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Cat’s Claw
Cat’s claw refers to the stem and root of two large, woody vines found in the
Amazon. Called cat’s claw due to the resemblance of its hook-like thorns that
grow along the vine and the claws of a cat, cat’s claw are also known as: uña
de gato, paraguayo, garabato, garbato casha, samento, toroñ, tambor huasca,
uña huasca, uña de gavilan, hawk’s claw, and saventaro. Emerging from two closely
related species of Uncaria (Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis), cat’s
claw is native the Amazon rainforest as well as tropical areas in Peru, Colombia,
Ecuador, Guyana, Trinidad, Venezuela, Suriname, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Panama.
Although other plants are found in Latin America that are referred to as cat’s
claw, they do not come from the Uncaria species and many of these plants have
toxic properties.
The medicinal properties of cat’s claw have been used for many centuries. The
Asháninka Indians of Peru have used it to treat asthma, inflammations of the
urinary tract, aid in the recovery from childbirth, cure deep wounds, and also
for cancer. Other Indian tribes have used it to treat tumors, rheumatism, inflammations,
gonorrhea, dysentery, diabetes, hemorraghes, cirrhosis, fevers, and gastric
ulcers. The medicinal components of cat’s claw are contained within its bark,
root, and leaves. The plant contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral,
anti-tumorous, dieuretic, and immuno-stimulant properties. Its active substances
include alkaloids that medical studies have shown help boost the immune system
while another alkaloid it contains, rhynchophylline, lowers blood pressure,
increased blood circulation, reduces heart rate, and controls cholesterol making
it an effective supplement to use in order to reduce the risk of stroke and
heart attack. It is mainly used as a way to treat: inflammatory disorders such
as arthritis and viral diseases like HIV/AIDS; and gastrointestinal illnesses
such as Crohn’s disease, ulcers, and certain cancers.
Cat’s claw is available in a variety of forms that include: its original dried
cut-and sifted root and stem form; capsules; tinctures; tablets; powdered root
and stem; and extracts. The recommended dosage of cat’s claw in a tea form is
1 gram of root bark used in 8 ounces of water with one cup of tea drank three
times per day. In tincture form, it is recommended that ¼ to ½ teaspoonful be
taken two to three times per day. In its dry, extract form, the recommended
dosage is 20 to 60 mg taken daily. It should not be used by individuals with
skin grafts, tuberculosis, recent recipients of organ transplants, women who
are pregnant, women who are breastfeeding, children under the age of three,
and individuals with immune system diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Additionally,
cat’s claw has been shown to have anti-coagulant (blood thinning) properties
and individuals that are already using blood thinning drugs should seek their
doctor’s approval before using cat’s claw. Excessive use of cat’s claw, estimated
around 3 to 4 gram dosages, has been known to cause abdominal pain and gastrointestinal
problems such as diarrhea.
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