Hello Everyone,

I'm thinking of buying a copper bracelet with the magnets inside but as they are a little on the pricey side - I though I'd ask if anyone out there wears one and if they have found it beneficial for their RA? I don't want to waste my money but wondered if it would help, willing to try anything! Thank you folks......... Allison x

I agree, Allison. Maybe you'd be better investing in glucosomide and omega 3?

Take care
Jeanxxxx

BUT, no good for diabetics on insulin!!

Copper bracelets are really good for giving you a horrible green stain on your wrist!!

Metformin (Glucophage) is used as a treatment for hyperglycemia in people with type 2 non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Based on one animal study, which found devil's claw extract reduced blood glucose in fasted normal and diabetic animals, metformin should not be combined with devil's claw unless under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner.


Devil's claw can be taken but under supervision which people should always do when taking any meds!

Amanda

Exactly! Metformin isn't insulin. A diabetic injecting insulin would have a more difficult job in controlling hypoglycaemia. It is difficult enough as it is to achieve good blood glucose control and that's why diabetic specialists advise against Devil's Claw and insulin. The majority of diabetics on multiple insulin injections are Type 1.

General Information

Common Name:
Devil's Claw
Latin Name:

Harpagophytum procumbens
Family:

Pedaliaceae
Other Names:

Grapple plant


wood spider

Indications & Historical Uses
This medicinal tuber derives its unique name from the menacingly barbed, claw-shaped fruit which has been known to trap and harm livestock grazing nearby. It was originally used by natives of the Kalahari Desert and Namibian steppes as a treatment for indigestion and a myriad of other gastrointestinal disorders.

Main indication is in arthritis, gout, rheumatism and lower back pain due to spondylosis.

Devils Claw has strong anti inflammatory properties and is therefore very helpful for people with arthritis and inflammatory diseases.

The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia does recognize Devils Claw as having anti- inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, analgesic, sedative and diuretic properties. Devils Claw has also proven to be effective in treating complaints such as dyspepsia and conditions relating to the proper functioning of bile salts, the gall bladder and the entero-hepatic circulation .

Contraindications & Precautions

Contraindications:
Devils Claw should not be taken during pregnancy, as it has been known to stimulate uterine muscle.

Also contraindicated in anyone with gastric or duodenal ulcers.

Hi,

Above is general info about Devil's Claw. I have taken it alongside MTX BUT my rheumy and my herbalist both knew. I am quiet certain it is safe but would never recommend you try anything before telling/asking your rheumy. Most herbs are safe (especially in the quantities we take them in) but they are still powerful and can sometimes affect the meds we're on, usually by making it less effective. (Like too much folic acid with MTX, although one takes that to sort of replace the folic acid which the MTX depletes). I took Devil's Claw alone for a while! That was brilliant but more luck than anything else, I have had RA a long time too so it is believed that people who have had it since childhood (JRA) do present differently than others. But, again, with RA, anything is possible as it is so unpredicactable and one is unable to generalise about it.

Love,

Amanda

Hi

Just seen this. I do wear a copper/magnetic bracelet as a friend bought it for me when I was diagnosed. I see it more as a good luck charm than anything else. Certainly isn't a miracle cure, so I'm still taking the drugs.