Cat’s Claw Bark 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Cat’s Claw 100 g ($15.99), 50 g ($10.99), 25 g ($7.99)

Benefits:

Used by native peoples in South America as a contraceptive, cat’s claw is an anti-inflammatory agent and immune stimulant. It is also good for all forms of arthritis. It has also been shown to have anticancer, antioxidant, antiviral, and cardiovascular effects. In folk medicine, it has been used for diarrhea and gastritis.

Arthritis. Cat’s claw is a rich source of sterols, which have anti-inflammatory activity. Animal studies have found that the herb reduces swelling by approximately 50%.

Bowel disorders. In animal studies, cat’s claw was shown to protect the intestine from damage from indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Cancer. Austrian researchers have confirmed that cat’s claw supports a body affected by cancer by stimulating the immune system. It also inhibits the proliferation of human tumor cells such as for leukemia. Cat’s claw also has been shown to directly kill cancer cells in cell line studies. The additional immune-system boost may allow some people to take the full course of chemotherapy needed to prevent recurrence of the disease. As an antioxidant, cat’s claw supports the body during chemotherapy and radiation treatments and removes toxic metabolites. In one

study two people—one a smoker and the other a nonsmoker—were given cat’s claw. The cat’s claw had no effect on the nonsmoker, but the smoker experienced a decrease in the genetic mutation activity that could lead to cancer, specifically lung cancer. The effect continued eight days after the treatment was withdrawn.

Colds. The immune-stimulant effects of cat’s claw allow it to support immune function to possibly fight off cold viruses.

HIV/AIDS. The advantage of cat’s claw for treating AIDS is that it helps the body produce T cells and other white blood cells in normal numbers. This can prevent excessive immune stimulation that can provoke herpes outbreaks or give HIV opportunities to become drug-resistant. In a study of thirteen HIV-positive patients who took 20 milligrams daily of cat’s claw containing 12 milligrams per gram total of pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids for up to five months, the patients showed an increase in absolute lymphocyte count (part of the white blood cells). However, a marker of HIV infection—the T4/T8 ratio—did not change.

Recommended Uses

Cat’s claw is available in capsule and tincture forms. The daily dosage is 250 to 1,000 milligrams, and the total alkaloid equivalent is 10 to 30 milligrams. People with limited kidney function should consult their physician, as there is evidence that cat’s claw may be associated with renal failure. It should not be used by pregnant women or nursing mothers. Patients with autoimmune diseases or who are on immunosuppressants to prevent rejection of implanted organs, including bone marrow, should not use cat’s claw. This herb may increase the risk of bleeding if you are taking anticlotting medications, so the two should not be used together.

The healing alkaloids in cat’s claw tinctures are released from tannins by the action of acid in the stomach. If they are absorbed through the tongue, they lose their effect. For this reason, you should always take cat’s claw tincture with at least 6 ounces (¾ cup) of water to avoid absorption through the tongue. You can add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or 1 teaspoon of vinegar to the water to increase the acidity of the solution. This releases even more alkaloids from tannin. Some brands of cat’s claw tincture are made with vinegar. If you use one of these brands, you do not need to add lemon juice or vinegar to the water you use to wash down the tincture. If you do not use one of these types of tincture, or if you use pills or tablets, be sure to add lemon juice or vinegar to the water you drink while taking the herb to assure its bioavailability.

Botanical Name: Uncaria tomentosa
English: Cat’s Claw
Also, known as: uña de gato, paraguayo, garabato, garbato casha, samento, toroñ, tambor huasca, una huasca, uña de gavilan, hawk’s claw, saventaro, Vilcacora
Origin: Peru
Harvested: Cultivated
Parts Used: Tree bark

General Information:
Cat’s claw (U. tomentosa) is a large, woody vine that derives its name from hook-like thorns that grow along the vine and resemble the claws of a cat. Two closely related species of Uncaria are used almost interchangeably in the rainforests: U. tomentosa and U. guianensis. Both species can reach over 30 m high into the canopy. U. tomentosa has small, yellowish-white flowers, whereas U. guianensis has reddish-orange flowers and thorns that are more curved. Cat’s claw is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas of South and Central America. Cat’s Claw Bark has been used in Peru & Europe since the last 2000 years and Indian tribe in central Peru has the longest recorded history of use of the plant. They are also the largest commercial source of Cat’s claw from Peru today. There are other species of plants with a common name of cat’s claw (or uña de gato) in Mexico and Latin America; however, they are entirely different plants. Several of the Mexican uña de gato (Cat’s Claw) varieties have toxic properties.

How to use:
Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water. Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY. This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.