(Uncaria tomentosa)
Cat’s claw is a vine that grows high up in the canopy of the rain forests of the Andes Mountains in South America, particularly in Peru. It gets it’s name form the claw like thorns which protrude from its woody stem. The root bark is used as medicine.
Cat’s claw has been reportedly used by indigenous peoples in the Andes to treat inflammation, rheumatism, gastric ulcers, tumours, dysentery, and as birth control. Cat’s claw is popular in South American folk medicine for treating intestinal complaints, gastric ulcers, arthritis, and to promote wound healing.
Cats claw is generally safe for most people to consume, but it is important to talk to your doctor before taking it regularly.
What it does
Cats claw contains oxyindole alkaloids which have immune stimulating action and increase the ability of white blood cells to attack and destroy harmful bacteria and viruses. It also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and potential cancer fighting properties. Several polyphenols found in cat’s claw exert a strong antioxidant / free radical scavenging activity. Its alkaloids have been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombosis as well as lowering heart rate and blood cholesterol.
Potential Uses
Immune support | Osteo arthritis | Rheumatoid arthritis |
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome | Tired all the time. | Common Cold |
Flu | Cardio vascular disease |
It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including inflammation, arthritis, infections, and cancer. Cats claw is often used for general immune support and for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
Cats claw contains a number of active compounds, including alkaloids, glycosides, and tannins.
These compounds have been shown to have a number of health benefits, including:
- Reducing inflammation: Cats claw can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, making it beneficial for people with conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Boosting the immune system: Cats claw can help to boost the immune system and fight off infection. This may be beneficial for people with chronic illnesses or who are prone to getting sick.
- Protecting against cancer: Cats claw may help to protect against cancer by killing cancer cells and reducing inflammation.
- Improving digestion: Cats claw may help to improve digestion and relieve digestive problems such as diarrhea and stomach upset.
- Promoting wound healing: Cats claw may help to promote wound healing by reducing inflammation and fighting infection.
Traditional Uses of Cats Claw
Cats claw has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Inflammation
- Arthritis
- Allergies
- Infections
- Digestive problems
- Gastritis
- Ulcers
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Herpes
- Malaria
- Tuberculosis
- Lyme disease
Treatment Potential of Cats Claw
Cats claw is currently being studied for its potential to treat a number of medical conditions, including:
- Cancer
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- HIV/AIDS
- Malaria
- Tuberculosis
- Lyme disease
How to Use Cats Claw
Cats claw is available in a variety of forms, including capsules, powder, tea, and extract. It is important to follow the dosage instructions on the product label.
Cats claw can be taken orally or applied topically. To take cats claw orally, mix the powder or capsules with water or juice. To apply cats claw topically, mix the powder or extract with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil.
Side Effects of Cats Claw
Cats claw is generally safe for most people to consume. However, some people may experience side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, and headache. Cats claw may also interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before taking it regularly.
Recipes Using Cats Claw
Here are three step-by-step recipes for using cats claw at home:
Cats Claw Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon dried cats claw bark
- 1 cup hot water
Instructions:
- Steep the cats claw bark in the hot water for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the tea and enjoy.
Cats Claw Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup berries
- 1 banana
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 teaspoon cats claw powder
Instructions:
- Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Enjoy immediately.
Cats Claw Salve
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup beeswax
- 1 tablespoon cats claw powder
Instructions:
- Melt the coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the cats claw powder.
- Pour the salve into a jar or container and let it cool and solidify.
- To use, apply a small amount of salve to the affected area.
What is the cat’s claw good for?
Cats claw is good for a variety of conditions, including inflammation, arthritis, infections, and cancer. It can also help to boost the immune system, improve digestion, and promote wound healing.
Does cat’s claw increase estrogen?
There is no evidence that cats claw increases estrogen levels.
What is a cat claw called?
The Latin name for cats claw is Uncaria tomentosa. It is also known as uña de gato, vilcacora, and sangre de drago.
Cautions
Cats claw should not be taken when pregnant or breastfeeding.
Generally, there are no side effects or contra-indications from using cats claw.
If you are taking anti-hypertensive drugs, anti-diabetics or immune stimulants, check with your doctor before taking cats claw.
At the time of writing there were no well known negative drug interactions with cats claw.
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