Cats Claw
A climber, Cat's claw grows in numerous nations in South and Central America – particularly in the Amazon area. It has two species - Uncaria guianensis and Uncaria tomentosa. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family, and has been trusted in many American countries as a herbal medicine.
Latin Name
One specie is known by the Latin botanical name Uncaria guianensis while the other one has the name Uncaria tomentosa.
Top 10 Health Benefits:
It is used as a herbal medicine for:
- Improving the immune system
- Treating imbalances in hormones
- Healing intestinal and digestive disorders
- Treatment of acne problems
- Curing parasitic disorders
- Treatment of upper respiratory tract infections
- Cure of the symptoms of environmental poisoning and toxicity
- Treating PMS (premenstrual syndrome) signs and symptoms
- Providing relief from hemorrhoids
- Curing herpes infections
Healing Properties and Usage:
Its two species have long been in use as home remedies for the treatment of several health problems such as viral infections, digestive problems and arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of the herb make it effectual for alleviating the inflammation and stiffness associated with joint aches, rheumatism and arthritis.
As the herb can boost natural immunity, it can help the body fight against a wide variety of infections – parasitic, herpes and more. It can improve the activity of the white blood cells or WBCs to feed on cancerous substances as well as toxic microorganisms that can slow down the growth of tumors and cancer cells. It is often used in association with radiation and chemotherapy, and shows some effect in reducing some of the side effects of these types of treatment – such as weight loss, infections, skin problems, nausea and hair loss.
As per some reports, Cat's Claw can be useful for alleviating the symptoms of Alzheimer disease, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Which Parts are Used for Medicinal Purposes?
The herb can be found in herbal shops and health food stores as home remedies in a variety of forms, such as tincture, tea, tablet, capsule, crushed bark and dry extract. This kind of herb is also consumed in the form of a bark decoction. It can be taken by boiling a particular quantity of the herb in some water. Cat's claw has various types of alkaloids – such as isorhynchophyllin and rhynchophylline – which are responsible for giving it medicinal effects. The active ingredients of this herb are extracted from its root and bark.