Cat's Claw Extract Supplement: Take That Natural Approach

By Pierre Federkeil

Cat's claw should not be confused with cat's foot, the red and white flowers of Antennaria dioica, or devil's claw, Harpagophytum procumbens, a shrubby vine that grows in southwest Africa and is also used as an anti-inflammatory agent. Furthermore, there are several other plants that may be confused with cat's claw. They may be given the name cat's claw, but they are actually quite different.

Cat's claw has been used in folk medicine as a tonic and for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, peptic ulcers, gastritis, colitis and other intestinal ailments, tumors, dysentery, and as a contraceptive. Today some have promoted it for the treatment of Crohn's disease and chronic fatigue syndrome.

There are a number of herbs that contain substances that enhance the activity of the immune system. These botanical products include echinacea, garlic, astragalus, ginseng, licorice, and cat's claw.

The immune enhancement usually results from the body's increasing its production of interferon to fight a viral infection, making antibodies to immobilize a hostile antigen, or producing a greater number of lymphocytes and other white blood cells that police the highways of the body and fight invading microorganisms.

Cat's claw has become very popular in North America over the past decade. It's known for its ability to stimulate the immune system and for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Cat's claw consists of the dried bark from the root or stem of Uncaria tomentosa or Uncaria guianensis (two Amazonian vines). These large twining woody vines can grow to a length of 100 feet. The bark of the vines has long fissures and is yellowish to yellow-green in color.

Cat's claw, which is also known as Una de gato, or the life-giving vine of Peru, is indigenous to the rainforest areas of South America. Commercial supplies originate from the Amazonian rain forests of Peru and Brazil.

When looking at essential herbs to take for better overall health don't overlook Cats Claw, as we have seen its benefits are immense.And, what is most important: it is natural medicine. - 30414

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