by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

How should I take devil's claw ()?

The use of devil's claw in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

If you choose to take devil's claw, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the product.

Take the pill forms of devil's claw with a full glass of water.

To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of devil's claw with a dropper or a dose-measuring spoon or cup.

Some forms of devil's claw can be brewed to form a tea for drinking.

Topical forms of devil's claw are intended for external use only.

Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquids, teas, and others) of devil's claw at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of devil's claw.

Store devil's claw as directed on the package. In general, devil's claw should be protected from light.

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