|
|
Looking for Cat’s Claw?
by Kosa Ely
Uña de gato (uncaria tomentosa) is
recognized as one of the most important
medicinal plants of the whole world
pharmacopoeia.
Known in Spanish as Uña de gato, in English
as Cat’s Claw, this vine grows in rainforest
and jungle areas in South America and Asia.
The vine acquired its name from the small
thorns at the base of its leaves, which look
like a cat’s claw. With the help of these
claws, the vine attaches itself around the
trees it climbs, often reaching a height of
over 100 feet.
In the Amazonian rainforest the native
people have used Uña de gato for centuries.
For more than 2,000 years the Aguaruna,
Ashanika, Cashibo, Conibo and Shipibo
cultures have used this plant for their
families and tribes. Considered a valuable
medicinal resource, they have always
protected it. When harvesting the plant, the
vine is cut about three feet above the
ground. The root remains undisturbed and the
vine quickly grows back to its full size
within three to four years.
The Ashanika are considered the most
knowledgeable about the use of this plant
and refer to it as the 'Sacred Herb of the
Rain Forest'. They have the longest recorded
history of use with the plant, using it to
treat asthma, various forms of inflammation
and joint pain, to recover from childbirth,
cleanse the kidneys, control gastric ulcers,
and maintain a strong digestive system.
Since the 1970's the scientific community,
first in Europe and then the United States,
have been interested in this botanical. The
scientific studies are substantiating many
of the traditional uses for this sacred
vine. Scientists have found that Uña de gato
stimulates immune functions and possesses
phytochemicals in the bark and roots that
carry strong anti-inflammatory properties.
The first time I heard about Cat’s Claw was
seven years ago. My husband had a severe
case of the flu and a friend recommended I
try the "new miracle herb that strengthens
the immune system."
I went straight to my local health food
store and purchased a bottle of Cat’s Claw.
Unfortunately it didn’t seem to make a
difference, and I resorted to fresh ginger
tea. But I don’t give up easily. Over the
following year I tried several bottles of
Cat's Claw from different companies with no
tangible results. I couldn’t figure out why
the research and testimonials weren’t
matching my real life experience.
It wasn't until a couple years later that I
listened to an audiocassette by Phillip N.
Steinberg, a Nutritionist who had become the
leading authority in North America on Cat's
Claw. The following information from Mr.
Steinberg solved my dilemma.
"It is important to note there are
approximately 60 different uncaria species
that grow in tropical rainforests throughout
the world. However, only two are known to be
native to Peru: uncaria tomentosa, and
uncaria guianerisis. Both have similar
qualities and both are commonly known as
Cat’s Claw or Uña de gato. However, the
general consensus among Peruvian physicians
and researchers is that uncaria tomentosa is
somewhat superior, based on chemical
analysis and clinical evaluation.
"According to Dr. Ramon Ferrara, a Harvard
educated botanist at San Marcus University
in Lima, Peru, there are 10 other herbs
native to Peru which are also called Cat’s
Claw, or Uña de gato. To make it even more
confusing, there is an acacia species that
grows in the southern United States also
known as Cat’s Claw, or Uña de gato. I
mention this because the worldwide demand
for uncaria tomentosa is growing at a very
rapid pace. Because of this, many
unscrupulous companies are jumping on the
bandwagon in an attempt to cash in on this
growing phenomenon. There is even one
company that claims to be selling a unique
variety of uncaria tomentosa, when in fact
there is only one variety. It is most
important you purchase the correct Cat’s
Claw from a reliable source if you expect to
see the kind of results I am going to be
talking about. . ."
OK. Now it all made sense. I had purchased
from the wrong companies. So what were the
right companies? Mr. Steinberg endorsed the
Amazon Herb Company whose operation was
based in Peru, and was harvesting the real
thing, uncaria tomentosa. I listened
further.
"Traditionally, the indigenous people of
Peru have used both the inner bark and root
of uncaria tomentosa to prepare a tea in the
form of a decoction. This tea would then be
consumed several times per day as a
treatment for tumors and other growths,
arthritis, bursitis, rheumatism, diabetes,
acne, PMS, female hormonal imbalances, and
prostrate problems in men."
Mr. Steinberg continued, "On a more personal
note, I use Cat’s Claw daily. I use it with
my children, and have shared the herb with
numerous friends and relatives. I have seen
ear and upper respiratory infections clear
up in 48 to 72 hours. I have used drops of
tea in the eyes to clear up conjunctivitis.
I have used the powdered herb between the
toes to clear up athlete’s foot. And I know
of other individuals having positive results
with sinus infections, hypoglycemia,
allergies, shingles, menstrual
irregularities, prostrate problems,
diabetes, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and even
lupus. "Unlike herbs such as goldenseal and
echinacea, which generally should only be
taken for acute conditions short term, Cat’s
Claw is a powerful adaptogen with
significant antioxidant properties. This
makes it suitable to be used as a
preventative measure long-term."
Thank you Mr. Steinberg. This time when I
bought my Cat’s Claw I purchased the real
thing, uncaria tomentosa, and what a
difference! Within days of drinking our
Peruvian uncaria tomentosa tea my husband
and I felt a strengthening of our body
systems, our minds clear, and an awakening
of energy. Over the next several months of
drinking this tea daily our immune systems
were noticeably stronger, allergies
disappeared, blood sugar levels balanced,
and memory improved. For our teenagers,
hormone levels balanced and negative
attitudes disappeared. What a Godsend!
So what makes uncaria tomentosa effective
for such a large variety of conditions? The
scientific researchers may answer that it is
because of the wealth of beneficial
phytochemical compounds, including
alkaloids, glycosides, bioflavonoids, plant
sterols, and more.
The Ashanika had the answer two thousand
years before: because it is the 'Sacred Herb
of the Rain Forest.' |
|
