- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Tropical rainforests of South and Central America; Uncaria tomentosa
South America · Herb · № 33
Uncaria tomentosa
Herb · South America
Cat's claw
Uncaria tomentosa
There is no conclusive scientific evidence that cat's claw helps any health condition.
Safety notes
Short-term oral use (up to 6 months) appears safe. It may stimulate the immune system (caution with autoimmune disease) and may interact with blood thinners and blood pressure medicines. It may be unsafe during pregnancy.
Cautions by tradition (3)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: Not when trying to conceive (traditional contraceptive). Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Herbs for viral infections: Not with low blood pressure, leukaemia or autoimmune diseases.
- Healing traditions of the Americas: Can affect the immune system and interact with medicines; not in pregnancy. Beware of adulteration with other species.
Preparation
The root bark is traditionally used as a decoction; today it is mostly sold as a supplement.
Use in traditions
NCCIH notes that Indigenous peoples of the Amazon rainforest have used cat's claw for centuries to ward off disease. The Spanish name uña de gato refers to its claw-shaped thorns. In the markets of northern Peru cat's claw is, with sangre de grado, among the best-selling remedies, for joint complaints, inflammation and kidney complaints. Because the bark is often stripped from the whole vine, the wild plant is becoming depleted, and other Uncaria species and even acacia are sometimes sold as cat's claw.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Traditionally for arthritis, asthma, gastritis, diabetes, gonorrhoea, cirrhosis of the liver and cancer; U. tomentosa for gynaecological complaints, U. guianensis for digestive complaints.
Preparation and amount
Simmer fine powder of bark or root for at least 45 min, 20 g per litre, 60 ml a day; South American herbs max. 4 weeks, then a 2-week break, not in pregnancy.
Caution: Not when trying to conceive (traditional contraceptive). Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Herbs for viral infections
Attributed effects
Protects the immune system (quinovic acid glycosides); especially against herpes; further anti-inflammatory, for digestive problems, colitis, Crohn's disease, fungal infections.
Preparation and amount
Tea of bruised vines with boiling water, capsule or tincture; 60–100 mg a day.
Caution: Not with low blood pressure, leukaemia or autoimmune diseases.
Healing traditions of the Americas
Attributed effects
One of the best-selling remedies in the markets of northern Peru, for joint complaints, inflammation and kidney complaints.
Preparation and amount
Boil a piece of bark for 10 minutes.
Caution: Can affect the immune system and interact with medicines; not in pregnancy. Beware of adulteration with other species.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)TinctureCompress, poultice and pastePowder and kitchen