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Information about the herb Cat's Claw
Uncaria tormentosa, also known as Cat's Claw is part of the Tomentosa plant family. Cat's Claw is a tropical vine that grows in rainforest and
jungle areas in South America and Asia. The vine gets its name from the
small thorns at the base of the leaves, which looks like a cat's claw. These
claws enable the vine to attach itself around trees climbing to a heights up
to 100 feet.
Botanical Name: Uncaria tormentosa
Plant Family: Tomentosa
Common Name: Cat's Claw, Hawks Claw
History: Some cultures refer to the plant as the 'Sacred Herb of the Rain Forest'. Many cultures native to the South American rain forest areas have used this herb for hundreds of years. The plant is considered a valuable medicinal resource and is protected in Peru. Many cultures native to the South American rain forest areas have used this herb for hundreds of years.
Plant Constituents of Cat's Claw
Medicinal Parts Used: Inner bark, root
Contains:
- alkaloids, including rhynchophylline
- eight glycosides phytochemicals
- steroids
- tannins, including cis-epicatechin which is a powerful antioxidant
Action:
- anticancer properties
- anti-hypertensive effects [lowers blood pressure]
- anti-inflammatory [eases inflammation]
- antioxidant [contributing to the oxidation of free radicals which are believed to contribute to premature aging and dementia]
- tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]
Cat's Claw is used for:
Blood Conditions
- protects small blood vessels of the brain from free radical damage
Cardiovascular Conditions
It may reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack by:
- controlling cholesterol
- increasing circulation
- lowering blood pressure
- reducing heart rate
Female Conditions
- female hormonal imbalances
- Premenstrual Syndrome
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- acts on the digestive systems
- colitis
- Crohn's disease
- diarrhea
- diverticulitis
- gastric inflammationgastric ulcers
- intestinal ailments [often used homeopathically]
- leaky bowel syndrome
Genitourinary Tract Conditions
- urinary tract infections
Immune System Conditions
- acts on the immune and digestive systems
- boosts the body's immune system
- diseases relating to immune system malfunction where inflammation occurs
- helps the body fight off infections
- improves its response to viral and respiratory infections
- protects against degenerative diseases
Any situation where immune system suppression is induced, such as:
- bone-marrow transplants
- organ transplants
- skin grafts
Inflammatory Conditions
- arthritis
- allergies
- lupus
Male Conditions
- prostate conditions
Metabolic Conditions
- control of diabetes
Parasitic and Viral Conditions
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- viral infections such as herpes and other retroviruses
- parasites
- treatment of AIDS [in combination with AZT]
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- allergic respiratory conditions
- rheumatoid arthritis
Other
- skin impurities
- tumors
- healing of wounds
Externally it has been used for:
- abscesses (leaf poultice)
Contraindications:
- not suitable for children under three
- do not use during pregnancy and lactation
Global Herbal Supplies has Cat's Claw available in the following forms
