Cat’s Claw, Powder (Uncaria tomentosa) – Dried Herb, Organic

Cat’s Claw, or as the Spanish call it “uña de gato”, derives its name from the shape of curved thorns that protrude from the vine of plants in the genus Uncaria. Uncaria tomentosa, is an important medicinal plant in the pharmacopoeia of the Asháninka Indians in Peru. Used medicinally by several Peruvian tribes for at least 2000 years.

The Ashaninka use Cat’s Claw for asthma, inflammations of the urinary tract, arthritis, rheumatism, and bone pain; to recover from childbirth; as a kidney cleanser; to cure deep wounds; to control inflammation and gastric ulcers. Indigenous tribes in Piura use Cat’s Claw for tumors, inflammations, rheumatism, and gastric ulcers. Other Peruvian indigenous tribes use Cat’s Claw for diabetes, urinary tract cancer in women, hemorrhages, menstrual irregularity, cirrhosis, fevers, abscesses, gastritis, rheumatism, tumours and inflammations as well as for internal cleansing and to “normalize the body”.

Properties:

The taste and energetics of Cat’s Claw are sour, bitter, cooling and very astringent and drying. Cats Claw has an affinity towards the immune system, digestive system, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, kidneys, musculoskeletal system and circulatory system. Combine Cat’s Claw with Marshmallow Root, Slippery Elm Bark or Calendula for support of the gastrointestinal tract. For support of the musculoskeletal system combine Cat’s Claw with Willow Bark, Devils Claw or Meadowsweet.

How to use:

Mix in a 1/4 spoonful in hot water and steep for 10-15 minutes to make a tea.

Cautions and contraindications:

Cat’s Claw has chemicals that can reduce platelet aggregation and thin the blood. Check with your doctor first if you are taking coumadin or other blood-thinning drugs and discontinue use one week to ten days prior to any major surgical procedure. Cat’s Claw has been clinically documented with immunostimulant effects and is contraindicated before or following any organ or bone marrow transplant or skin graft.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your health care provider before the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.