Super Herbs Super Cat's Claw


Cat's Claw

Basic information

Native to Peru’s virgin rainforests, this medicinal vine is known as the “Amazonian miracle of herbal medicine.” It is used to treat illnesses that attack the immune system, like cancer or HIV. The tribes of the Amazon hold this herb sacred because of its great contribution to medicine. Its other names include uña de gato, samento, rangaya, garabato, bejucote and Uncaria tomentosa.

Seasonal availability

Harvest: from the fifth to tenth month one year after sowing.

Human health benefits

Cat’s claw is a powerful anti-inflammatory with antimutagenic properties that strengthen the immune system. It is also a recommended preventative treatment for cancer and immune deficiencies. This herb is also a painkiller, helps fight diabetes and allergies, and cleans out toxins. It can be used to treat acne, colitis, gastritis and ulcers.

The vine, with scientific name Uncaria tomentosa, also reduces discomfort and inflammation for people with rheumatism, arthritis or viral infections. It also soothes menstrual cramps and toothaches, and can be used to treat gonorrhea, blood clots and the dreaded diabetes.

Cat's Claw

Property

This herb possesses curative powers, like lowering the risk of cancer, because it decreases the proliferation of chemical acid. Chief among its virtues are alkaloids, oxindoles, glycosides, polyphenols, terpenes and steroids.

People undergoing chemotherapy should take cat’s claw because it alleviates the side effects of the treatment. But it is important to stress that pregnant women should not consume this plant because it can trigger miscarriages. Patients who have received organ transplants, skin grafts or who are breast-feeding should also avoid taking cat’s claw.

The plant is also a natural remedy for various stomach ailments because it thoroughly cleanses the intestinal tract. The alkaloids in cat’s claw improve brain function, which could help treat diseases like Alzheimer's.

But the most amazing benefit of this Peruvian superfood is its ability to repair DNA. This plant’s effects work at the cellular level and help preserve the integrity of DNA.

Nutritional value

Mitra, uncarina F, iso-miltrafilina, ácido ursólico y ácido oleanólico./ Mytraphylline, F uncarine, iso-mitraphylline, ursolid and oleanolic acid.

Alcaloides./ Alkaloids, isoentane compounds, glycosides, steroids, 3a-dihydrocadambine.

Alcaloides, compuestos de isopentano, glicósidos./ Alkaloids, isopentane compounds, glycosides.

Uncarina F, especiofilina, isopteropodina, pteroropodina, isomitrafilina, rincofilina, isoríncofilina, mitrafilina, epicatequina y procianidina./ F uncarine, especiophyline, isopteropodine, pteroropodine, isomitraphylline, rincophylline, isorincophylline, mitraphylline, picatechin and procianidine.

Geographical distribution

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