Cat's Claw 4:1

Botanical: Uncaria tomentosa

Family: Rubiaceae (madder)

Other common names:  Una de Gato, Hawk's Claw, Samento, Rangayo, Garabato Amarillo, Jipotatsa, Chacruk

Cat's Claw, also known by its Spanish name, Una de Gato, is a potent herb from the Peruvian rainforests and is said to combine the beneficial properties of many of today's most popular herbs.  Cat's Claw shows great promise as an overall rejuvenating tonic with special applications for natural defense system support and is prized for its antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory qualities.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
Cat's Claw is native to the rainforests of South America, and it acquired its name because of the claw-like spines on its stems.  It is a giant woody vine that can grow over one hundred feet in length.  The root and bark of Cat's Claw is used by the indigenous peoples of the rainforest for birth control, arthritic conditions, asthma, malignant disease, fevers, ulcers, menstrual regulation, general weakness, wounds, detoxification and rejuvenation.  In most areas, only the inner bark of the plant is harvested, so that the root can be left to regenerate for future harvesting.  Cat's Claw is called "Opener of the Way" because of its well-known cleansing properties.  The inner bark provides all of the beneficial alkaloids found in this medicinal plant.  Cat's Claw is ranked highly with other important immune-building herbs and contains powerful antioxidants, such as proanthocyanidins, which help fight against free radical damage, strengthen the cardiovascular and immune systems, protect collagen, and reduce swelling and inflammation.  Cat's Claw is considered beneficial not only for the immune system, but also for the digestive and structural systems as well. Cat's Claw is said to help activate macrophages, lymphocytes and leukocytes.  It is also thought to reduce blood platelet aggregation.  Research on this plant is very recent, but future medicinal uses hold great promise.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes. 

Contraindications:
Pregnant and nursing women should not take Cat's Claw, nor should people with autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, etc.  Those suffering from tuberculosis should avoid Cat's Claw.  It should always be taken with at least six ounces of water to maintain its efficacy.  Do not take Cat's Claw without talking to your doctor first if you are taking: Blood thinning medicine (examples: warfarin, aspirin, enoxaparin).  Cat's Claw should not be used by organ transplant patients or anyone with an autoimmune disease, children under three years of age or by skin graft patients. There have been reports that Cat's Claw may lower hormone levels, such as estrogen and progesterone.

Capsule Information:
Our Cat's Claw supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.