Cat's Claw

People have been using the inner bark of the natural vine identified as cat’s claw for decades, and it is still used to produce oils, teas, and tablets to relieve inflammation and arthritis problems.

Cat’s claw also has a protective effect, which aids in the removal of harmful components known as free radicals from the body. Free radicals are thought to play a role in health issues such as heart disease and cancer, according to science. Antioxidants can aid in the neutralisation of free radicals, reducing or even preventing some of the harm they do.

What Exactly is a Cat’s Claw?

The word “cat’s claw” comes from the plant’s thorns, which are said to represent cat claws. It develops in Central and South America’s tropical climates. The most commonly used species of herbal remedies are two.

Uncaria tomentosa (cat’s claw) is a tropical plant that can reach a height of 98 feet (30 metres). It takes its title from its pointed thorns, which mimic cat claws. It is mostly located in the Amazon jungle as well as other tropical regions in South and Central America.

Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis are the two most widespread varieties. In the United States, the former is the most common kind of complement. The bark and root are often used as herbal remedies in South America for decades to treat a variety of ailments, including arthritis, cancer, and infections. Cat’s claw vitamins come in a variety of forms, including liquid extracts, capsules, cream, and tea.

What is The Purpose of a Cat’s Claw?

Cat’s claw-containing medications are used to alleviate the effects of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It’s also said to help with depression in the big intestine, lower bowl, and abdomen. It’s also used for a host of immune-related illnesses, including asthma, herpes simplex, HIV, and shingles.

What is The Source of The Cat’s Claw?

Since the Inca civilization, cat’s claws have been used in Central and South America for millennia. It’s been used as a contraceptive, as well as an anti-inflammatory and anti-viral agent.

What is The Most Effective Method For Removing a Cat’s Claw?

Cat’s claw treatment is made from the plant’s root and bark. You can purchase dry root or wood to drink tea from, or you could just buy pills or a syrup that only needs a few drops.

How Much Do You Take?

For osteoarthritis, 100mg a day is recommended, and for rheumatoid arthritis, 20mg three times a day is recommended. The kind of cat’s claw used has no tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids, which are naturally produced in cat’s claw but can interfere with other active ingredients.

Is It True That a Cat’s Claw Works?

Cat’s claw is said to contain compounds that boost the immune system, neutralise cancer cells, and fight diseases. There was not much studies done to back up these points, although Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics showed that cat’s claw defends against oxidative damage, implying that it is a potent anti-inflammatory.

that taking cat’s claw extract (uncaria tomentosa) for 24 weeks with other drugs (sulfasalazine or hydroxychloroquine) may help people with rheumatoid arthritis lessen the effects of sore and swollen joints.

How Long Would it Take For a Cat’s Claw to Work?

To see the health benefits of a cat’s claw, you’ll need to seek treatment for about eight weeks, but some research suggests that symptoms like knee pain may be eased within a week or two of starting to take it.

Where Do You Get a Cat’s Claw?

Supplements, dried cat’s claw, and tincture made from cat’s claw are all available on the internet or in regular grocery stores.

Contraindications When Taking Cat’s Claw?

When you’ve been infected with an auto-immune condition, you can see your doctor before consuming a cat’s claw because it affects your immune system and can make it more aggressive.

It’s also likely the cat’s claw has an effect on blood clotting and flow. As a result, whether you have any bleeding problems, low or high blood pressure, or are planning surgery, it’s best to consult your doctor before having a cat’s claw.

Finally, a cat’s claw can influence how certain drugs are treated by the body, especially the liver, so consult with your doctor to make sure it won’t interfere with any medications you’re taking.

Precautionary Measures

Herbs have been used for centuries to help protect the body and cure illness. Herbs, on the other hand, can cause adverse reactions and interfere with other herbs, vitamins, and drugs. As a result, you can use herbs with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

While a cat’s claw seems to have little side effects, there aren’t enough research tests on it to ascertain its protection. When taking cat’s claws, some people have experienced dizziness, nausea, and diarrhoea. The diarrhoea or loose stools are usually mild and go away within a few days without using the herb.

Cat’s claw must not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women because it can induce miscarriage.

Due to the extreme potential effects on the body, people with autoimmune diseases, skin grafts, infections, or those undergoing organ transplantation should not be using cat’s claws unless expressly advised by their physician.

Cat’s claws should not be taken by those who have leukaemia or have poor blood pressure.

Cat’s claws should not be used for people who have kidney or liver disease without first seeing a doctor.

Interactions That Could Happen

You should not be using a cat’s claw if you are already taking any of the below remedies without first seeing the doctor.

Medications That Depress The Immune Response: Since cat’s claw stimulates the immune system, it shouldn’t be used with immune-suppressing medication. Cyclosporine and other drugs used for an organ transplant or to cure an autoimmune condition are examples.

Blood-Thinning Medications: Cat’s claw will make you bleed more easily, particularly if you’re also taking aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), or clopidogrel (Plavix).

Diuretics (Water Pills): Cat’s claw can allow the body to remove excess fluid by acting as a diuretic. You may be at danger of making an electrolyte deficit if you still take diuretics, that will do the same thing.

Medication For High Blood Pressure:The claw of a cat can help to lower blood pressure. If you have blood pressure medicine, taking a cat’s claw will cause your blood pressure to drop too low.

Other Medications: Cat’s claw can interact with the liver’s processing of certain medications. Until having a cat’s claw, see the doctor if you are taking any drugs.

The Bottom Line

Cat’s claw is a traditional herbal remedy that comes from a tropical vine.

Although there isn’t much science to back up all of the cat’s claw’s reported health benefits, certain evidence shows it may help improve the immune system and relieve the effects of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Since there are no proven protection or prescription recommendations for cat’s claw, it’s better to talk to the doctor before taking it.