Herbal Remedies and Medicinal Cures for Diseases, Ailments & Illnesses that afflict Humans and Animals
Aloe Vera •
Astragalus •
Bankoro •
Bilberry •
Bitter Gourd (Ampalaya) •
Bitter Orange •
Black Cohosh •
Cat's Claw •
Chamomile •
Chasteberry •
Coconut •
Cranberry •
Dandelion •
Echinacea •
Ephedra •
European Elder Tree •
Evening Primrose •
Fenugreek •
Feverfew •
Flaxseed •
Garlic •
Ginger •
Ginkgo •
Ginseng (Asian) •
Golden Seal •
Grape Seed •
Green Tea •
Hawthorn •
Hoodia •
Horse Chestnut •
Kava •
Lavender •
Licorice •
Malunggay Moringa Oleifera •
Milk Thistle •
Mistletoe •
Passion Flower •
Peppermint Oil •
Red Clover •
Ringworm Bush (Akapulko) – Cassia alata •
Saw Palmetto •
St. John's Wort •
Tawa Tawa •
Turmeric •
Valerian •
Yohimbe •
accept the bitter to get better
 Two Claws on Cat's Claw Vine | |||
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 Cat's Claw Wood or Bark | |||
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Cat's Claw
The medicinal herb Cat's Claw as an alternative herbal remedy for viral infections - Cat's claw grows wild in many countries of Central and South America, especially in the Amazon rainforest. CAT'S CLAW is a thick, long, slow growing woody vine that grows between 400 and 800 meters above sea level in the rain forests. This vine gets its name from the small, sharp thorns, two at the base of each pair of leaves, which looks like a cat's claw. These claws enable the vine to attach itself around trees climbing to a height of 100 feet or higher. The root (which can grow to the size of a watermelon) and the inside of the bark are the parts of the plant used in alternative herbal remedies. Because demand for this herb has increased greatly in the past few years, the Peruvian government now forbids harvesting the roots of the plant. Since the same compounds are present in the bark as the root, the plant is now harvested 3 feet above the ground. This preserves the plant so that it can be harvested again a few years later.Common Names--cat's claw, uña de gato
Latin Names--Uncaria tomentosa, Uncaria guianensis Picture of Cat's Claw Vine Picture of Cat's Claw Bark or Wood
What Cat's Claw Is Used For
- Cat's claw has been used for centuries in South America to prevent and treat disease.
- It has been used for a variety of health conditions, including viral infections (such as herpes and HIV), Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and arthritis.
- Cat's claw has been used to support the immune system and promote kidney health, as well as to prevent and abort pregnancy.
- Herbal remedy for viral infections.
How Cat's Claw Is Used
The inner bark of cat's claw is used to make liquid extracts, capsules, and teas. Preparations of cat's claw can also be applied to the skin.
What the Science Says about Cat's Claw
- There is not enough scientific evidence to determine how well cat's claw works for any health problem, including arthritis, HIV, or cancer. *Small studies in humans have shown a possible benefit of cat's claw in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but no large trials have been done. In laboratory studies, cat's claw stimulates part of the immune system, but it has not been proven to reduce inflammation or boost the immune system in humans.
- The National Institute on Aging is studying how cat's claw may affect the brain. Findings may point to new avenues for research in Alzheimer's disease treatment.
News About Cat's Claw
Cat's Claw
- By Cathy Wong, ND
Health Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & More
- What is Cat's Claw?
Cat's claw is native to the Amazon. The name cat's claw comes from the thorns on the plant's leaves that look like the claws of a cat. The part used medicinally is the root bark. It comes in tablet, capsule, tea, dried herb or tincture forms. Other names include: Uncaria tomentosa, una de gato, life-giving vine of Peru, and samento. Health Benefits of Cat's Claw:
Cat's claw has a long history of traditional use by indigenous peoples in South America.
It has been used to treat digestive problems, arthritis, inflammation, ulcers and to promote wound healing. So far, scientific support for the potential benefits of cat's claw is limited.
1) Arthritis
Cat's claw is thought to have anti-inflammatory effects and has been used for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Compounds in cat's claw are thought to block the body's production of inflammation-producing substances called prostaglandins and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Cat's claw is believed to reduce pain somewhat, but it doesn't appear to have much of an effect on reducing swelling. More evidence is needed before cat's claw can be used as a treatment for arthritis.
2) Cancer
There's some evidence cat's claw may affect the immune system. Preliminary laboratory studies suggest it may halt the spread of cancer cells.
A few animal studies suggest it may help with cell damage caused by chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Much more evidence is needed before it can be used as a cancer treatment, and it should never replace conventional care.
3) Other Conditions
Cat's claw has also been used for high blood pressure, HIV, diverticulitis, gastritis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, but there's insufficient evidence on the effectiveness of cat's claw for these conditions.
- Caveats
Side effects may include nausea, headache, and dizziness.
Cat's claw shouldn't be used by people who have had organ transplants.
The safety of cat's claw in people with certain autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus and Crohn's disease isn't known.
Cat's claw shouldn't be taken within two weeks before or after surgical procedures or by people who have bleeding disorders.
Cat's claw shouldn't be confused with another herb called cat's claw acacia, catclaw acacia or Acacia gregii which is believed to contain a compound related to cyanide and should not be taken orally.
Cat's claw may decrease the effectiveness of drugs that suppress the immune system such as Imuran (azathioprine), CellCept, Neoral, Sandimmune (cyclosporine), Prograf, Rapamune, and Zenapak.
Cat's claw is thought to be broken down by the liver, so it could theoretically interfere with the effectiveness of medications that are broken down by the same liver enzymes such as:
- • oral contraceptives
- • allergy medication such as fexofenadine
- • cholesterol medication such as lovastatin
- • antifungals such as ketoconazole
- • cancer medications such as paclitaxel or vinblastine
Due to a lack of supporting research, it's too soon to recommend cat's claw for any health condition. Supplements haven't been tested for safety and due to the fact that dietary supplements are largely unregulated, the content of some products may differ from what is specified on the product label. Also, keep in mind that the safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established. You can get tips on using supplements here, but if you're considering the use of cat's claw, talk with your primary care provider first. Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.
Side Effects and Cautions about Cat's Claw
- Few side effects have been reported for cat's claw when it is taken at recommended dosages. Though rare, side effects may include headaches, dizziness, and vomiting.
- Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should avoid using cat's claw because of its past use for preventing and aborting pregnancy.
- Because cat's claw may stimulate the immune system, it is unclear whether the herb is safe for people with conditions affecting the immune system.
- Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
