Does joint pains relieve with Better Boswellia or Devil's Claw?

When you have joint problems and pain, herbalists often recommend the use of products based on Boswellia or Devil's Claw, two very effective active ingredients of plant origin, but which have some contraindications for use.

Before choosing, it is worth taking a general look at their properties and possible negative effects, to understand if it is the possible solution to the problems we face and if the method of use can be satisfactory to meet the style of our days.

Boswellia

Boswellia is a plant of oriental origin, widespread in India and other semi-tropical areas and has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine which has known its properties since ages immemorial.

It has excellent properties in particular for the treatment of joint problems, muscle pain and bone and rheumatic diseases. It is also used in the symptomatic treatment of asthma and for intestinal inflammation.

The acid extracted from the bark of the boswellia tree reduces pain and inflammation quite quickly and you can also use the essential oil to ease your mind and relax, with a few drops dissolved in warm water.

It is a plant native to India belonging to the burseraceae family. From some species, boswellic acid is obtained, a natural herbal medicine used for joint pain and to limit swelling, which is used in the treatment of gastrointestinal inflammation such as chronic and ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease but also for asthma.

According to some research, it also has some anti-tumor properties, but at the moment there is no laboratory confirmation and the studies are still in the control phase.

It can be used in the form of dry extract, mother tincture, or essential oil, although many appreciate the properties of creams and ointments based on this plant.

Its strong points are the antibacterial and antiseptic action on the respiratory tract as well as the ability to detach phlegm and sedate cough. It also slows breathing in asthma attacks.

For rheumatism and joint problems it is used as an anti-inflammatory and in some cases by burning its dry resin you can purify the air, making the environment more pleasant. In the East, in fact, it is commonly called incense, even with this name we are talking about two different plants.

Boswelia has been clinically proven to be effective, although studies show that it works best for young people with mild or non-chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Based on the results of its long history of use, it does not have any known contraindications, except for some mild allergic reactions and the possibility of nausea and diarrhea.

It is not a product suitable for breastfeeding or pregnant women.

Devil's Claw

Devil's Claw is the fruit of the Harpagophytum, a plant that grows in areas of South Africa and Madagascar and has many beneficial properties that have long been known.

The name comes from the shape of the fruit, which is equipped with disturbing hooked claws that make it very recognizable, but it has been known in African medicine for many centuries and is used for the treatment of joint pain, fever and problems such as rheumatic diseases. In many cases it is also administered as a remedy for gastritis for its action as a regulator of digestion.

According to many studies, it has excellent analgesic and antipyretic properties and is very rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, as well as phytosterols, molecules that help fight cardiovascular diseases and keep bad cholesterol levels in the blood under control.

Devil's Claw is used for inflammatory processes, cervical and back pain. It is also an excellent aid for tendonitis, rheumatoid arthritis, bruises, sciatica and osteoarthritis.

It can also be used in creams and ointments against acne, stretch marks and wrinkles or as a digestive infusion, even if the taste is not very good. Typically it is found as a dry extract, which is taken in capsules, as a mother tincture or infusion.

However, this is an herbal aid that is contraindicated for people with diabetes or those taking hypoglycemic drugs, because it could cause blood sugar levels to drop and cause shock.

Also, it is not recommended for duodenal ulcer, because it increases the secretion of gastric juices and therefore could cause many problems. It is not good for pregnant women because it stimulates the contractile activity of the uterus.

Interactions with anticoagulant drugs are also known and in many cases the presence of hypotension, i.e. an unwanted lowering of blood pressure, has been found.

Conclusions

Both products have excellent properties and a broad spectrum of treatment. They are not indicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women and in case of problems it is better to look for other solutions.

Boswellia in general is less effective than Devil's Claw, but has fewer contraindications. It is suitable for bone and joint problems and for relieving pain, in addition to being a good expectorant and a very useful product against asthma and related problems.

If you do not have diabetes, however, it is almost always better to opt for Devil's Claw in capsules, easy to take and certainly effective even with low doses. This herbal product offers, in fact, excellent properties against bad cholesterol and helps maintain general health.

In case of metabolic problems, however, Boswellia is the best solution, but with age it may no longer give the same benefits compared to the first administrations, because it works better for non-chronic problems and young people with joint pain and digestive disorders of medium severity.

While Boswellia and Devil’s Claw are both plant-based active ingredients used for joint problems and pain, there are also other supplements like Ostevit that offer a comprehensive approach to joint pain relief.

Finally, from a simple taste point of view, Boswellia is easier to take as a herbal tea, because Devil's Claw tastes earthy and is not very easy to drink for those who are not used to difficult flavors.

Ultimately, however, for healthy people they are both excellent products because they have a rapid effect and above all very few contraindications.