Cat’s Claw is a wonder plant used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, dating back to the Inca civilization.
Cat’s Claw (also known as ‘Una de Gato’) is a woody vine, extracts of which have been used for centuries as a natural treatment for disease and to stave off infection. Today, it’s regarded as a key ingredient in alternative medicine for fighting viral infections, arthritis, Alzheimers and several other ailments.
Where it's found
Cat&rsquos claw is a wild plant native to Central and South America, and particularly abundant in the Amazon Rainforest. It's inner bark is extracted for use in liquids, capsules and teas.
How it can benefit you
This highly prized plant can be a strong support to the immune system and is thought to promote kidney health. Early studies have also indicated it may potentially help with herpes and HIV, Alzheimer's disease and a number of cancers.
In ancient times, folklore uses included preventing and aborting pregnancy.
Other benefits include:
- Reduces pain and inflammation of rheumatism, arthritis and other types of inflammatory problems.
- Promotes the healing of wounds
- For treatment of gastric ulcers and intestinal complaints
- Helps to relieve chronic pain
- Helps people experiencing stomach and bowel disorders, including colitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, leaky bowel syndrome, gastritis and duodenal ulcers, intestinal inflammation.
Naturopath Mim Beim says:
This is a fabulous immune herb for every day coughs and colds, but it&rsquos also a really great immune-modulating herb similar to astragalus. It's great because it doesn't stimulate the immune system, so it's great for auto immune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and MS as it improves immune system but doesn't stimulate.
With auto immune conditions, the immune system attacks the body's own cells - these herbs don't stimulate the immune system like the certain drugs do, but instead harmonise it. Never reduce or stop taking prescribed medication for autoimmune conditions without discussing with your doctor.