3. Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum)
Devil’s Claw is an herb that has many medicinal purposes. The botanical name, Harpagophytum, means “hook plant” in Greek. Their hook shape allows the plant to latch on to the feet of passing animals, which will then transport them to another location before they are crushed underfoot, releasing the seeds.
They look scary when they’re scattered all over the ground. They have actually been mistaken for animals, which is why Native Americans once used them to ward off enemies.
Research, however, has shown that these pods are quote useful in medicine, particularly in atherosclerosis, arthritis, gout, muscle pain, back pain, tendonitis, chest pain, gastrointestinal (GI) upset, fever, and more.