Botanical Name:Uncaria tomentosa Parts Used: inner bark Menstruum: grain alcohol, purified water
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Cat's Claw is known to be used for :
Anti-inflammatory for Osteoarthritis Symptoms Anti-inflammatory for Lyme Disease Symptoms Stimulate the Immune System
Cat's Claw, also called Una de Gato, is from the Peruvian rain forest and has been used for hundreds of years by the native Ashanica Indians. It has been the subject of scientific research throughout the world since the 1970's, shown to be effective for osteoarthritis pain and inflammation. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Cat's Claw has been used traditionally to treat osteoarthritis (OA). One study found that it may help alleviate knee pain from osteoarthritis without side effects.
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Osteoarthritis Adults: 45 drops (approx 1/2 tsp.) 2-3 times daily between meals
Lyme Disease Stephen Buhner recommends Cat's Claw for joint inflammation. His dosage recommendation for the tincture or extract is as follows. Adult : 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon 3 x per day between meals Equivalency Note: 1 teaspoon = 5 ml = approx 100 drops
In this disease, the Lyme bacteria stimulate the immune system to cause inflammation in the body which then breaks down cellular tissue so that the bacteria can feed on the nutrients that are released. The bacteria in fact create and control a form of autoimmunity. Cat's Claw stimulates the immune system in a controlled way to get a handle on the out-of-control cytokine storm that can occur in Lyme Disease, other autoimmune conditions, and severe influenza.
Gastrointestinal 1/2 teaspoon per day between meals or as directed by a health care professional Note: One 2 oz bottle contains 12 teaspoons (approx 24 servings)
Known to be helpful in detoxification of the intestinal tract, Cat's Claw may also allow replenishing of the friendly bacteria in the intestines. Due to Cat's Claw's anti-inflammatory action it has been suggested for a number of gastrointestinal and digestive problems including IBD, gastritis, IBS, colitis, and peptic ulcers
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Do not take Cat's Claw if you are pregnant or nursing unless you have consulted with a healthcare professional.
Cat's Claw bark may interact with some prescribed drugs, such as imunosuppressants, blood thinners, diuretics, and blood pressure medications.
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Stephen Harrod Buhner Healing Lyme:Natural Healing and Prevention of Lyme Borreliosis and Its Coinfections Mur E, Hartig F, Eibl G, Schirmer M. Randomized double blind trial of an extract from the pentacyclic alkaloid-chemotype of uncaria tomentosa for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol. 2002;29(4):678-681.11950006 Hardin SR. Cat's claw: an Amazonian vine decreases inflammation in osteoarthritis. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2007;13(1):25-28.17210508 Rosenbaum CC, O'Mathúna DP, Chavez M, Shields K. Antioxidants and antiinflammatory dietary supplements for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Altern Ther Health Med. 2010;16(2):32-40.20232616
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare provider and should not be construed to indicate that the use of this herbal product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare provider before taking this herbal product.
