Take A Look Into Our Herbal Apothecary: Cat's Claw

Cat's Claw is a tropical woody vine that typically grows in Central and South America in the rain forest. It belongs to the Rubiaceae (Bedstraw/Madder) family. This Herb gets it's name from it's famous cat claw shaped thorn pattern, and it climbs (grows) on anything it can touch. It flowers are bright yellow, trumpet shaped, and have 5 petals. We typically use the roots and vine bark for their medicinal properties in western medicine, however, it has to be imported from Central and South America.

It's flowers are bright yellow, trumpet shaped, and have 5 petals.

Use Cats Claw root and vine bark to make powder, tea, tinctures, and double decoctions.

Cats Claw is known as for it's powerful anti-viral properties, but I would like to point out that it also contains anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidants, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and diuretic properties.

Medicinal Properties

Anti-Inflammatory

Anti-Viral

Anti-Bacterial

Anti-Fungal

Anti-Cancer

Anti-Oxidant

Diuretic

Cat's Claw has been known to aid a variety of chronic pains, illnesses, and diseases in the body. As an anti-inflammatory, you can use cat's claw to relieve ailments of the muscular/skeletal system like arthritis, swelling joints, sore muscles, headaches and migraines, sinus inflammation and even auto-immune conditions. Cat's Claw also relieves inflammation in the digestive system- particularly the stomach and intestines. I recommend using it as an aid for IBS, Chrons Disease, Colitis, Ulcers, and other gastrointestinal issues. Not only does it fight disease in the stomach, liver, and intestines but it also restores and regulates the body's natural flora and heals the digestive system. Ladies that particularly deal with gut health issues in the realm of vaginal help (Yeast infections and other imbalanced infections) can regulate these conditions from within (the digestive system) which will stop the problem at the root cause.

The anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-tumor properties make this Herb an excellent addition to cancer treatment and aid to cancer prevention. Patients have reported that taking cats claw has severely helped with the painful side effects of chemotherapy. It helps fight existing cancer cells and prevent new ones from developing. With all the cancer causing agents in our food, water, and hygiene products, it is hard to protect yourself from the risk of cancer whether it is hereditary or not. Taking something like cat's claw can turn your body into a cancer fighting system whether it's to treat or prevent.

-Anti-viral properties of cat's claw make it an excellent candidate to healing and aiding viral illnesses like herpes, HIV/AIDS, HPV, Epstein-Barr, Hepatitis (B&C), Dengue Fever, and more.

-Women: you'll want to use this one to regulate female hormones and menstrual cycle. If you struggle with menopause systems, this herb will aid in regulating the hormones that cause the bodily discomfort.

-Supports the immune system and is a great detoxification herb because it is considered a diuretic: an herb that flushes the system by making it produce fluids like sweat, urine, feces, etc. I recommend this as a successful detox from toxins, drugs, and heavy metals.

-Have you come in contact with any poisonous mushrooms or mold? Cat's Claw helps with mycotoxin exposure!

-Boosts functions of the kidneys, Speeln, Pancreas, and digestive system

-lowers blood pressure and hypertension

Warning

Do not take internally if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you have an auto-immune disease, please consult your doctor before using, as this can cause flare up and interfere with other prescriptions. Do not take if you are on blood thinners. Side effects include: diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness. It is important to note that I am not a doctor and if you are unsure about taking control of your own healing with herbs and other alternative medicine, to always consult your primary care physician before making the transition.