Cat's claw |
Return to Catalog |
Contrary to its name, cat’s claw is not an herb that is used in veterinary medicine. Rather, it gets its name from the shape of the plant. The vine actually has small shoots that look like cat’s claws. It’s native to South America and it’s known there as una de gato.
With such a simple name, it’s almost hard to believe that cat’s claw is a major herb that’s used even today to boost the immune system. Historically, it’s been used by Peruvian tribes to treat a variety of conditions from rheumatism to urinary tract infections.
And it was also used by other tribes for problems such as diabetes, menstrual irregularities, fever, and intestinal issues. In fact, in Columbia and Guiana, cat’s claw was even used to treat dysentery.
What we know from more modern research is that cat’s claw was so good at treating this large variety of problems because it actually boosts the immune system of the human body. That means that the body gets better at treating all kinds of infections. So, rather than actually fighting the infections itself, cat’s claw helps the body to do its job.
Knowing that it can boost the immune system causes herbalists to use it in a very targeted way in modern times. For example, any inflammations such as gastritis, ulcers, and viral infections can be targeted by treatment with cat’s claw. In addition, cat’s claw is used as a complementary therapy with cancer treatment. Because cancer treatment strips the body of natural immunity, cat’s claw can help to restore some of the system.
Because of its amazing properties of enhancing the immune system, cat’s claw has been used for almost 20 years in Peru and Europe when treating HIV. It can also be used with other immune system disorders.
The part of cat’s claw that’s used for medicinal purposes is the bark. From dried bark, teas and infusions can be created. In addition, you can purchase cat’s claw in the form of a pill or a tincture.
Cat’s claw can interact with some medications, so it’s important to make sure you’re not taking something that would be conflicting such as anticoagulants, diuretics, and blood pressure medications.
If you’re in the position of needing to enhance your immune system, cat’s claw can be a natural and effective way to do it. It’s been used for thousands of years to do just that and it’s still an important part of herbal medicine today.