Cat's claw - Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

Cat's claw is a natural medicine with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis are two varieties of the plant known as cat's claw. In the United States, Uncaria tomentosa is more frequently used, while Uncaria guianensis is more frequently used in Europe. Bark and roots are used to make medicine. Don't mistake a cat's claw for a real cat's foot.

The most typical usage of cat's claw is to reduce rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis symptoms. It is also used to treat a number of digestive system conditions, such as diverticulitis, which is an infection of the large intestine accompanied by pain and swelling, colitis, which is an inflammation of the stomach lining, stomach ulcers, haemorrhoids, and leaky bowel syndrome.

Some individuals use cat's claw to treat viral diseases like AIDS (produced by the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV), shingles (caused by the herpes zoster virus), and cold sores (induced by the herpes simplex virus).

In addition, cat's claw is used to treat gonorrhoea, diarrhoea, birth control, bone aches, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), wound healing, parasites, Alzheimer's disease, asthma, hay fever, cancer (particularly urinary tract cancer), and an uncommon form of brain cancer called glioblastoma.

Early use of cat’s claw:

Cat's Claw has a long history dating back to the Inca civilization and is used as a traditional medicine in the Andes to heal wounds, digestive ailments, rheumatism, diarrhoea, and inflammation.

For thousands of years, the Amazonian tribes have employed this woody vine as an all-purpose tonic that may be used to restore anyone's health. As a result of various investigations on the abundance of active components, this ancient herb's reputation as a "cure all" appears to be supported by modern science, adding to our understanding of it.

Health benefits of cat’s claw:

1. Boosts immune system:

A recent study revealed that this herb greatly increased the white blood cell count that fights infections. Additionally, single and double strand breaks in DNA were repaired, according to researchers.

Depending on the situation, it appears to have a dual impact on the immune system, boosting or dampening immunological response. A weak immune system that permits disease to spread unchecked can be reinforced by Cat's Claw supplementation, while excessive immunological reactions can be controlled.

2. Provides Joint Pain Relief

The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can be treated naturally using Cat's Claw, according to numerous research.  This anti-arthritis action is thought to be caused by a particular strain of cat's claw that contains pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids, which are substances that appear to modulate the immune system.

3. Slows down hypertension

Cat's Claw has been used for millennia in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat high blood pressure. Studies now appear to back this up, with a specific alkaloid - hirsutine - being attributed with this plant’s ability to keep blood pressure under control. This health promoting alkaloid specifically acts as a calcium channel blocker. This effect can lower blood pressure by blocking calcium from entering the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, whilst widening and relaxing the blood vessels themselves. This in turn helps the blood to flow in a healthy, smooth manner.

4. Promotes Digestive Health

This versatile herb is also helpful in detoxification of the intestinal tract, whilst replenishing the friendly bacteria in the intestines. Also a powerful anti-inflammatory, Cat’s Claw is believed to fight the inflammation associated with a number of gastrointestinal problems.

It is also used to treat a wide range of other digestive disorders including; IBS, IBD, colitis, gastritis and peptic ulcers.