Juicing For Health - Cats Claw
Name
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) also known as Uña de Gato in Spanish or in India as Vilcacora.
There are two species of Cat's Claw, Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis, each having different properties and uses. The two are frequently confused but U. tomentosa is the more heavily researched for medicinal use and immune modulation, while U. guianensis may be more useful for osteoarthritis.
Parts Used
Inner Bark and Roots.
Information
Uncaria tomentosa (Cat's Claw) is a woody vine found in the tropical jungles of South and Central America, which derives its name from its claw-shaped thorns. The bark and root have been used for thousands of years as an alternative medicine in the treatment of a variety of ailments.
Tradtionally Cat's Claw was used for treatment of stomach ulcers, allergies, gastritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, rheumatism, asthma, lupus, tumors/growths, intestinal problems, viral infections, support the immune system and as an anti-inflammatory.
Benefits
- Anti-Inflammatory/Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Digestive Disorders
- Immune System
- Inhibits Platelet Aggregation and Thrombosis
Several laboratory and animal studies suggest that cat's claw may reduce inflammation. Cat's Claw has been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis traditionally due to its anti-inflammatory properties. One small study showed a positive effect when cat's claw was taken by people who were also taking sulfasalazine or hydroxychloroquine.
Cat's Claw is said to be very effective in treating intestinal ailments such as Crohn's disease, gastric ulcers and tumors, parasites, colitis, gastritis, candida/dysbiosis, diverticulitis and leaky bowel syndrome. It is said to cleanse the entire intestinal tract and also has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Alkaloids present in cats claw are said to have the ability to enhance the action of white blood cells. Cat's claw has also been shown to increase the production of leukocytes and specifically T4 lymphocytes, thus blocking the advancement of many viral illnesses. Quinovic acid glycosides in cat's claw stimulate the immune system and protect the body from viruses and cancers with viral origins.
The alkaloid Rynchophylline present in cats claw has shown in vitro the ability to inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombosis. This suggests that cat's claw may be useful in preventing strokes and reducing the risk of heart attack by lowering blood pressure, increasing circulation, inhibiting formation of plaque on arterial walls and formation of blood clots in the brain, heart and arteries.
Side Effects/Precautions
Cat's claw appears to be generally safe to use without serious side effects, minor side effects include nausea, dizziness, diarrhea and headaches.
Cat's claw may cause miscarriage and should not be taken by pregnant or when breastfeeding. People with autoimmune diseases, skin grafts, tuberculosis, or those receiving organ transplants should not use cat's claw because of its possible effects on the immune system.
As with all herbs its best not to mix with prescription medication, cat's claw is said to have mild blood thinning properties so its advised not to mix with medication such as anticoagulants and NSAID's.
People with allergies to plants in the Rubiaceae family or any species of Uncaria may be more likely to have allergic reactions to cat's claw. Reactions can include itching, rash and allergic inflammation of the kidneys.
Buying Information
Good product sources can be purchased from the links below.
- Solgar SFP Cats Claw Inner Bark Extract 60
- Natures Answer - Cat's Claw
- Higher Nature Cats Claw Tea Bags - 20 Bags
- NOW Foods Cats Claw 100 x 500mg Caps
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