Ground Cat’s Claw

Description

Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

Cat’s claw is a climbing plant that grows in the Amazon rainforests, from northern Bolivia to Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and beyond. This vine-like plant, though not strictly a liana, winds around other tree trunks and can reach lengths of up to 100 meters. Thorns that resemble cat’s claws form in the leaf “axils” – hence the name – while clusters of flowers bloom there later.

However, the value of cat’s claw lies in its bark, which contains an extraordinary amount of active substances, ranging from oxindole alkaloids to triterpenes, iridoids, glycosides, flavonoids, and a host of other benefits.

Historical sources show that cat’s claw was used as far back as 2,000 years ago and even earlier, and it continues to be used today as a highly effective medicinal plant.

~Properties and effects

Extracts from cat’s claw roots and stem bark stimulate the immune system and inhibit inflammatory processes – this has been proven in numerous experiments. The substances in the bark have distinct anti-leukemic, antiviral, and analgesic effects; they also benefit heart and vascular health and lower blood pressure. Experiments have confirmed that after six months of use, symptoms of rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis are significantly reduced.

Cat’s claw is included in dietary supplements produced in the USA, as well as in medications approved in Austria, used for inflammation, rheumatism, tumors, stomach ailments, gastritis, diabetes, and as a preventative measure against heart attacks.

Cat’s claw bark is also recommended for:

*faster wound healing,

*detoxing the body,

*chronic fatigue and low mood,

*constipation and bloating,

*intestinal parasites,

*hay fever and allergies.

~Usage ideas

For general immunity boosting, 1 g of cat’s claw bark powder per day is recommended.

Therapeutic doses are approximately 20 g per day.

For digestion and gastritis, 5 g per day is recommended.

~Cat’s claw tea

Pour 1 liter of water over 1.5 tablespoons of bark, bring to a boil, and continue to simmer for 5 minutes. Then leave to steep for 15 minutes. Strain and drink throughout the day.

~Cat’s claw tincture

Pour 100 ml of vodka (at least 40%) over 20 g of ground cat’s claw bark. Let it sit for 3-4 weeks, shaking occasionally. Then strain through double cheesecloth.

Use no more than 60 drops per day.