CAT’S CLAW

(Uncaria tomentosa)

Other Names

Tomentosa, Una de Gato, Uncaria

Description

Cat’s Claw is a woody vine that grows to more than 100 feet, winding itself upward through the trees in the highlands of the Peruvian rain forest.   Cat’s Claw grows best between 900 to 2900 feet above sea level.

Classification

Warm

Taste

Balance Yin/Yang

Humour

Uses/Applications

Cat’s Claw enhances ones overall immunity, while increasing stamina and energy.   It is the most powerful immune enhancing herb of all the herbs native to the Peruvian Amazon.   Cat’s Claw provides relief from the side effects of Chemotherapy, Fibermyalgia, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.   Cat’s Claw cleanses the digestive tract making it useful in the treatment of Crohn’s Disease, colitis, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, gastritis, ulcers, parasites, and intestinal flora imbalance.

Combinations

Constituents

Ovindole Alkaloids, Quinovic Acid Glycosides, Triterpines, Polyphenols, Proanthocyanidins.

Action

Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Tumor, Anti-Microbial, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Viral.

Food Values

Part Used

Root, Inner Bark.

Collection

Cat’s Claw is commercially harvested.   A cut is made into the vine, about 45 cm long, and then the debris is scraped from the bark.   The bark is then peeled and carried to a central location to be chipped and dried in the sun for about 4 days.

Preparation

Capsule

Take 300 mg. three times per day.

Extract

Take 60 - 90 drops four times per day.   For overt pathologies where the condition is very advanced as much as 250 - 500 drops per day can be taken.

Growing Directions

Cat’s Claw is not cultivated.   It grows wild in the high lands of the Peruvian Amazon.

History

The Ashaninka valued and used Cat’s Claw which they called Samento as a plant with curative, magical, and revitalizing powers.     It has been used by the Ashaninka for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years for treating a wide range of problems.

Additional Information

1.   Evidence shows it may be beneficial in the treatment of Cancer, Genital Herpes, Bursitis, Arthritis, Rheumatism, Allergies, and PMS

2.   Dr. Ambrose, ND, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, has seen remarkable improvement in patients suffering from Crohn;s Disease, ulcers, asthma, arthritis, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. 

3.   Research in Peru, Germany, England, Hungary, and Italy dates back to the 1970’s.   Evidence suggests Cat’s Claw may be a beneficial treatment of cancer, arthritis, bursitis, rheumatism, genital herpes, herpes zoster, allergies, ulcers, PMS< environmental toxin poisoning, and bowel or intestinal disorders.

4.   Cat’s Claw is an endangered species.   The Government of Peru passed legislation to protect the tree.   It is illegal to harvest the root.   If harvesting of the root would have continued the tree would have been extinct by the year 2000.   The medicinal value is in the bark.

5.   Studies from 1988 - 1992 by Dr. Brent Davis report Cat’s Claw’s ability to break through severe intestinal problems that no other available product can touch.

6.   Peruvian Amazon studies suggest it has the ability to stop viral infections in the early stages.   It may be useful in the treatment of Aids.

7.   Studies indicate its action is similar to cortisone, lessening pain in the joints and connective tissues.

Cautions

None.   This herb can be taken safely without worry about toxicity.

Magick Information

There is no magical value.