Devil’s Club is a traditional medicine of native North American cultures, particularly those of the Pacific Northwest. It is a close botanical relative to Ginseng, and is not suprisingly, an adaptogen. Traditionally, it was used as a tonic to enhance physical stamina and overall well-being. It has found favorable use for the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism, fevers, coughs and colds, stomach ailments, and swollen glands. A 1982 review of traditional uses revealed that indigenous peoples of western North America used it in over 30 ways, including medicinally, spiritually and technologically. Ethnobotanical recording of traditional uses began in 1842. Current phytochemical research demonstrates that Devil’s Club has antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. It was an especially popular folk remedy for tuberculosis, arthritis, rheumatism and for controlling diabetes. Since Devil’s club can reportedly restore and maintain sugar metabolism, it is important to note that diabetics should carefully monitor their blood sugar levels/insulin requirements when taking it.

Cautions/Contraindications
• Do not use if pregnant or breast feeding
• No known side effects identified in ethnobotanical literature
• Use with caution if diabetic

Smith E. Therapeutic Herb Manual: Single Herb Extracts. private publication

Moerman DE. Native American Ethnobotany. 1998. Timber Press Inc. Portland, OR
Lantz TC, Swerhun K, Turner NJ. Devil’s Club: An Ethnobotanical Review. In HerbalGram #62. 2004:33-48

Turner NJ. Traditional use of devil’s club by native peoples in western North America. Journal of Ethnobiology 1982;2:1-11

Rogers RD. Rogers’ Herbal Manual. 2000 Karamat Wilderness Ways, Edmonton AB