Cats Claw from the South American Rain Forest
A medicinal herb from the forests of Peru, scientifically known as "Uncaria tomentosa," or more commonly known as Cats Claw has a long history of use as a traditional medicine by the Ashaninka Indians. It has a remarkable ability to cleanse the entire intestinal tract and help patients suffering from many different stomach and bowel disorders including Crohns disease, diverticulitis, leaky bowel syndrome, colitis, hemorrhoids, fistulas, gastritis, ulcers, parasites, and intestinal flora imbalance.
Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis (another species) are both commonly known as "una de gato" in Spanish and Cat's Claw in English. Both are woody veins that grow over 100 feet in length as the attach and wind their way up through the trees of the Peruvian rain forests. For hundreds of years the native Indian tribes have used the inner bark and root to prepare the medicinal tea in the form of a concoction. According to Indian folklore the tea has been used to cure tumors and other serious diseases. Though both species have similar properties, the general consensus is that Uncaria tomentosa is somewhat more valuable based on clinical evaluation and the experience of Peruvian physicians.
Research conducted by scientist from Germany, England, Hungary, and Italy suggests that Uncaria tomentosa may be beneficial in the treatment of cancer, arthritis, bursitis, rheumatism, all forms of herpes, allergies, ulcers, systemic candidiasis, diabetes, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, premenstrual syndrome, and irregularities of the female cycle, environmental toxin poisoning, numerous bowel and intestinal disorders, organic depression, and those infected with the HIV virus.
Besides containing oxindole alkaloids, Peruvian and Italian researchers have discovered a wealth of other beneficial phytochemicals inherent in the herb, including proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, triterpines, and the plant sterols beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol. The presence of these additional compounds might further explain the antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties attributed to this herb.
Cat's Claw shows great promise for the treatment of arthritis when taken internally, either by making a tea or taking capsules of the herb. It may be especially beneficial for individuals receiving conventional radiation and chemotherapy to minimize nausea and other side effects associated with cancer treatments. The herb is a powerful cellular reconstitutor.
Cat's Claw has been found remarkably effective in some very common ailments such as, knocking out the flu, clearing up sinus, ear and upper respiratory infections, canker sores, eliminating lower back pain associated with arthritis, and eliminating the tired sore muscles associated with heavy physical work and exercise.
