Definition:

Devil’s Club is a large, spiny shrub native to the Pacific Northwest. It grows in moist forests and has been used by Indigenous peoples for centuries as a powerful medicine.

Botanical Name: Oplopanax horridus

Common Name: Devil’s Club

Family: Araliaceae

Part Used: Root bark, stems

Energetics:

• Taste: Bitter, pungent
• Temperature: Warming, drying

Actions:

• Adaptogen
• Anti-inflammatory
• Hypoglycemic (lowers blood sugar)
• Immunostimulant
• Respiratory tonic
• Anti-rheumatic

Body Systems:

• Immune System: Devil’s Club is known for its ability to strengthen and support the immune system, helping the body resist infections and recover from illness.
• Musculoskeletal System: It is often used to relieve pain and inflammation in conditions like arthritis and rheumatism.
• Endocrine System: Devil’s Club has a balancing effect on the endocrine system and is known to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it useful for individuals with diabetes or blood sugar imbalances.
• Respiratory System: Traditionally used by indigenous peoples to treat respiratory conditions like tuberculosis, Devil’s Club acts as a respiratory tonic.

Primary Constituents:

• Saponins: Contribute to its immune-boosting and adaptogenic properties
• Resins: Provide antimicrobial and expectorant effects
• Polyacetylenes: Known for their antifungal and antimicrobial effects

Safety Precautions:

• Pregnancy & Lactation: Devil’s Club is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Caution with Blood Sugar: Individuals with diabetes should use Devil’s Club with caution, as it may lower blood sugar levels.

Traditional & Modern Uses:

• Immune Support: Devil’s Club is often used to strengthen the immune system, helping the body fight infections and recover from illness. It is especially useful for chronic or recurrent infections.
• Arthritis & Rheumatism: Its anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic properties make Devil’s Club a valuable remedy for joint pain and inflammation.
• Blood Sugar Regulation: Devil’s Club is traditionally used to regulate blood sugar levels, making it helpful for individuals with type 2 diabetes or hypoglycemia.
• Respiratory Health: Used as a respiratory tonic, Devil’s Club helps treat lung infections, chronic coughs, and other respiratory conditions.

Preparations & Dosage:

• Decoction: 1-2 tsp of dried root bark in 1 cup of water; simmer for 20 minutes, strain, and drink 1-2 times daily.
• Tincture: 2-4 ml, up to three times daily.
• Poultice: Devil’s Club root bark can be made into a poultice for external application to treat skin infections, rashes, or arthritic joints.