What is cat
claw?
Known as a high-climbing, woody vine,
cat claw has two-curved thorns at the base of the plant's leaves.
It resembles the claws of a cat. It enables the vine to climb
up trees or other vegetation into the forest canopy. The Latin
translation of cat’s claw is known as an herbal botanical, Uncaria.
Where is the origin of cat’s claw?
Known in Spanish as uña de gato, cat’s claw is popular in the
northern Amazon regions of Columbia, Ecuador, Peru as well as
other South American countries.
Are there any medical benefits in taking
cat’s claw?
Preliminary scientific studies have been
found the plant's immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory agents
to enhance health. Only speculative evidence has shown cat's
claw ability to defend against may have antiviral and cancer-fighting
potential as well.
Two species of cat's claw are harvested
for medicinal purposes, Uncaria guianensis, used mainly in Europe,
and Uncaria tomentosa, commonly imported into the United States.
Among the herbal practitioners of South America, the two species
are considered interchangeable.
How was cat’s claw discovered for the
use of healing medical ailments?
Over hundreds of years, cat's claw has
been used by people of the Amazon to treat a wide array of ailments.
From stomach discomfort, skin condition, birth control, cancer,
arthritis and liver disorders.
What have the clinical findings
of cat’s claw demonstrated?
In numerous laboratory experiments, cat’s
claw has been found to treat anti-inflammatory effects. For
instance certain trials have should significant relief from
pain during daytime activities; however, during evening hours,
cat’s claw has not shown to provide any relieve. More medical
evaluations on cat’s claw are studying its effects on asthma,
allergies, bursitis, tendonitis and Crohn's disease.
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