Cats Claw

Cats

Claw has been used by the indigenous people of Peru for over 2000 years. Explorers of the 1800's noticed healthy, robust natives who seemd to be disease and cancer free. They took note of tea the natives were constantly drinking which came from the bark of this woody vine. It was then brought to Europe and in the 1990's became a complimentary treatment for AIDS and cancer.

It is important that Uncaria tomentosa is the plant used for medicinal purposes.

Acacia gregii is another plant known by the name of Cat's Claw which grows in Mexico and Texas. This plant has no known medicinal properties and may be toxic. Uncaria guaianensis, is being marketed as an alternative however it is missing an important constituent. Uncaria rhynchophylla is a variety from China which is very similar to Uncaria tomentosa, but not quite the same. The main alkaoid Rhynchophylline has been

used in China for hypertension and headaches caused by vascular constriction. Cat's claw should not be confused with Devils claw (Harpagophytum procumbens} which is a vine from South Africa with anti-inflammatory properties.
Uncaria tomentosa is a potent plant with 29 chemical constituents including 17 different alkaloids. It's actions are considered to be:
Anti-depressant
Anti-oxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-mutagenic
Anti-hypertensive
Anti-viral
Anti-ulcerous
Cytoprotective
Immunomodulator

Common Traditional Uses:
Asthma
Urinary tract disorders
Kidney cleanser
Child birth recovery
Arthritis
Rheumatism
Painful bones
Gastric ulcers
Control of inflammation
Immune stimulation

Variable Traditional Uses:
Fever
Abscesses
Menstrual control
Birth Control (high doses supposedly promoted sterility)
Diabetes
Cancer
Gonorrhea
Dysentery
Tumors
Internal cleansing

Clinical Uses:
Chronic viral infections
Viral / bacterial co-infections in AIDS
Cancer
Radiation damage prevention
Inflammatory conditions

Other useful herb information: Equisetum | Sambucol | Blessed Thistle | Cardamom | Fenugreek | Ephedra | Olive Leaf

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