Cats Claw - Uncaria toementoso

Cats Claw - Uncaria tormentosa
Family - Rubiacea

Other Names: Una De Gato
Gender - Male

History:

Known by the Ashaninka and other indigenous people of Peru for its ability to regulate chronic illnesses. It has been used since the earliest of times for all types of serious illness, from asthma and diabetes to arthritis and cancer.

Parts Used:

The root bark was initially used commonly as medicine, though by the early 1990's the wild species became threatened and since then only the stem bark from ecologically sustainable sources should be used.

Cultivation :

Native to tropical rainforests in the Central and eastern Andes, especially Peru, Ecuador and Colobia. There are many botanically identical plants, though they differing levels of tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids (TOA) and hence differing levels of immuno-stimulating activities.

Description:

Climbing vine growing to 30m or more. Stems up to 20cm in diameter with large glossy leaves and sharp hooks.

Indications:

Cats Claw like Echinacea is very effective at supporting immune function. It acts to stimulate the production of white blood cells, inhibit tumour growth as well as having a non-specific immune resistance.

It helps to reinvigorate the body's efforts to counter infection and inflammation.

Cat's Claw powerful antioxidant action helps prevent cellular damage and aid in any chronic degenerative disorder. Chronic fatigue, AIDS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Asthma and Ulcerative Colitis will benefit from Cat's Claw. I have used it very successfully to remove bone spurs over a three month period.
It is a great preventative for cancer and in particular breast cancer. It will also help to counter balance the effects of Chemotherapy.

The bark is a strong anti-inflammatory and may inhibit gene expression.

Clinical research in Peru indicates that Cat's Claw may have been used in the treatment of AIDS and HIV. Of the 2 types of Cat's Claw only the one using POA's should be used as a medicine, since the TOA's may suppress immune function.

Cats Claw is know to have a contraceptive activity.
 

Louise Plant