Cat’s Claw Extract

Also known as: Uncaria tomentosa, Uncaria Guianensis, Vilcacora, Samento, Saventaro and Una De Gato (Spanish).

Cat’s Claw is a vine found in tropical regions, native to Central and South America.

It has a yellow trumpet shaped flower with five petals, smooth, dark green elliptic leaves.

The claw shaped thorns attach themselves to, and will climb up tall trees.

Cat’s claw extract has been used for centuries to treat a number of ailments and symptoms of disease.

Home Remedies Using Cat’s Claw Extract:

Benefits of Cat’s Claw Extract:

The inner bark of the cat’s claw vine is most commonly used to make a tincture, but can also be used in capsules and teas and in some instances applied to the skin. The tincture can be prepared as a tea or added to some water with lemon juice and then ingested.

An acidic environment is essential for releasing the tannins in the herb, thus it is used with lemon juice or cider vinegar. Capsules can be taken if necessary, as they can be more convenient, but ingesting the tincture is the highly recommended for effectiveness.

As a supplemental treatment for a number of conditions including lymphoma, HIV, and herpes, 250 ml of cat’s claw extract tea can be taken twice daily over a period of six months.

To make your own tea, boil 1 teaspoon of cat’s claw powder in 250 ml of water for thirty minutes. Strain and add a teaspoon of lemon juice for every 2-4 oz cup.

Cat’s claw extract has been praised as being a miracle herb, with a wide variety of benefits. It has been shown to display anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, aiding in pain relief and the reduction of swelling.

It is said to promote kidney health, lower blood pressure and fight viral and bacterial infections, and has demonstrated anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties.

Cat’s Claw Extract continues to be used to treat the following ailments and conditions:

  • Bursitis
  • Allergies
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Cancer
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Arthritis
  • HIV
  • Herpes
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Gastritis
  • Eczema
  • Liver diseases
  • Gout

Cat’s Claw Extract can lessen the severity and frequency of herpes outbreaks by strengthening the immune system.

Research studies have shown that it has been used effectively to relieve knee pain.

Side Effects of Cat’s Claw Extract:

Not many side effects are associated with taking Cat’s Claw Extract. You should not take it if you are trying to get pregnant, or are already pregnant, as it has been used to prevent and abort pregnancy in the past.

Some may experience headaches, dizziness, and Cat’s Claw Extract may also interfere with the regulation of blood pressure (particularly after surgery).