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Cat's Claw Herb - Uses and Benefits
Alternative Names:
Garabato,Una de gato, Paraguayo, Samento,Tambor huasca,
Uncaria tomentosa.
Herb Description
Cats Claw herb ( Vitex agnus-castus ) is a woody vine deep-rooted to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical parts of South & Central America.Cat's claw got its name from the hook-like thorns that grow along its vine .These thorns enable the vine to attach itself around trees climbing to a heights up to hundred feet. There are two main species of cat's claw used medicinally:Uncaria guianensis & Uncaria tomentosa.
The root & bark of cat's claw are the parts used for medicinal purposes & have been used among indigenous people of the rainforest for centuries to cure number of disorders including ulcers,arthritis, sexually transmitted diseases, fevers, and even cancer. Cats Claw has a long history of use in South America as an anti-inflammatory property, for prophylactic activity, and to cure tumors, rheumatism, and intestinal ailments. Cat's Claw has been used as a traditional herb, for its anti-inflammatory properties in rheumatism, arthritis,and digestive conditions
Cat's claw is recognize for its known properties : anti-inflammatory , anti-oxidant , and immune system enhancing properties. It is efficacious in relieving pain & inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, gout & osteoarthritis. Cat's claw is a popular joint-supporting plant.
Properties
- Adaptogenic.
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-microbial.
- Antimutagenic.
- Antioxidant.
- Anti-viral.
- Antioxidant.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Anti-tumor.
- Immunostimulating.
Uses and Benefits
Traditionally cat's claw has been used as a homeopathic treatment for intestinal ailments such as:colitis, crohn's disease, gastric ulcers and tumors, parasites, gastritis, diverticulitis and leaky bowel syndrome. By stimulating the immune system, it can also improve response to viral and respiratory infection
It is also used to treat & prevent the symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism, PMS, as well as diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, and prostrate conditions.
Presently, researchers recommend cat's claw to treat inflammatory problems such as arthritis, viral diseases ( HIV/AIDS), gastrointestinal illnesses( Crohn's disease, ulcers) and certain cancers.
Scientific studies reported that human volunteers who took cat's claw herb for eight weeks had improved DNA .Cat's claw herb exert is valuable on memory impairment induced by the dysfunction of cholinergic systems in the brain .
Cat's Claw is used for the treatment of followings disorders:
- Diverticulitis.
- Leaky bowel syndrome.
- Colitis.
- Hemorrhoids.
- Fistulas.
- Gastritis.
- Ulcers.
- Parasites.
- Intestinal flora imbalance.
- Environmental toxic poisoning.
- Organic depression.
Side Effects
This plant should not be used during pregnancy or while nursing. Don't give to children.
According to some research studies, it should not be used with anti-ulcer medications or by transplant patients.
Cat's-claw should not be recommended in diseases of the immune system itself, such as tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, and HIV infection.
Don't use cat's claw if the individuals taking intravenous hyperimmunoglobulin therapy,recently immunized, peptide hormones, blood plasma,or bovine or porcine insulin.
Dosage
- Tea:
Take 1 gm of cat's claw root to 8 ounces water & boil 10 - 15 minutes, cool, and strain. Take three times in a day.
- Tincture :
A solution made from herb, alcohol, and water.Take three times in a day.
- Solid extract:
10 to 20 mg . Take three times in a day.
Drug Interactions
Research studies has also been reported cat's claw to strengthen , or escalate , the effects of antihypertensives .
Cat's claw may defend against gastrointestinal damage connected with NSAID's (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) , such as ibuprofen.
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