Home > Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine > Cat's Claw

Description

Cat's claw is a large woody vine indigenous to the Amazon rain forest of South America. The herb earns its name from the curved thorns on the vine that resemble the claws of a cat. Also known by its Spanish equivalent uña de gato, cat's claw has a long history of use as a folk medicine by native peoples to treat intestinal complaints, asthma, wounds, cancer, tumors, arthritis, inflammations, diabetes, irregularities of the menstrual cycle, fevers, ulcers, dysentery, and rheumatism. They have also utilized the herb as a kidney cleanser, blood cleanser, and contraceptive.

Two species of cat's claw are found in the rain forest: Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis. Although these species are similar in appearance and have been used in many of the same ways, research on Uncaria tomentosa has revealed it to be more valuable as a therapeutic agent.

General use