The name adopted for cat’s claw is kept after the hook-like thorns that grow along the vine. Cats claw roots and barks have a history of an ancient use in South America for the ailment of certain health problems like arthritis, inflammation, stomach ulcers, birth control, dysentery and fevers.
Test tube study of cat’s claw revealed that it is helpful in stimulating immune system, relaxing the muscles of the intestines, dilating blood vessels, and act as a diuretic. Cat’s claw is also used for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA).
The standardized root and bark of cat’s claw are available in capsule form. The cat’s claw capsules contain 6 oxindole alkaloids as its active ingredients.
Cat’s claw herb is beneficial for many disorders like menstural irregularities, ulcers and gastrointestinal problems. Cat’s claw herb has many medicinal benefits and is also known as Healing Vina of Peru for its healing effects and uses. Cat’s claw herb is combined with many other medicines for treatment of certain diseases like tumors, parasits, colitis, diverticulitis and leaky bowel system.
Side effects of cat’s claw include mild rash, hypotension due to lowering of blood pressure, and drowsiness. Cat’s claw may interact with other medicines, so consultation from docotr before its usage is recommended. Cat’s claw is likely to interact with insulin, hormones vaccines and certain other drugs.
Use of cat’s claw is not advisable if:
1. Pregnant or breastfeeding (as it may cause abortions).
2. To children of age less than three years.
3. One has a bone transplant.
4. During the use of blood thinners, insulins, hormones.
Raintree cat’s claw is the name given to the herb found from the Rain Forest of Peru.
The properties of cat’s claw include:
1. Adaptogenic
2. Anti-Microbial
3. Antioxidant
4. Anti-Viral
5. Anti-Inflammatory
Other properties associated to cat’s claw are analgesic or pain reliever, anticoagulant or blood thinner, antidysenteric, blood cleanser, detoxifier, gastro tonic or one that tones the gastric system and wound healer.
Cat’s claw is also believed beneficial for treatment of skin cancer because of its anti cancerous properties.
Almost forty percent of vaginitis is caused due to the yeast-like fungus that develops in the vaginal tract. This disorder is named as vulvovaginitis or yeast-infection. Vaginitis may be caused due to increased use of antibiotics, pregnancy or hormonal shifts, diabetes, high sugar intake, overweight, wearing tight cloths etc. herbs use for the treatment of vaginitis include Cat’s claw. Cat’s claw for vaginitis may be used as dried extracts or in the form of tinctures. 20 mg of cat’s claw three times a day is the recommended dosage for the treatment of vaginitis or any other anti fungal activity.
Cat’s claw seeds are reproduced sexually in abundance. The cat’s claw seeds are carried away through pollination by insects. The seeds start producing between the ages of four to six years. In California cat’s claw seeds collected produced signs of good germination without any special treatment provided to them. The cat’s claw seeds are used as feed for domestic animals.
The cat’s claw seed pods are collected and gathered when the pods are still green. The leaves and branches are then dried. The cat’s claw pods, seeds and leaves are powdered for tea.
Cat’s claw pods are used for conjunctivitis. The powdered pods make excellent infused tea, and are very beneficial for the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery. Other medicinal use of cat’s claw pods is as an astringent and antimicrobial wash. The dried cat’s claw pods are grounded into flour and are used to make cakes, or may be eaten fresh.
