Known as the miracle herb from the rain forest of Peru, studies have found Cats Claw beneficial as a treatment against arthritis, bursitis, allergies, diabetes, cancer and other chronic illnesses

Cat’s Claw is a plant that grows in rainforest areas of South America. Traditionally this therapeutic herb was used by natives as a treatment for cancer, arthritis and stomach disorders. This natural herb has been relatively unknown in the United States, except for a short time in the 1990’s when it became very popular and then forgotten again.

It's anti-inflammatory properties make it a good natural treatment for arthritis. Only a few studies have been performed on this medicinal herb regarding osteoarthritis. These studies found that patients felt relief from pain during the day while taking the herb, but felt no relief at night. Currently more studies are being performed with this herb and it's effect on other inflammatory problems such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease.

The herb's medicinal properties consist of compounds called pentacylic alkaloids that help boost the immune system and also work as antioxidants. This is probably the most studied property of cat’s claw herb. In Germany and Austria, this natural herb is given to cancer patients in chemotherapy or radiation to help boost the immune system. Cat’s claw is also being studied as an medicinal herb for viral diseases such as AIDS. Scientists believe the phytonutrients it contains are important in fighting viral diseases, gastrointestinal bacteria overgrowths that can cause such things as leaky gut syndrome, yeast infections and irritable bowel syndrome.

When buying supplements make sure you get those labeled as Uncaria tomentosa since there is another herb from South America also known as cat’s claw that can be toxic. The herb should not be taken by people on blood pressure medication or women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or who are trying to become pregnant. It has been known to cause sudden miscarriages. People who are going to have an organ transplant, or have an autoimmune disease like lupus should also not take cat’s claw herb.

Side effects of cat’s claw include nausea, bruising, drops in blood pressure, and bleeding gums if taken in high amounts.

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