Description

Cat's claw is a woody and thorny vine that gets it name from the two curved thorns at the base of each leaf.  Its woody vine winds its way up trees at higher elevations in the Peruvian rain forests.  It can climb as high as 100 feet. 

Uses and Cultivation

It has been used for centuries in South American folk medicine for intestinal complaints, gastric ulcers, arthritis, and to promote wound healing.

Cat's claw is a popular herb from the root bark of the "Uncaria tomentosa" tree which grows mostly in Peru.  It boasts being one of the most popular herbs sold in America.   This herb grows in the Amazon rainforest and is used both tribally and in developed countries for a variety of ailments. 

Cat's claw is an exotic gift from the Peruvian rainforests that is becoming widely recognized as a superior immune stimulant with antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory qualities, and that's just the beginning.  Its anti-inflammatory properties are thought to be good for all forms of arthritis, rheumatism and other inflammatory diseases.

This herb is said to possess antiviral and antibacterial properties and has demonstrated the ability to combat and speed up the ridding of cold viruses and mononucleosis; and its immune-stimulant effects allow it to fight the invasion of Lyme disease, combat sinusitis and skin diseases and to act against Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium associated with gastritis and peptic ulcers.

In addition, this plant is a potent immuno-stimulant and antioxidant that fights free radical damage and has been used to support the body during chemotherapy and radiation treatments, helping to remove toxic metabolites. 

Cat's claw is taken by mouth and is available in capsules, tablets, tinctures, elixirs, and tea.  Cat's claw is being studied for a number of other possible uses, although it is too early to say whether it will be effective.  It is fast becoming world-famous as researchers continue to discover more about the benefits it holds for human health.