Cat’s Claw
Every once in a while a herb with a strange name will come along and create some interest. With cat’s claw, there is certainly interest. A woody wine that grows in the hot tropical jungles of South America with a claw shaped thorn is what spurs so much attention. The indigenous people of South America, including the Ashaniaka Tribe have used Cat’s Claw for medicinal purposes for at least 2000 years.
The active chemical in this plant produces what are called pentacyclic alkaloids. This particular chemical appears to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Many herbalists use cat’s claw to treat intestinal ailments such as crohn’s disease, gastric ulcers, tumors, parasites, colitis, gastritis, diverticulitis, and leaky bowel syndrome. The anti-inflammatory effects of cat’s claw have proven beneficial in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, bursitis, and gout. As a antioxidant, it helps protect cells from damage caused be free radicals. It’s beneficial effects in treating arthritis pain may also be due in part, to its ability to cleanse the digestive tract and aid in removing toxins from the body.
According to Newsweek, “This rainforest herb has long been used to treat asthma, ulcers, and cancer.” In a article in New Life, “This herb was described as having so many therapeutic uses that it far surpasses such well known botanicals as echinacea, golden seal, astragalus, siberian ginseng, as well as reishi and shiitake mushrooms.” Dr. Brent Davis worked with a group of 150 patients between 1988-1992 and he states, “Cat’s claw has the ability to break through severe intestinal derangement’s that no other available product can touch.” He refers to this herb as “The opener of the way” because of its remarkable ability to cleanse the entire intestinal tract and help patients suffering from many different stomach and bowel disorders including leaky bowel syndrome.
With such a long history of health benefits it would appear that cat’s claw would be a true player in the natural food industry. Hopefully over time more people will become aware this valuable herb.