Description
Uncaria Tomentosa (Cat’s Claw): A Powerful Alternative Medicine from the Amazon Rainforest
Uncaria tomentosa, commonly known as Cat’s Claw, is a woody vine native to the tropical jungles of South and Central America. The vine gets its name from the hook-like thorns that resemble a cat’s claws. This powerful herb has been used for centuries by indigenous tribes for its medicinal properties. Today, Cat’s Claw is used around the world as an alternative treatment for a variety of ailments.
The Origins of Cat’s Claw
Cat’s Claw is wild-crafted from the primary Amazon jungle in Ecuador by the Quechua tribe friends in the Rio Napo province. The herb is a member of the Uncaria genus and is closely related to Uncaria guianensis, which is also used interchangeably with Uncaria tomentosa in the rainforests. The herb is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas of South and Central America, including Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Trinidad, Venezuela, Suriname, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Panama.
It is essential to note that there are other plants with the common name of Cat’s Claw or Uña de Gato in Mexico and Latin America. However, they are entirely different plants, not belonging to the Uncaria genus, or even the Rubiaceae family. Some Mexican uña de gato varieties have toxic properties.
Tribal and Herbal Uses of Cat’s Claw
Cat’s Claw has been used by the Aguaruna, Asháninka, Cashibo, Conibo, and Shipibo tribes of Peru for at least 2,000 years. The herb has been used as an adjunctive treatment for cancer and AIDS, as well as for other diseases that target the immune system. In herbal medicine today, Cat’s Claw is employed around the world for many different conditions, including:
- Immune disorders
- Gastritis and ulcers
- Cancer
- Arthritis and rheumatism
- Neuralgias
- Chronic inflammation of all kinds
- Viral diseases such as herpes zoster (shingles)
- Stomach and bowel disorders such as Crohn’s disease, leaky bowel syndrome, ulcers, gastritis, diverticulitis, and other inflammatory conditions of the bowel, stomach, and intestines.
Dr. Brent Davis, D.C., has written several articles on Cat’s Claw and refers to it as the ‘opener of the way.’ It cleanses the entire intestinal tract and is effective in treating stomach and bowel disorders. Dr. Julian Whitaker, M.D., reports using Cat’s Claw for its immune-stimulating effects, for cancer, to help prevent strokes and heart attacks, to reduce blood clots, and for diverticulitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
Additional Information
Cat’s Claw is a potent herb that offers numerous health benefits. If you are interested in learning more about Cat’s Claw, please visit https://www.rain-tree.com/catclaw.htm#.WkUosVQ-dTZ and https://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-cats-claw.html