Cat’s claw: benefits and how it can be used

Cat’s claw, whose scientific name is Uncaria tormentosa, is a medicinal plant that has diuretic, antioxidant, immunostimulating, and purifying properties, and can be used to help treat infections, inflammations and improve the activity of the immune system. 

This plant grows in the form of a vine forming climbing shrubs and has light green leaves with slightly curved spines and a reddish-brown and cream-colored stem; In addition, you can store water inside to meet your own needs. 

Cat’s claw can be consumed in the form of a tea made from the bark, the root, or the leaf, or in the form of a pill, and can be found in natural product stores. 

What is it for

Cat’s claw has analgesic, antioxidant, purifying, diuretic, immunostimulating, antimicrobial, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties, and can be used to help in the treatment of various conditions, such as:

Ulcer;

Fungal infection;

Bursitis;

Gastritis;

Rhinitis;

Asthma;

Virosis;

Joint inflammation;

Arthritis;

Tonsillitis;

Rheumatism;

Alterations in the skin;

Gonorrhea.

Also, a cat’s claw can be used to help regulate blood pressure; however, its consumption must be indicated by a doctor or herbalist so that hypotension or interaction with other medications that may be being used does not arise. 

How it can be used

The bark, root, and leaves of the cat’s claw can be used to prepare teas, tinctures, or capsules, which can be obtained in handling pharmacies.

To prepare a cat’s claw tea, you need 20 g of the cat’s claw bark and roots for 1 liter of water. Then the ingredients should be boiled for 15 minutes, removed from the heat, and left to rest for 10 minutes in a covered container; then strain and drink. It is recommended to drink cat’s claw tea every 8 hours, between meals. 

Side effects of cat’s claw

If the cat’s claw is used in large quantities it can cause diarrhea, nausea, and constipation, it can also have a contraceptive effect.

Contraindications

The use of a cat’s claw is contraindicated in pregnant or lactating women or people with allergies to the plant or with autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, for example.

In addition, people who have ulcers should take cat’s claw tea under medical guidance, since, in case of excessive consumption, it can favor the formation of more ulcers.