cat’s claw for immune health
Contrary to its name, cat’s claw is not an herb that is used in veterinary
medicine. Rather, it gets its name from the shape of the plant. The vine
actually has small shoots that look like cat’s claws. It’s native to South
America and it’s known there as una de gato.
With such a simple name, it’s almost hard to believe that cat’s claw is a major
herb that’s used even today to boost the immune system. Historically, it’s been
used by Peruvian tribes to treat a variety of conditions from rheumatism to
urinary tract infections.
And it was also used by other tribes for problems such as diabetes,
menstrual irregularities, fever, and intestinal issues. In fact, in Columbia
and Guiana, cat’s claw was even used to treat dysentery.
What we know from more modern research is that cat’s claw was so good at
treating this large variety of problems because it actually boosts the
immune system of the human body. That means that the body gets better at
treating all kinds of infections. So, rather than actually fighting the
infections itself, cat’s claw helps the body to do its job.
Knowing that it can boost the immune system causes herbalists to use it in a
very targeted way in modern times. For example, any inflammations such as
gastritis, ulcers, and viral infections can be targeted by treatment with
cat’s claw. In addition, cat’s claw is used as a complementary therapy with
cancer treatment. Because cancer treatment strips the body of natural
immunity, cat’s claw can help to restore some of the system.
Because of its amazing properties of enhancing the immune system, cat’s claw
has been used for almost 20 years in Peru and Europe when treating HIV. It
can also be used with other immune system disorders.
The part of cat’s claw that’s used for medicinal purposes is the bark. From
dried bark, teas and infusions can be created. In addition, you can purchase
cat’s claw in the form of a pill or a tincture.
Cat’s claw can interact with some medications, so it’s important to make
sure you’re not taking something that would be conflicting such as
anticoagulants, diuretics, and blood pressure medications.
If you’re in the position of needing to enhance your immune system, cat’s claw
can be a natural and effective way to do it. It’s been used for thousands of
years to do just that and it’s still an important part of herbal medicine today.
Formulas & recipes
Cat’s claw bark uses
Originally found in Peru, cat’s claw bark is harvested mostly for its anti-inflammatory effects. Many popular supplements used today include cat’s claw in its ingredient list for its overall beneficial effect. Cat’s claw bark powder is also available, making it easy to ingest cat’s claw via capsules. The cut and sifted version of the product is what is commonly used to make cat’s claw tea. Cat’s claw bark tea benefits those suffering from arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
Cat’s Claw Bark Tea Recipe
-Boil one cup of water with one tablespoon of dried cat’s claw bark on the stove for 10 minutes
-Using a fine-mesh strainer, separate the bark from the tea
-Combine with a sweeter tea like rooibos, or just add some honey to sweeten it up
-Enjoy!
