Herb a Day Campaign: Cat's Claw | Uncaria tomentosa

Herb a day campaign :
Cat’s Claw
Uncaria tomentosa

Cats claw comes from the Amazon Rain forest. It is used in many countries in South and Central America.
Traditionally the herb is used to reduce inflammation. It helps to produce a healthy inflammatory response in joints and surrounding areas in manifestations of arthritis, both osteo and rheumatoid.

Cats claw also has a very positive effect on the immune system. It is a modulator. So, if the immune system needs to be boosted up it can help with this. Conversely, if we need to calm it down (like in cases of Rheumatoid arthritis) it has that ability as well. I love herbs that produce homeostasis in the body. They just get in there and help in what ever way we need them to. Such infinite wisdom.

Cats claw has also been shown to help in DNA repair as well as protecting our DNA against damage. So, this herb helps to bolster the the integrity of our genetic blueprints.

Cat’s Claw also helps to regulate normal cell division in our bodies. It is thought it does this by balancing certain immune system cytokines. This is big. One of the scariest problems we have is rouge cells that don’t divide and act normally.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Cats Claw is used for high blood pressure. There is an alkaloid in this plant called Hirsutine. It’s performs like a calcium channel blocker. Calcium channel blockers block calcium from entering the cells of the heart and blood vessel. This relaxes blood vessels to allow more blood flow to take place.

Many people use Cat’s Claw for inflammations in the G.I. tract. So, if someone is suffering from symptoms of Colitis, Gastritis, IBS, and evening Peptic Ulcers, this herb might just help to soothe these inflamed tissues and promote the healing they need.

It can also be used externally to heal wounds. Herbs are so versatile, they amaze me every day. I feel like having access to Cat’s Claw would be a super smart thing. Put it in your Herb Cabinet. If you don’t have an herb cabinet, get one. It’s time to make sure you can take care of yourself and others.

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